WILLIAM RUTHVEN SECONDARY COLLEGE
Under the guidance of forward-thinking leadership, this project was a key catalyst in the shift in culture and pedagogy at William Ruthven Secondary College, outwardly changing the public’s perception of the school and inwardly providing spaces that enable new teaching and learning experiences.
Client
Victorian School Building Authority
Project Type
Education/ Science & Creative Arts
Completed
2019
Traditional Owners
Wurundjeri people
Welcoming and connected spaces
The students and their families at WRSC are from diverse backgrounds, so creating a welcoming space that allowed them to meet, gather, and linger was crucial. The sweeping crescent forms create a welcoming gesture that guides visitors to the waiting area in the administration building, an experience designed to be light-filled, bustling, and delightful. A fern garden greets visitors upon approach to the waiting area, whilst a forest of timbers hedging the reception desk subtly references the surrounding trees. Full-height glazing encloses the conference room, providing a private space for sensitive discussions that remains visually connected to the rest of the building.
Exchanging ideas
Learning and teaching is based on the principle that it is a relationship—a democratic act of exchange. This is reflected in every design decision that shaped the project. Round table settings furnish learning studios as classes are omni-directional. Every occupant can see beyond their workspace or to the outdoors, and can see and be seen in equal measure. Transparency between spaces allows light and information to flow. Teachers and students alike can learn from their peers, whether directly or through casual observation. Learning happens when you feel safe and comfortable. The exit is always visible, giving the spaces a sense of enclosure without confinement.
Equity, equality & inclusivity
The learning spaces are flexible and transient to both students and teachers, a fact underscored by the deliberate choice of making all built-in storage shared rather than personalised, encouraging a sense of shared ownership and responsibility over the spaces. All spaces feel considered and equally important, to avoid perpetuating old hierarchies of privileging teachers over students, or one discipline of study over another. This more optimistic approach has yielded a beautiful set of curvilinear buildings set in amongst groves of existing native. Aligned with this, a transformed school culture has emerged that has been described as being more open, energised, respectful and inclusive.
Acknowledgements
KDA Team
Mun Rosewarne
Photographer
Mark Farrelly/ Tatjana Plitt
2019
Victorian School Design Awards: Best Secondary School- Finalist