NSW Chapter: Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College Welcomes LENSW Delegates for Inspiring Scientia Building Tour
25 Oct 2023
On Wednesday 18 October, 2023 Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney opened its doors to delegates from the NSW Chapter of Learning Environments Australasia (LENSW), inviting them to embark on a remarkable journey through the newly unveiled Scientia Building. The tour offered a captivating exploration of this cutting-edge education facility, designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.
The Scientia Building is a testament to the College’s commitment to providing an enriching learning experience for its students and supporting staff in their day-to-day efforts to provide the best possible education and opportunities for the next generation. Comprising of a host of hi-tech amenities, the facility offers a plethora of dynamic science labs, a super lab for groundbreaking and collaborative research, top-tier ICT support, a tiered forum-style presentation space, informal meeting and study areas, a double indoor sports hall, a rooftop court with stunning views of the wider North Sydney city context. Well-equipped weight rooms promote and instill awareness regarding personal health and well-being. What sets the Scientia Building apart is an entire dedicated level to promote innovation, social enterprise, and forging partnerships with the broader community.
The event commenced with a warm welcome as delegates were introduced to a series of engaging student-led activities. These activities, ranging from coding challenges, e-sports competitions, and a creative gum-drop challenge, provided a glimpse into the dynamic learning environment Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College offers its students. It was evident that the college is fostering an environment where students can explore, learn, and create with enthusiasm.
What truly elevated the tour was to hear from the project team themselves namely Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, Tom Lee, Director of Innovation and Technology at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, and Dave Tordoff, Principal at Hayball Architects. They shared the intriguing journey that underpinned the development of the Scientia Building, of which included an extensive stakeholder engagement process, initial goals, and ambitions that sought to redefine the learning experience, and how these aspirations and objectives evolved, expanded, and were determined throughout the project’s development.
Moreover, the student perspective, shaped by the cutting-edge amenities and collaborative atmosphere, of the Scientia Building has significantly increased student interest in both sports and science disciplines, inspiring them to look beyond their time at school and envision themselves taking an active role in the wider community, as well as pursuing a future filled with boundless possibilities.
The result is a testament to the dedication and vision of all involved. The facility has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it fully supports students finding their voices, gaining confidence, and feeling comfortable taking part in their own learning journey. It is a place where innovation is nurtured, knowledge is shared and creativity is celebrated. The visit to Monte Sant’ Angelo served as an inspiring reminder that education and architecture can together shape the future. Well done, to all involved.
Article by: Holly De Jong
Photographer: Daniel Smith
Architect: Hayball
The Scientia Building is a testament to the College’s commitment to providing an enriching learning experience for its students and supporting staff in their day-to-day efforts to provide the best possible education and opportunities for the next generation. Comprising of a host of hi-tech amenities, the facility offers a plethora of dynamic science labs, a super lab for groundbreaking and collaborative research, top-tier ICT support, a tiered forum-style presentation space, informal meeting and study areas, a double indoor sports hall, a rooftop court with stunning views of the wider North Sydney city context. Well-equipped weight rooms promote and instill awareness regarding personal health and well-being. What sets the Scientia Building apart is an entire dedicated level to promote innovation, social enterprise, and forging partnerships with the broader community.
The event commenced with a warm welcome as delegates were introduced to a series of engaging student-led activities. These activities, ranging from coding challenges, e-sports competitions, and a creative gum-drop challenge, provided a glimpse into the dynamic learning environment Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College offers its students. It was evident that the college is fostering an environment where students can explore, learn, and create with enthusiasm.
What truly elevated the tour was to hear from the project team themselves namely Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, Tom Lee, Director of Innovation and Technology at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, and Dave Tordoff, Principal at Hayball Architects. They shared the intriguing journey that underpinned the development of the Scientia Building, of which included an extensive stakeholder engagement process, initial goals, and ambitions that sought to redefine the learning experience, and how these aspirations and objectives evolved, expanded, and were determined throughout the project’s development.
Moreover, the student perspective, shaped by the cutting-edge amenities and collaborative atmosphere, of the Scientia Building has significantly increased student interest in both sports and science disciplines, inspiring them to look beyond their time at school and envision themselves taking an active role in the wider community, as well as pursuing a future filled with boundless possibilities.
The result is a testament to the dedication and vision of all involved. The facility has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it fully supports students finding their voices, gaining confidence, and feeling comfortable taking part in their own learning journey. It is a place where innovation is nurtured, knowledge is shared and creativity is celebrated. The visit to Monte Sant’ Angelo served as an inspiring reminder that education and architecture can together shape the future. Well done, to all involved.
Article by: Holly De Jong
Photographer: Daniel Smith
Architect: Hayball
