Queensland
Brisbane
The STEAM Precinct is an integrated multidisciplinary education facility which is not simply a new science building but rather reflects a whole of school approach pedagogically, physically and culturally.
Highly flexible classrooms wrap around a four-story high incubator space with suspended group study Petri dishes pods that give the space its character and reinforce the intended behavior around creative thinking.
The building explores themes from interconnected and extended learning, highly pedagogically flexible teaching spaces and creating environments that invest in student directed/owned independent and collaborative space. The resulting innovation pushes the boundaries of team teaching, multidisciplinary learning and peer support.
The Jennifer Taylor Award for Educational Architecture
The STEAM Precinct is a compelling example of a modern teaching and learning environment. Taking a holistic approach to the multidisciplinary learning requirements, the architects’ skill has generated evocative, adaptable, acoustically mastered, sunlight-filled, and dynamic learning spaces. Deliberately considered proximal and distal relationships optimise learning and risk-taking while simultaneously addressing the territorial behaviour of teenage boys, screening heat gain, and resolving complex levels and vehicular access. Respectfully integrating the calming landscape, the architects venerate the school’s heritage fabric, visually embracing the 150-year continuum of Brisbane Grammar’s built environment.
Commendation for Interior Architecture
The STEAM Precinct is a compelling example of a modern teaching and learning environment. The building interiors foster engagement between students and the sciences while accommodating students’ social needs and providing opportunities for retreat. The teaching spaces are supported by clever floor plan resolution, with learning modes ordered to allow safe and swift student movement. The acutely technical and high-performing nature of the building is observable in the interior volume, which is intelligently softened by the blend of formal and casual spaces that can be occupied by the students.
For the Brisbane Grammar School, simply updating the current physical and organisational structures would have retained their inherent limitations.
Instead the school has invested in a transformational program that not only creates new facilities but has whole of campus impact. STEAM expresses a way of thinking, a concept that is future and innovation focused and only enabled by the best teaching and learning practices
The innovative design has already profoundly changed the way we educate within this newly designed building in relation to staff collaboration, knowledge sharing, and interconnected learning, fostering a dynamic environment for team teaching and multidisciplinary exploration.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
