The Station

the research

Research conducted evidenced that there is a strong need for an education facility that offers a holistic, child-centred education that aligns with learning objectives of the modern, evolving world and supports child development and wellbeing. The traditional education system, which there is an abundance of in Brisbane, does not meet these goals and is delivering an outdated and unsupportive education to our future generations.

the brief

The Station will provide an innovative alternative education facility for 230-250 local primary school students in the Stores Building adjacent to New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse. The pedagogical approach will focus on core researched learning concepts including mixed age, play-based learning, outdoor and community learning and connection, project-based and interdisciplinary learning. The design will reflect and support these by embodying flexibility, connection, exploration and transparency in its holistic approach. Connection to nature and the school’s surroundings is a key consideration in the design and pedagogy; facilitated by the designs framing of views, voids, materiality and window extrusions. Outdoor and community learning as part of the curriculum further this connection and offer learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom environment.

the concept

The concept synthesises the pedagogy and brief, interpreting the school as a playground, acting as a catalyst for play and learning and facilitating the fusion of work and play in order to create an engaging and comfortable learning experience for its students. The design language embodies this concept of play through drawing form, colour and line from building blocks, creating familiarity for the students.

the design

SPATIAL ZONING

As the school environment is a new experience for children, it is important that the design creates a safe and comfortable transition. The concept and design assists in this spatial breakdown by deinstitutionalising the space and creating an exciting experience for the users. The three-storey playscape that users engage with upon entry also aids this.

FLOOR PLANS

Each floor plate is designed by holistically considering the needs and behaviours of its users, featuring an open-plan design with semi-enclosed spaces and joinery elements. Each level features flexible learning spaces designed to encourage flexibility and ergonomic variability. These areas are connected to central community spaces that encourage collaboration and reflect the needs of each user group. The Playscape is visible and accessible from all levels, connecting all users and symbolising growth – offering students the opportunity to reflect on previous years and aspire to their future.

GROUND LEVEL: COMMUNITY – community connection, deep learning, connects all users – featuring entry foyer, makerspace and theatre.

LEVEL1: YRS P-3 – Floor plate broken in to two class group spaces, with community Resource Centre connecting the two sides. Individual and small group learning, active and hands-on activities. Primarily floor-based learning with spaces designed to engage movement and provide opportunity for different body positions. Joinery elements provides room division between learning spaces and features integrated seating and shelving.

LEVEL 2: YRS 4-6 – Floor plate for use by all students (no separate class areas). Strong focus on collaboration and independence in learning. Variety of settings for small and large group work, collaboration and individual learning with 1-1 spaces accessible from all zones. The Presentation Space in the centre connects the floorplate and encourages collaboration and sharing of work. Elevated and recessed learning areas provide a dynamic and energetic design; enhancing choice and encouraging independence in learning.

sections

LVL 1 SECTION

LVL 2 SECTION