Melbourne University building sets an example at international education design awards

The University of Melbourne’s Arts West Redevelopment has been announced as the overall winner of Learning Environments Australasia’s (LEA) Excellence in Educational Facilities Awards.

Designed by ARM and Architectus, the project won the top honour from a field of 72 entries across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The University of Melbourne building – the new home for students studying Bachelors of Arts – also won the ‘An Education Initiative or a Design Solution Innovative Program’ category, and received a commendation for ‘New Construction / New Individual Facility’.

“[Arts West is] imaginative and sophisticated architectural and instructional design at its best – a triumph at multiple scale levels and across many domains,” the international jury noted.

“It combines the best of contemporary museum learning with collaborative studio-based learning, and achieves a Five Star Green Star rating.”

Australian projects also came out on top for each category. Projects included Deakin University’s Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training by Gray Puksand; studioFive, University of Melbourne by PTID; and Dandenong South Primary School, Junior Centre by Hayball Architects.

“The Awards showcase the design and use of engaging and innovative learning spaces and programs to improve learning outcomes for students,” says Deb O’Riley, chair of LEA.

“They support the questioning and challenging of our current practices, to ensure we continue to strive for improvement and excellence in educational facilities.”

The winners were announced at a ceremony held in Singapore on 13 July this year.

Full list of winners and commendations below:

OVERALL WINNER

Arts West, University of Melbourne, VIC by ARM + Architectus
Photography by John Gollings

NEW EDUCATIONAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION / ENTIRE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY

WINNER

Deakin University, Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET), VIC by Gray Puksand
Photography by Mark Duffus

COMMENDATION

Tarawera High School, NZ by RTA Studio

NEW CONSTRUCTION / NEW INDIVIDUAL FACILITY

WINNER

Carey Baptist Grammar School, Centre for Learning & Innovation, VIC by Hayball Architects
Image: Hayball

COMMENDATIONS

Margaret McRae Centre, VIC by Woods Bagot

Arts West, University of Melbourne, VIC by ARM + Architectus

RENOVATION / MODERNISATION OVER $2M

WINNER

studioFive, University of Melbourne, VIC by PTID
Photography by Carl Martin

COMMENDATION

Ave Maria College, The Mary Centre, VIC by Hayball Architects

RENOVATION / MODERNISATION UNDER $2M

WINNER

Dandenong South Primary School, Junior Centre, VIC by Hayball Architects
Image: Hayball

COMMENDATION

Cathedral School of St Anne & St James 5/6 Learning Neighbourhood & STEM Facility, QLD by Stephen de Jersey Architect

AN EDUCATION INITIATIVE OR A DESIGN SOLUTION FOR AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM

WINNER

Arts West, University of Melbourne, VIC by ARM + Architectus
Photography by John Gollings

COMMENDATIONS

• Transformation of Learning and Learning Spaces at Sacred Heart P.S. Tatura, VIC by Trish Miller, self-employed consultant & Catholic Education Sandhurst
• The Hive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore by CPG Consultants

LANDSCAPING / OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA

WINNER

Presbyterian Ladies' College - Beth Blackwood Senior School and Quad, WA by MCDF Architects
Image: Shades of Light Photography

COMMENDATIONS

• Eastwood Primary School, VIC by RB Landscapes
• Extension of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore by CPG Consultants