Benalla P-12 College’s new STEAM building was officially opened in September 2023 by the Member for Northern Victoria, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes, who attended the school when it was Benalla College.
The Benalla P-12 College STEAM Centre and Library represent a resetting of the life of this school for over 620 students, revitalising the campus and introducing STEAM-based education for Years 6-12.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) is an emerging educational discipline that aims to spark lifelong interest in the arts and sciences in children. The STEAM approach emphasises creative processes and open methods of inquiry and exploration, essential skills to prepare children for an ever-evolving future.
We worked with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and the school, collaborating on finding the most efficient ways of upgrading existing campus infrastructure and incorporating biophilic design with strong indoor/outdoor connections.
Our design narrative draws from local historical perspectives, referencing regional architecture forms with a contextual response that acknowledges the local First Nations community and the origins of Benalla (benalta), meaning big waterhole or crossing place.
The STEAM building engages the community with architecture, showcasing and exciting learners’ curiosity with learning and teaching areas for Science, Technologies, Textiles, Arts and Media, Maker spaces and an integrated Library.
The project is part of a staged project delivery. Stage 2B includes an food technology classrooms, staff and junior school buildings, as well as a canteen, planned to open from 2025.
Benalla is on the lands of the Yorta Yorta nation.
Acknowledgement of Indigenous culture and Benalla’s unique Country are at the heart of this contextual design that connects people to place.
Jane Sayers
Principal, DesignInc Melbourne
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