Benalla P-12 College STEAM Centre and Library

DesignInc collaborated with Benalla P-12 College in Australia for a transformative project integrating STEAM education and biophilic design, emphasizing local history and Indigenous acknowledgment.

Firm
  • area / size 17,760 sqft
  • Completed 2023
  • Location Benalla, Australia,
  • Type Primary (K-8), Schools, Secondary (9-12),

    • STEAM meets biophilic innovation at Benalla P-12 College:

    Benalla P-12 College marks a significant milestone with the opening of its new STEAM Centre and Library, heralding a new era for over 620 students. This transformative addition breathes new life into the campus and introduces innovative STEAM-based education for students in Years 6-12.

    Officially opened in September 2023 by Member for Northern Victoria, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes, herself an alumna of Benalla College, the new STEAM building represents a collaborative effort between the school and DesignInc, led by DesignInc Principal Jane Sayers.

    Sayers commended the school’s unwavering enthusiasm throughout the project, stating, “We were fortunate to establish a robust collaboration with the school, which significantly informed our approach to upgrading the existing campus infrastructure.”

    She further highlighted, “The school’s embrace of biophilic design principles and seamless indoor-outdoor connections are key elements of the project’s success.”

    Celebrating a sense of place was crucial to DesignInc’s approach. “Our design narrative draws from local historical perspectives, referencing regional architecture forms with a contextual response that acknowledges the local First Nations community and the origins of Benalla (benalta), meaning big waterhole or crossing place.”

    STEAM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, represents a holistic educational approach aimed at nurturing a lifelong passion for both the arts and sciences in students. Sayers elaborated, “The STEAM methodology fosters creative processes and open inquiry methods, essential skills for children navigating an ever-evolving future.

    Looking ahead, DesignInc is currently overseeing the next upgrade phase at Benalla P-12 College. Stage 2B is set to include a new food technology classrooms, staff and junior school buildings, as well as a canteen, slated for completion in 2025.

    “This ongoing transformation marks an exciting new chapter in the life of Benalla P-12 College, affirming its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for its students.”

    Benalla is on the lands of the Yorta Yorta nation.

    Design: DesignInc
    Photography: Dianna Snape