Winter - Australian Institute of Architects

Public ArchitectureSponsored by Mondoluce38CommendationSerisier Building and Coady Centre Mercedes CollegeMercedes College, Victoria Square, PerthArchitecture PracticeSite Architecture StudioBuilderCooper & Oxley Builders and Sizer BuildersPhotographerRobert FrithJury CommentsMercedes College is an extremely challenging inner-city campus on which toundertake any project.At 4,665sqm the Serisier Building and Coady Centre isa feat of lateral thinking and thorough understanding of the site context.The Jury was impressed by the Architect’s handling of the acute siteconstraints, the extensive facility brief for both wet and dry recreation, aswell as multiple levels of teaching spaces. This is a work of considerablemerit with attention to detail, form and sensitivity to the heritage site. TheArchitect has maintained a connection with the past through the use ofmasonry and considered visual connection and has given scope for futurebuildings by introducing a palette of new materials and forms. This is astrong and confident work.CommendationRoseworth Primary School & Education Support CentreStebbing Way, GirrawheenArchitecture PracticeTAG ArchitectsBuilderUniversal Constructions Pty LtdPhotographerRobert FrithJury CommentsThe Architects were required to adhere to the Department of Education’sstandard pattern primary school planning footprints but were fortunatelypermitted to undertake their own interpretation of the third dimension – allwithin the standard pattern budget. The result is a surprising and inspiringdeparture from the same old image across the state. The new RoseworthPrimary School, born out of the amalgamation of two aging schools, hasbeen a remarkable turn-around for a community which had previously had avery challenging proposition. The school attributes much of the significantimprovement in attendance, student performance and behaviours, as wellas the new found social engagement of parents, directly to the design team.The collaboration produced a unique school which has been wholly embracedby its community.THE ARCHITECT 2012 ISSUE 002