Collaborative learning zones

Richmond High School STEM building caters for 4 science laboratories and supports ancillary space with open demonstration and collaborative learning zones.

As with all of our projects, we began the design process with research to ensure we clearly understand the site, the region, the school's ethos and the history, Indigenous and European, built and natural. This ensures the design outcome is well-grounded and embodies a strong sense of place. The design idea was to let the building reflect what was being taught within.

The current site was, until early 2021, the location of a Bini shell. Built-in 1977 engineering advances in the building structure. Tying into this history and related to the study of STEM the new STEM building also leverages advances in modern prefabricated building techniques to deliver a new purpose-built facility.

Science and engineering also underpin the buildings strong sustainability approach. Maths is reflected in the buildings strong geometry set within a circular landscape that surrounds the building. These ideas are all reflected in building graphics aimed to make the building and spaces a spontaneous learning opportunity with STEM on display.

The STEM building at Richmond High School pays homage to the horticultural heritage of the site and the Murnong or Yam flower both in the form and colour palette. The use of selected patterns & materials also conveys back to the yam seed arrangement whilst still providing a connection to the surrounding bush landscape & original uses of the land. This form is also depicted via strong visual lines within the landscaping.

Two printed murals run through the central demonstration area, one depicting famous STEM people with a focus on Women and the other acknowledging Aboriginal contributions to STEM. The Aboriginal artwork is titled ‘Together as one’ and was produced by Aliccia King-Reid, an alumna of Richmond High School.