Lindfield Learning Village
Based on an innovative educational model where learning is determined by ‘stage not age’, students at Lindfield Learning Village progress through the educational curriculum at their own pace.
This revolutionary Schools Infrastructure NSW project, located at the heritage listed previous home to UTS Ku-ring-gai campus, allows each child to be individually nurtured by educators who mentor their progress from Kindergarten to Year 12. The primary focus is on developing their skills through tailored curriculum that is aligned with their natural, innate abilities. Mentorship is also encouraged between older and younger students.
DesignInc worked in collaboration with Lacoste+Stevenson and BMC2 to evolve the spatial planning and organisation of the original campus design to respond to the new educational model and to establish a social environment that optimises the intrinsic qualities of the building.
Awards
- 2020 Commendation, Renovation / Modernisation over $5 Million, Learning Environments Australasia
- 2019 Winner, Adaptive Re-use $10m to $60m, Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards
The original design for the building was based on a hilltop village concept with an internal ‘street’. The design team capitalised on this feature to weave multiple activities together, creating innovative education zones for learners of all ages while fostering the close collection of teachers and students as a social entity.
Old and new
With a sensitive approach to the building’s original character, new additions are easily identifiable through distinctive geometries and materials that respond sympathetically to the brutalist concrete, exposed brick, and glass aesthetic of the original structure.
There is something special about pinching a university premise and giving it to children. The model here builds on the most successful directions transforming education, making it better for students and teachers, for wellbeing and for results, too.
Professor Stephen Heppell
UK educational academic advisor
Blurring boundaries
Creating an outdoor learning and playing environment in keeping with the innovative indoor learning environment while providing safety from the risk of bushfire was a key approach taken by landscape designers of DesignInc. Throughout the adaptive reuse and refurbishment, the new design prioritises connection with the new landscape surrounds while maximising the variety of flexible learning environments on offer.
Lindfield Learning Village is new and innovate model of combined Primary and Secondary education delivery that results from a comprehensive planning process. The design provides an outstanding adaptation of existing facilities and will extend the use of this site as a learning precinct for many years to come.
Jury Citation
Learning Environments Australiasia Awards 2020
People
Insights
Lindfield Learning Village listed on NSW State Heritage Register
Lindfield Learning Village, which features rare and dramatic Neo-Brutalist architecture, is now protected for generations to come after being listed on the State Heritage Register. Originally built as the William Balmain Teachers College, the location later became the Lindfield Campus of the University of Technology. It is now home to a new local high school for the electorate, the Lindfield Learning Village.
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Award-winning Education Design
Two of our recent projects—Ultimo Public School and Ramlegh Park Primary School—have been recognised in a range of 2022 awards, cementing DesignInc as leaders in education design.
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DesignInc Sydney wins UDIA NSW Diversity and Inclusion Award
DesignInc Sydney is thrilled to have received the 2021 UDIA NSW Diversity and Inclusion Award. With high levels of cultural diversity, gender equity at Director level, a fully funded First Nations architectural scholarship, Nguluway DesignInc partnership and a range of progressive policies, we are proud of our achievements.
