School design award winners announced

News bulletin: 26 October 2009

At the 2009 School Design Awards, held on 20 October, the department recognised several architect firms for their innovative approach to Victorian government school design.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike congratulated the architects for their outstanding work and highlighted the important relationship shared between education and design practice.

“The awards showcase innovative building design that reflects the 21st Century learning occurring in our Victorian schools.”

This year, Hayball took out top honours winning ‘Best Overall Design’ and ‘Best Secondary School’ for its work on Dandenong High School.

Hayball was recognised for its original and environmentally-friendly approach to design and for delivering flexible learning spaces conducive to modern teaching.

Dandenong High School’s design incorporated energy efficient lighting, a skewed roof plane to increase natural light, shaded windows to prevent glare, skylights and adaptable learning spaces.

“Leading architect Hayball pushed the boundaries with its design of this outstanding Victorian school”, Ms Pike said.

Other category winners included: ClarkeHopkinsClarke for ‘Best School Project below $750,000’ and ‘Best Primary School’; Gray Puksand for ‘Best School Project above $3 million’; Minx Architecture for ‘Best School Project below $3 million’; and Minister Commendations went to Spowers, William Boag Architects and Kneeler Design.

For more information on the 2009 School Design Award winners, see: School Design Awards