The Mary Centre, Ave Maria College
This is a great example of what can be achieved when educational leadership meets architectural vision. The result is a generously proportioned learning space that runs over three levels.
The decision to integrate a focus on Science and the Arts was a wise one and reflects the increasing realization that creativity and innovation breathes life into a study of STEM based subjects.
Particular attention has been placed on the ‘transition’ between the internal and external space featuring innovative ideas such as the science deck. The “outdoor lab” enables students to work in teams around rugged hardwood tables and it is the emphasis on working in teams that is a real stand out in this design.
The learning commons are bright and light filled and allow for flexible and innovative learning. These spaces are broken up with installations such as tiered seating, a conference table and study nook, features that enable students to explore a range of learning styles within the learning commons.
Specialization has still been catered for with the provision of science labs, but they are labs with a modern twist, supporting the teaching of STEM based subjects and environmental science.
The open plan visual arts space features a creative studio space and a gallery platform. It is a warm and light filled space that features spectacular views of the city skyline.
Attention has been placed on the provision of ESD features such as solar panels, storm water recycling and double glazed windows and this reflects the buildings emphasis on the study of environmental issues.
Hayball Architects have created beautiful, flexible spaces in a sleek and modern building. They should be commended for creating a building that is leading the way in challenging students to think more creatively about the world they live in.
Project Details
Architects
Hayball
Award
Winner Category 3 Renovation/Modernisation Over $2m
Address
14 – 22 Vida Street, Aberfeldie VIC 3040
Submitter
Lisa Horton
Cost
Not disclosed
Photographer
Emily Bartlett Photography
Project Overview
The school was committed to this project being a catalyst for innovation in their teaching and learning program. From the outset, importance was given to this being a ‘transitional project’ which recognized the school’s current teaching and learning practices, yet was able to offer innovative environments to serve a broad range of learning needs.
Consultation with the teaching community was key to developing an education specification, which aligned the strategic and educational objectives of the school community with requirements for new facilities and an evolving curriculum. Design sessions which scrutinized precedent imagery and exemplar planning examples, allowed the design team to understand the types of teaching practices, learning environments and broader community engagement that was desired as part of the project: This has led to the following outcomes: Development of an education specification which provides a mix of both traditional and contemporary learning settings. Development of new learning programs, such as STEM, through the introduction of multimodal and cross disciplinary learning settings. Promotion of professional development for the teaching community, where they are given the choice to trial new teaching practices, in a variety of learning settings. Celebration of a strong student culture by providing a range of collaborative and private study spaces, outside of the traditional classroom, which values the student voice and maximized student choice. The opportunity for community engagement with the Visual Arts open studio’s ability to be transformed into a gallery and function space for the showcasing of student work.
Emphasis was placed on creating mature and calm spaces, where the students work and creativity would be the focus. These ideals were translated into the following design principles: Warmth: Plywood provides a sense of warmth and texture. Plywood lined window boxes and tiered seating create inviting spaces for the students to gather for discussion or quiet reflection. Light: Southern window orientation provides soft natural lighting to the Visual Arts spaces, ideal for the generation and display of art work. Clerestory windows provide natural lighting deep into the interior studio spaces. Identity: Blue tones in joinery & upholstery reflects the House colour and namesake of the Centre; Mary. This strategy for the use of colour is informed by the school’s masterplan. Complementary: Externally, the use of red complements the school’s existing campus architecture. Materiality of the new extension provides a distinct difference to the existing fabric of the campus, signifying its regeneration to the wider community.