2016 National Architecture Awards: Educational Architecture Commendation

Jury citation

Geelong Grammar’s School of Performing Arts and Creative Education firmly establishes the school’s commitment to the arts, creativity and community. The building is sited with confidence on its prominent corner site, successfully addressing both street approaches. The program is clearly legible in the articulation of the form, with the performance halls visible as two dominant volumes, wrapped at a lower level with connecting and supporting space. The building is determinedly civic in its nature and material, distinctly separating itself from the language of the existing school campus. Its cool skin provides a backdrop for light and display and its calm interior provides a container for the exploration and development of creativity and drama without impressing itself on its users. Flexibility and function have been expertly handled and the two major venues accommodate everything from small-scale drama, music productions and school assemblies to large-scale musical and theatrical productions. The visibility of the building’s foyer creates a sense of drama and occasion on approach – impending excitement and anticipation for performers and spectators is tangible. This sophisticated work offers students and the school community a well-mannered and coherent civic facility.