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    Built environment design standards at TAFE NSW

    TAFE NSW's design standards are the key reference for all infrastructure projects. They align sustainable, inclusive design with business and training needs. This creates exemplary learning environments for vocational education:

    The following design standards apply to new builds, upgrades and refurbishment projects.

    Building design standards

    A group of students collaborate in a spacious and contemporary breakout area within a large open-plan library/study space. It features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ample natural light with a view across a city-scape.

    Learning support spaces

    Revision B — 7 October 2022

    Quality spaces for learner activities outside of scheduled classes. Design strategies for libraries, student commons and informal learning spaces.

    Students wearing protective eyewear work as a team on a large yellow vehicle in a purpose-built automotive trades and services space. The image showcases a practical learning environment.

    Multi Trades Hub

    Revision C — 29 July 2022

    Requirements to build flexible, adaptable training hubs for various trades. They must meet evolving industry skills and needs.

    A TAFE NSW mobile training unit (MTU) featuring branded signage, where three hairdressing students collaborate. One student is washing a client's hair in the space.

    Signage and wayfinding

    Revision A — 6 June 2023

    Comprehensive guide to the planning, design and implementation of wayfinding strategies. This documentation covers interior and exterior fixed signage.

    A man in personal protective equipment (PPE) installs solar panels on a building, contributing to sustainability. A clear blue sky and treetops are visible in the background.

    Sustainable Design

    Revision C — 7 June 2023

    Supports TAFE NSW's key objectives in climate action, the circular economy, healthy environments and education.

    Two TAFE NSW students wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hard hats stand proudly with crossed arms in front of installed solar panels. These convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electrical power.

    Sustainable Design - Project Summary Templates

    Revision C — 7 June 2023

    Appendices to the Sustainable design standard: B (Project Summary) and C (Climate Change Assessment).

    A diverse group of learners, including a woman in a wheelchair, discuss at a round table in a modern, architecturally designed space with emphasis on accessibility.

    Accessibility and dignity

    Revision B — 3 October 2024

    TAFE NSW’s commitment to create inclusive campuses for all includes advice on design aspects to improve accessibility and respect

    Equipment design standards

    Two female students clinking mugs and smiling in an office with other students working in the background.

    Furniture

    Revision C — 5 November 2021

    TAFE NSW's principles for selecting standard furniture includes design strategies and performance requirements.

    Workers in high-visibility clothing use tools and a crane to lift heavy goods in a busy work environment.

    Vertical transport

    Revision B — 31 August 2022

    Setting design and performance requirements for new lifts in TAFE NSW facilities, including passenger and goods lifts.

    Two welders wearing full protective gear work on a project.

    Welding bay

    Revision B — 13 September 2022

    Design and construction requirements and services for new welding and demonstration bays across all TAFE NSW facilities.

    Female student in high-visibility orange and navy blue workwear. She wears PPE including safety glasses and stands confidently in front of a modern electric vehicle bus, in an industrial training environment.

    Electric vehicle charging station

    Revision A — 25 February 2025

    Design, specification and installation requirements for EV charging stations for fleet vehicles and general vehicles.

    Services design standards

    A man wearing protective gear tests an electronics board with specialized equipment in a controlled environment.

    Electrical services

    Revision C — 17 December 2021

    Identify TAFE NSW best practice requirements for electrical supply, photovoltaics, circuit protection and energy management systems.

    A TAFE NSW teacher, dressed professionally and wearing black glasses, presents an introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the Institute of Applied Technology – Construction (IATC).

    Hydraulic services

    Revision E — 4 November 2022

    Guidelines for planning, designing, constructing and commissioning hydraulic services. Includes all technical sections, and Work Health and Safety.

    A man in appropriate attire and a hard hat works at a TAFE NSW campus. He carefully removes a tile from the ceiling which has a light fixtures and a smoke alarm visible.

    Lighting services

    Revision C — 10 December 2022

    New and upgraded lighting services across TAFE NSW facilities. It includes luminaires, interior and exterior systems, control systems and more.

    An overhead shot depicts two men collaborating on building plans, as one makes notes. They review blueprints next to a laptop showing another design. A hard hat and measuring tape lie nearby.

    Mechanical services

    Revision D — 6 December 2022

    Planning, design, operation and maintenance of mechanical services. Includes heating, ventilation, A/C, extraction, smoke management, and more.

    A 3D printer in action at the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) producing unique objects efficiently and with minimal waste.

    Smart campus

    Revision D — 19 August 2022

    Connected technologies for a smart campus ecosystem at TAFE NSW facilities. The revision involves guidance on planning and designing smart campus systems.