Deakin Trade Training Centre, Mildura Senior College
Project Details
Architects
Y2 Architecture
Award
Joint Winner: Category 2 New Individual facility
Address
Cnr 14th Street and Deakin Avenue, Mildura VIC 3502
Submitter
Y2 Architecture
Cost
$8.15m
Photographer
Zachary Couyant, Z-Image
Project Overview
The first indications that something special sits with Mildura Senior Secondary College can be seen from the surrounding streets, here glimpses of a brightly coloured form can be caught between trees. The approach obscures views of the facility until the arrival at the main entrance where unusual forms and a playful palette present visitors with a celebration of the trades. In highlighting trade training Deakin strives to improve student retention and outcomes by creating an engaging environment of learning. While centre seeks to be visually appealing it’s also a functional and flexible building dedicated in providing students with a practical state-of-the-art facility.
On entering Deakin the Central Gallery creates light filled volume that acts as a beacon drawing daylight into the heart of the facility. This gives views and access into all training spaces and provides gathering spaces, encouraging students to linger. It is an environment inductive to incidental learning and cross-pollination opportunities that puts the function of the facility on show.
Mildura Region TTC Consortium identified training address areas with local demand. These consist of Building & Construction, Furniture & Cabinet Making, Automotive, Engineering, Electro Technology, Avionics and Hospitality trades. Deakin’s program is designed to strengthen student pathways, enhancing the retention of skilled individuals for the local community.
Regular consultation with both the client groups and Registered Trade Organisations were essential in ensuring that the facility meets the expectations of training requirements into the future. In the workshops future flexibility concerns are addressed with a clear span structure that allows for uninterrupted space enabling rearrangement; additionally a service grid provides flexible access to compressed air, enabling flexible training opportunities.
The consultation process also refined layouts and zoning throughout the planning and design with special attention given to ensure that material flows efficiently between equipment. Opportunities for cross-pollination between trades were also exploited through the location of equipment. This is further enhanced by an interconnectiveness and looseness of boundaries between trades. Where necessary areas are isolated due to noise/ Dust requirements, but remain visually connected.
A graphical narrative runs throughout Deakin from whimsical arrows that draw occupants into the heart of the building to initiative safety marking in the workshops which clearly define both hazards (Blue) and areas of restricted access (Green). This colourful palette complements practical material selection, which ensures a durable and low maintenance backdrop. Inverted block veneer walls provide sturdy interior walls with thermal mass; the lightweight skin provides interest and protection from Mildura’s climate. Other environmental initiatives include syphonic drainage system drawing water to tanks, the use of high level louvers and the extent of natural daylight.
Deakin is a celebration of student endeavour, providing a place of pride for its occupants. It is designed to challenge and inspire students to explore interest and provided them with innovative spaces to gain practical skills. The centre presents its community with a state of the arts, designed to educate and engage next generation of citizens.
