Top Floor Learning Space, St Augustine’s Primary

From a warren of dark classrooms and associated spaces on three levels into an interactive vibrant space, the Top Floor Learning Centre provides for a range of different learning settings to fully support the self-directed pedagogical approach of Years 5 and 6 at St Augustine’s Primary School.

Project Details

Architects
Ken Woodman – No 42 Architects

Address
Osburn St Wodonga, Vic 3690 Australia

Submitter
Ken Woodman

Cost
$360,000

Photographer
Erin Davis – Hartwig

Project Overview

The original existing top floor was a warren of two dark classrooms and associated spaces with three different floor levels to negotiate the adhoc additions and alterations.

Thought the extensive planning process a good understanding of the educational rationale was developed. The Yrs 5/6 self-directed learning approach will have grown out of play based learning in the junior years and inquiry based learning in Yrs 3/4. Self-directed learning is supported by workshop and seminar skill development. Self-motivated individual and group student project work is developed with the teachers’ guidance.

The new learning environment provides for a range of different learning modes to fully support the self-directed pedagogical approach. A tiered space allows for students to receive information or watch a presentation in an acoustically sealed room. The isolated green Construction room allows noisy active learning. A glazed Collaboration room with whiteboard walls and table is used for brainstorming by groups of students or for seminar sessions with a teacher. The main room affords large group work but in combination with ERIC and the Lounge can also accommodate all 75 students at one time. The Lounge has couches facing each other for social interaction and a shear curtain that provides the appearance of privacy for those inside. The green ERIC is elevated to take advantages of the views from the former high windows but also provides a stage from which to view the room. The red Retreat provides an intimate work space with a circular couch that encourages conversation and refle ction.

Colour and lighting were used to have various moods in different areas. The rich red Retreat area with subtle downlighting creates a warm parlour like feel suggesting quietness and self-reflection. The green couched ERIC area suggests a bright fresh feeling that is conducive to research and exploration. The yellow lounge area with the shear curtain affords a feeling of enclosure and intimacy. The green Construction space encourages activity, experimentation and cleanliness. The blue shield emblem of St Augustine’s School is at the heart of the centre and is constantly passed through providing a continual connection to the school and religious community.