A SCIENCE building at Edith Cowan University will reflect the elements.
Designed by Silver Thomas Hanley Health Architecture, the $39.3 million, six-storey building will feature the periodic table.
The Metro North West Development Assessment Panel approved plans for the site on Lakeside Drive on Tuesday.
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READ NOWAt the October 30 meeting, specialist panel member Fred Zuideveld said he was disappointed there was little external cover over the footpath for pedestrians.
PTS Town Planning director Peter Simpson said trees along the car park on the eastern side would provide shade.
Joondalup Councillor Christine Hamilton-Prime, who declared an interest as an ECU graduate, moved the recommendation to approve the plan.
Cr Hamilton-Prime said as a “former long-suffering” student she was concerned about the “lack of coverage from torrential rain” but generally thought it would be a “good looking building”.
“It’s a great design in terms of the science related aspect,” she said.
As well as the eight conditions recommended by City of Joondalup staff, the panel asked the applicant to consider adding shade and shelter elements and to provide a waste management plan before starting construction.
The Joondalup design reference panel suggested increasing the landscaping canopy cover and density on the northern pedestrian approach, and the City agreed including nine grass trees.
ECU plans to have science laboratories on the third and fourth floors, and lease office space on the first and second floors.
A report to the panel said the site adjacent to existing science buildings was occupied by structures such as greenhouses, storage sheds and car parking.
It said the applicant had discussed ways of incorporating Ngoolark elements or artwork in the entry area with ECU’s cultural awareness officer.