Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences
Project Details
Architects
ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects
Award
Winner: Category 5 Education Initiative or Design Solution for an Innovative Program
Address
77 Story Street, Parkville 3000 Victoria
Submitter
Wayne Stephens
Cost
$6,366,285.00
Photographer
Dianna Snape, ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects
Project Overview
ClarkeHopkinsClarke worked collaboratively with The University High School (UHS), Bio21 Institute, DEECD and The University of Melbourne (UoM) to develop a 2 story facility to accommodate 200 select entry students focusing on a maths and science based curriculum in a tertiary style environment. Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences has been designed to be an incubator and exemplar for the scientists and science educators of today and in the future.
The facility provides students with a science-rich learning environment, incorporating diverse learning spaces and creating a shared environment for utilisation by UoM’s Masters of Education program. The project attracted a government pilot program grant from the development of direct geothermal energy system, which has been integrated into the building maintaining the air temperature to a suitable level.
Programme
The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences facility was required to address the specific learning needs of students within the field of science and enable collaboration and resource sharing between UHS and UoM. Features utilised to achieve optimal learning environments include:-
– Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms with flexible, modular furniture
– Light-filled and vibrant communal, collaborative and discussion-based study spaces
– Experimental learning laboratory with indoor/outdoor learning interface and integrated video recording system, allowing the activity on any bench to be projected onto screens around the room
Design & Pedagogy
This facility sits at the nexus of secondary education, tertiary education and tertiary research, not only providing the space and resources to pursue education within mathematics and science but encouraging student exploration and peer driven development.
ClarkeHopkinsClarke were involved in an extensive planning process with The University High School, The University of Melbourne and The Bio21 Institute to develop a curriculum, learning environment and pedagogy that exposes students to the foremost discoveries and innovations, and facilitates tertiary research and understanding of learning methodologies. Class spaces enable students to come together in tutorial-style environments and breakout spaces, providing a relaxed and informal setting for individual and peer driven learning whilst encouraging group discussions. The facility also enables integration with UoM’s Graduate School of Education’s innovative Master of Teaching program, whereby UHS teaching staff are provided with a collaborative workplace environment, which includes 4 Master of Teaching ‘hot desks’ that allow Master students to utilise the school as a pedagogical laboratory.
ESD focus
The building has been designed to achieve the equivalent of a 5 star Green Star Rated Building. The ESD initiatives include:
– Geothermal Pilot Project reduces building running costs by 96%.
– 5kw Solar Array
– Orientated to maximise North and South natural light
– Designed for passive ventilation through the introduction of louvres to internal walls.
– Rainwater harvesting
– Sustainably sourced materials
– Integrated display which shows building energy consumption, savings and production
– Water wise garden and landscaping
The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences represents the initiation of an innovative program, shaping a vibrant and supportive learning environment specifically designed to support passionate maths and science students and staff to achieve their potential.
