Scots All Saints College, Innovation Centre
Drew Dickson Architects were engaged by Scots All Saints College to design and document a new Innovation Centre on their Junior Campus in Bathurst, NSW. Located in the nexus between the science department, the design & technology department and general learning classrooms, the Innovation Centre is seen as the central learning hub of the Junior Campus. The building was designed as a student focused learning facility offering a variety of structured learning, group study and break-away opportunities.
The open plan ‘workshop’ aesthetic and nature of the building allows for experimentation with robotics, machines, science and the wider STEM curriculum. The opportunities are expanded, with a double-height space allowing for controlled environment height-drop experiments and flying machines tests.
A unique element of this project was the requirement to showcase technology and innovation. The internal space was intentionally left exposed to allow the students to learn and understand about the construction of the building. The façade was designed and specified using thermally insulated panels to achieve the thermal comfort and desired noise levels within the space. The built form and colour provides a subtle façade backdrop that allows for bursts of vibrant colour through lighting technology projected onto the façade, truly making technology the focal point of the building
The angles of the building take inspiration from the skillion roof forms on campus. This can be seen through the entry portal form, the main roof line and the wrapping window head. The sunshade awning hoods to the mezzanine level windows emphasise these angles as well, playing between the vertical façade panels and the roof angle.
Drew Dickson Architects used Virtual Reality as an additional resource in designing this building. This allowed the design team to experience the volume of the space and identify the various material junctions needing a higher detailed interface. Drew Dickson Architects learnt to utilise such technology as a tool to create the best building outcome.
Location: 70 Eglinton Road, Bathurst NSW 2795
Country: Wiradjuri Country
Sector: Education
Status: Constructed
Year: 2021
