MENTONE GRAMMAR CREATIVITY CENTRE
The new Creativity Centre brings together the disciplines of Performing & Visual Arts and Food & Materials Technology in a single building, which centres around a 450-seat, state-of-the-art multimedia theatre.
Completed
2017
Traditional Owners
Bunurong people
Project Type
Education/ Performing Arts/ Science & Creative Arts/ Food & Hospitality
Client
Mentone Grammar
Cross pollination
When Mentone Grammar set out to develop a fully integrated Creativity Centre the goal was that the functions of the building would inter-relate strongly and, equally, that the external spaces would also inter-relate to the functionality of the building. In response to this brief, the built form is designed to encourage cross discipline interaction and collaboration.
The design encompasses a central chasm through the building, encouraging physical and visual connections between the various areas. The learning lounges and gallery occupying the central spaces give students a chance to mingle, learn and be inspired by others. A series of voids and multi level spaces unite the community occupying the building.
1/2 Ground Floor Plan
2/2 First Floor Plan
Technical performance
The project includes a 450 seat theatre with fly tower and associated change and back of stage facilities. Additional music and drama facilities include band & recording rooms, tutorial rooms, music library, instrument store and a black box studio. A specialist theatre consultant was engaged to enhance the performance outcomes of the theatre space and its back stage support facilities. Acoustic performance, so critical to music and theatre, is achieved throughout the building through planning and the implementation of sound isolating and absorbing materials and technologies.
“Mentone Grammar has an enviable reputation in the performing arts, with the School’s stunning Creativity Centre being a hub for creative passion and offering extraordinary resources to enable the best in music performance, dance, drama and theatre.”
KDA Team
Sarah Morrison, Claire Carson, Eldo Di Muccio, Allison Jessup
Acknowledgements
Photographer
Mark Farrelly