Yrs 3/4 Centre, St Monica’s Primary, Wodonga
The Yrs 3/4 Learning Centre has evolved out of two traditional double portables which have been connected together by a new structure to create a range of fluidly interconnected learning settings for 175 students with seven staff members.
Project Details
Architects
No. 42 Architects
Award
Winner Category 5 An Education Initiative or a Design Solution for an Innovative Program
Address
137 Brockley St, Wodonga, VIC 3747 Australia
Submitter
Ken Woodman
Cost
$821,000
Photographer
not supplied
Project Overview
Four portable classrooms were originally independent cells with little cross connection. Staff have developed an Inquiry Based learning model that required students to interact, explore, examine, develop and present. Prior to the building work this was undertaken in the very limited environment of each individual classroom. Since the redevelopment the students have been able to undertake all those activities in environments that fully support them. They can interact with other Yrs 3/4 students and other staff. Staff can also work collaboratively and opening within the Centre.
The facilities focus on reading, multimedia, presentation and activity based learning with spaces that fully support them. Access to the outside and intimate internal spaces provide for a range of learning styles which are forever in demand. Spaces were created out of the original verandahs and the vacant land between the verandahs. The existing portable buildings were touched lightly to minimise costs though the underutilised spaces were converted into more useful breakout and staff areas. Social interactions are abound and opportunities to collaborate are plentiful. Learning has become not only visible but palpable.
One key aim of the project was to continue to encourage the students to read. Thus, the Book Nook was developed. This small area of the original verandah space right inside the entry door provides for a reading place among the books. The “Alphabet Shelves” provide a separation between the main open area and the tiered couch space. This bookshelf is made up of alphabet letters which are not obvious on first sighting. Next to the Alphabet Shelves is the Book Tree with book shelves, fabric canopy and timber hanging fruit lights enclosed by other bookshelves. Set back behind this is the tiered couch in soft green which support relaxed reading or group stories. From within the space the students are enclosed and protected from the bustle of the open space while still being part of it. The tree reaches up to the plywood ceiling and the variety of lights provide a gentle atmosphere for calm reading and contemplation.
Juror’s Comments
This Learning Centre wins the admiration of the judges by successfully re-imagining four existing portables to develop a cost effective and innovative design that supports progressive educational pedagogies.
The success is due to its iterative design approach and the clever use of space to support the learning modalities required. The design solution is agile and offers a larger collaborative gathering space for up to 175 students and seven staff members. Within the constraints of re-purposing the portables, the design delivers a range of uses, spaces and a verandah zone for smaller activities. Architecturally the interiors are calm with specific areas dedicated to reading, including a Book Nook, Alphabet Shelves and the Book Tree. The use of colour, finishes and materials demonstrates restraint and sensitivity to create effective learning environments. Sustainable design principles enhance the internal amenity, including automated high level louvre windows for night purging and superior air quality.
Pedagogically the Learning Centre supports an inquiry based learning environment and allows for personalized point of need learning, high levels of collaboration between staff and students and a media room to present thinking and critical feedback. The two collaborative spaces create a Self Organized Learning Environment for students, reflective of the research by Sugata Mitra.
St Monica’s Primary Years 3 and 4 Learning Centre is a deserving winner through its innovative approach to the perennial challenge of the portable.
