Geelong school takes home design award

Kangaroo footprints have been etched into a timber walkway, symbolising the presence of these beautiful creatures and reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world around us. Photo: SUPPLIED

A $7.6 MILLION upgrade project at Grovedale West Primary School has been recognised for its integration of art, colour and landscape and its First Nations-informed design at the Victorian School Design Awards.

The project, which was designed by Select Architects, was named Best Project in the First Nations design category in recognition of the deep level of engagement, trust and cooperation forged between the school, architects and Traditional Owners to complete the upgrade.

The project involved the construction of a new learning pod with adaptable, open-plan learning spaces for Grovedale West Primary School’s students, as well as a large outdoor area to allow the school to conduct classes outside.

First Nations artwork, carved into the natural landscape by artist Gerard Black, is featured throughout the garden areas, creating an immersive experience.

Inside, the design upholds contemporary principles to create a student-centred environment with a friendly atmosphere, while the colours used reflect local cultural heritage.

Throughout the garden areas, First Nations artwork such as kangaroo, emu and goanna footprints have been carved into the natural landscape by local artist and Traditional Owner Gerard Black, fostering connections to Indigenous culture and sustainable practices.

Noah Trickett, the lead architect on the project, said early engagement with the Aboriginal Traditional Owners Corporation was an important aspect of the process.

“We started talking to them really early and we actually got their input on the materials in this outdoor learning area…to give them the largest amount of time to have input, but also the largest platform to make design decisions,” he said.

The $7.6 million upgrade project was supported by the Victorian government.

The outcome is a design that has been heralded for its integration of colour, theme and landscape to tell a story, rather than design elements that feel like an afterthought.

“It made it a really great experience,” Mr Trickett said.

“Gerard also went the extra mile and created a little pamphlet for the school to teach them what it all meant, where the art came from, what it means to be a Traditional Owner.

“[The school has] that information so they can keep passing it on to new students and it doesn’t really ever lose its meaning, or just become a piece of artwork.”

Mr Trickett said the accolade illustrates how beneficial it is to work with a trusted, larger team and to prioritise early engagement.