Wayfinding: Whittlesea Tech School

The Solution

With a central focus on ‘connectivity’, the spatial planning and volumetric design of WTS features outdoor and indoor, formal and casual, practical production and high-tech equipment spaces that are linked together to create a seamless project-based learning journey that prioritises exploration and presentation over repetition and examination. Design elements such as large viewing windows, opening hatches, sliding doors and double-height spaces that visually connect levels, ensure that each learning environment is connected with at least two others. This enables learners to organically progress projects between ideation, production, testing, presentation and exhibition phases.

Interiors were inspired by the learners’ path of innovation as they engage with and navigate through the spaces and programs. A common language of leading lines with soft curves reminiscent of a circuit board or metro map appear across a range of forms; pendant lighting, wayfinding graphics, floor finishes, furniture forms and even structure. This brings an approachable interface to a technology-rich environment and subtly references design, invention and industry.

Project

A collaboration with ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects
Images by Diana Snape and ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects

Awards

New Individual Facility under $8m (Winner) - LEA Victorian Chapter Outstanding Learning Environments Awards, 2019
Best School Project Above $5m (Finalist) - Victorian School Design Awards, 2019