grimshaw plans for innovative 14-storey school in australian suburb

grimshaw plans for innovative 14-storey school in australian suburb
all images courtesy of grimshaw architects

focused on innovative learning and greenery integrated environments, grimshaw architects and australian practice BVN have proposed a unique typology for a high school in the suburb of parramatta, australia.

the primary school is setwithin a four-storey curving form- creating an outdoor learning and play space

standing at more than 14 storeys or 66 meters, the high school building will be the state’s first high-rise educational facility. the concept is based on creating a ‘schools-within-school’ strategy where the students learn through stages rather than by their age. accommodating up to 2,000 students at high school and 1,000 at primary school, both programs will be comprised of small personalized unites or ‘home bases’.

the open-nature of the schools will cater for a variety of learning styles and facilities

‘the school buildings act as the social infrastructure for the transformation of individuals and their communities through learning, inclusivity and outreach, with wellbeing and playfulness arising out of the integration of the physical and the environmental’. comments andrew cortese, partner at grimshaw

the design is based on the model of ‘schools-within-schools’ concept

internally, the architect’s response will see the creation of adaptable floorplans furnished with bespoke and flexible furniture to cater to different learning styles and classes. the high-school will be defined by stacked mezzanines and outdoor terraces that will host spaces acclimated to science, technology, engineering, maths and the arts. meanwhile, the primary school will be housed in a four-storey curving structure that develops into an exterior learning and playspace, all of which interlinked horizontally and vertically with efficient accessibility.

new adaptive layouts and a kit of parts approach to furniture and space also offer flexibility

the unique school will be the first prototype in NSW for future focused learning