Marist College Bendigo wins James D MacConnell Award
09 Dec 2020
Marist College Bendigo, designed by Y2 Architecture and IDE [Innovation | Design | Education], has won the most prestigious international award for excellence in facility planning: the Association for Learning Environments James D. MacConnell Award.
Announced at the LEsolutions Planning & Design Awards Dec 8 2020 an online celebration this year, the James D. MacConnell Award is given to a project that exemplifies the organisation's belief that great schools begin with communication and planning. School facilities recognised in this award program might embody great architecture but their successful components and characteristics are founded in an interactive process that engages multiple stakeholders to create an educational environment that holds purpose and distinction within a community.
The project faced stiff competition from finalists, Mary Lyon Elementary School IBI Group / Erickson McGovern Architects and Positive Tomorrows MA+ Architecture.
Matt Dwyer (Y2 Director): 'A significant focus on educational need allowed us to create a design that generates contemporary education for students and teachers'.
Deep and extended consultation allowed a rich picture to emerge meaning our design work was guided by sound education ideas.'
Scott Alterator (IDE Director): 'This project allowed us to focus on education ideas as the key driver. An ongoing consultation has meant high levels of ownership. The the environment is understoood an education tool.'
The school has received various industry awards for a number of their learning centres.
2018 A4LE Winner New Construction Under $8M
2017 A4LE Winner New Construction/ New Individual Facility
2016 A4LE International Project Of Distinction Award
2016 A4LE Australasian Best New Individual Facility
2016 A4LE Victorian Chapter Best New Individual Facility
2015 CEFPI Winner Best New Individual Facility
Congratulations to all involved at Marist College Bendigo, Y2 Architecture and IDE [Innovation | Design | Education].
Images courtesy of Bill Conroy and Leon Schoots
