A public school building in Australia received the “Best Building of the Year” award at a ceremony held at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore. The Darlington Public School headquarters project, designed by fjcstudio, was recognized for its “sensitive and inclusive approach to children’s learning”, becoming the second school in a row to receive the award.
Located in a suburb of Sydney, Darlington was built on the site of a former 1970s school, which remained in operation throughout the construction process, minimizing disruption to students and the community. The project emphasized collaboration with the local community and prioritized cost effectiveness, resulting in a project that respects and integrates indigenous culture.
The school’s design includes a collection of Aboriginal artwork, which has been preserved and displayed throughout the space, as well as a community garden with native plants, which teaches students about Indigenous cuisine and culture. Connection with the aboriginal community is one of the pillars of the project, promoting an educational environment that values cultural diversity.
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The structure also features an innovative design, with glimpses of the interior courtyard from the main entrance and curved metal screens that shade the outdoor learning and recreation areas, creating soft, pleasant lighting. Passive elements such as sun-facing zigzag roofs and high-level windows for indirect natural light were incorporated to optimize energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
According to Paul Finch, director of the World Architecture Festival, “the architect explored and expanded the client’s formal program, including the visions and experiences of the local community and diverse users”, resulting in “a poetic work, where the topography and landscape , both internal and external, intertwine harmoniously, pointing to a brighter and better future for everyone”.
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