Macquarie University’s Incubator wins the 11th Awards for excellence in educational design

“A building that speaks a language beyond current concepts”

The Macquarie University Incubator has been declared the overall winner of Learning Environments Australasia’s 11th Annual Excellence in Educational Facilities Awards.

The Awards ceremony in Sydney was the culmination of LEA’s 18th annual conference on innovative learning spaces, The 3 Rs in the Exponential Age.

 “The Awards showcase architects and educators working together to produce excellent educational facilities. The eyes of the world have turned to Australasia for best practice in learning space design. The Incubator is a prime example of how a learning space can support teaching and encourage learning” said Deb O’Riley, Chair of Learning Environments Australasia.

Designed by Architectus, the Incubator won the top honour from a field of 58 entries from across the Asia Pacific. It is the second year running for Architectus, which took out the top gong in the 2017 Awards with Melbourne University’s Arts West Building.

The judges noted that the Incubator “makes innovators want to be there and users want to innovate, linking the mind and spirit through form. The layout gives users a place to arrive, think, meet and explore ideas.”

The Incubator was also the overwhelming standout winner of Category 2: New Construction / New Individual Facility over $8 million.

View the gallery of Incubator and all winners and commendations

Download jury citations for winners and commendations

Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) is the peak body advocating for quality and innovation in learning environments to enhance student outcomes. Its membership includes over 800 educators, architects, designers, planners and policy makers. 

11th Annual Learning Environments Australasia Awards

Winners and Commendations

Click on a category heading to view the gallery of entrants

Overall Winner

Macquarie University Incubator, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia - Architectus, NSW

Category 1: New Construction / Entire New Educational Facility

Winner:
Mernda Central P-12 College, Victoria - ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects

Commendation:
Singapore Management University : School of Law, Singapore - MKPL Architects (Singapore)

Category 2: New Construction / New Individual Facility over $8M

Winner:
Macquarie University Incubator, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia - Architectus, NSW

Commendations:
1)    The Science Place, James Cook University, Townsville QLD - HASSELL (QLD)
2)    Ara Kahukura, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch NZ -Jasmax, NZ
3)    Bellevue Hill Public School, NSW Australia - New Learning Environments and Group GSA

Category 3: New Construction / New Individual Facility Under $8M

Winner:
Champagnat Centre, Marist College, Bendigo Victoria, Australia - Y2 Architecture, VIC

Commendation:
Concordia College Nautilus Centre, South Australia - Russell and Yelland Architects, SA

Category 4: Renovation / Modernisation over $2M

Winner:
St Monica's Senior Centre, Victoria, Australia - Baldasso Cortese

Commendation:
Flinders University Student Hub and Plaza, Victoria, Australia-  Woods Bagot and Flinders University, VIC

Category 5: Renovation/ Modernisation under $2M

Winner:
Seymour College, Yurrebilla Centre, South Australia  - Swanbury Penglase Architects

Commendations:
1)    Frankston Primary School, Early Learning Centre Refurbishment, Victoria Australia - Chaulk Studio
2)    The Victoire Flexible Learning Centre, FCJ College, Benalla, Victoria Australia  - No.42 Architects

Category 6: An Innovative Education Initiative

Winner:
studioFive, The University of Melbourne, Victoria Australia -  PTID

Commendation:
The New Generation Learning Spaces Project, The Anglican Church Grammar School, Brisbane, Queensland Australia - The Anglican Church Grammar School, Brand and Slater Architects, QLD

Category 7: Landscaping/ Outdoor Learning Area
Winner: none awarded

Commendation:
Quantum Victoria STEM Garden, Victoria Australia - Ochre Landscape, VIC



Photo Credits:

Macquarie University Incubator - Brett Boardman

Mernda Central P-12 College - Rhiannon Slatter

Champagnat Centre, Marist College - Leon Schoots Photography

St Monica's Senior Centre - Peter Clarke Photography

Seymour College, Yurrebilla Centre - Sam Noonan Photography

studioFive, The University of Melbourne - Carl Martin