Gathering Space
The Gathering Space in the newly designed Year 7 building will be a focal point, the heart, where students, staff, and the Salesian community will gather for prayer services, assemblies, parent information evenings, and professional development. The first thing that will strike you about this very special space will be the link back to the Salesian Charism through seven beautifully etched symbols, designed and installed by the College’s artist, dispersed between coloured glazing that will illuminate onto the floor surface from a sun-filled north glazing arrangement. On the north wall, there will be four beautifully crafted motifs designed by the College’s artist, made from metal and wood, representing the four Gospel authors: Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke, which will overlook the Gathering Space. Meticulous planning has been undertaken in the Gathering Space for the application of AV, acoustic attenuation, and lines of sight to maximise the visual and audio experiences. The Gathering Space will be bathed in natural light with well-designed, glare-treated glazing on the north aspect of the space.
Teaching Studios
Eight new studios in the Year 7 building, each exceeding 70m², will provide an optimal learning and teaching experience through the layout and design of AV and other teaching aids to support student engagement. The connection of studios through the installation of interconnecting doors will allow team teaching opportunities. The configuration of the eight studios, into pairs, abutting each other, has allowed for clever design and the inclusion of tute spaces embedded into the interconnected studios, each with AV, allowing for supervised breakout spaces for our students and for seamless learning and teaching spaces. With student lockers recessed into the front aspect of each studio, this has allowed maximum space for student learning and teaching, with ample storage and well-positioned whiteboard/pinboard locations throughout each studio.
South Façade of the Year 7 Building
Looking back at the new Year 7 building from the south boundary of the Mannix campus, you will notice how well the building integrates into the current landscape with minimal impact on the tree scape and open space for which the campus is renowned. Each of the four south studios will have door access to an outdoor, landscaped dual teaching and active space for students and staff to engage in education and play. Extensive glazing on the south side of the building will capture available natural light to minimise the need for artificial light in these spaces while still maintaining thermal comfort. Landscaped planting, well-designed seating, and ample hard and soft open space will allow for a mix of uses. Targeted planting of tree stock and flora, including natives as recommended by Wurundjeri Elders, will soften the south aspect of the building and provide colour and shade throughout the school year.
