AN EDUCATION IN INCLUSIVITY

Ensuring education doesn’t stop in the classroom, this upgraded campus is a lesson in functional greenspace.

Working under the aegis of landscape experts PTA Landscapes, the Australian International Academy (AIA), Australia’s first Islamic school, undertook a complete overhaul of its grounds from the front to the back, wanting to ensure a comfortable campus for its students.

In consultation with the specialists from PTA’s educational design team, the Academy expressed its need for a passive education space within the main school courtyard. This vision included an inclusive garden that afforded the students the opportunity for outdoor learning, as well as a tranquil haven for use during breaks between classes.

Lush and inviting, the newly transformed schoolyard is framed by garden beds, edged by a pathway of exposed aggregate concrete and inset with synthetic grass, which affords a comfortable, all-weather surface that can handle high usage from students. Filled with a mix of plants designed to attract pollinators as well as provide aesthetic appeal, the garden beds are planted with trees and shrubs of varying heights and colours. An irrigation system keeps the plantlife thriving and steel hooped vertical edging protects the trees from accidental stampedes.

At the centre of the space is a unique structure that captures the eye and adds a sculptural element. The innovative Urban Canopee has a bright orange base that garners attention, while a metal form reminiscent of a spreading tree canopy rises from the base to provide a framework for climbing plants.

Capping one end of the greenspace is a tiered amphitheatre. Set in a semi-circle and rising over three steps, the insitu concrete fixture comfortably seats up to 50 students and provides the outdoor classroom area defined in the project brief.

To ensure the school made a good impression from the front, PTA Landscapes also undertook an overhaul of the building’s entrance and courtyard. Due to celebrate its 40th anniversary, AIA wanted to replace the existing overgrown and tired landscape with something that better reflected its educational identity.

Understanding the school’s needs, PTA Landscapes commissioned custom wrought iron gates from local artisans to transform the building’s frontage. Flanked by newly rendered brick entry pillars, this stately expression makes a strong first impression for those walking into the school.

To complete the impression and ensure safe passage, tumbled Bluestone pavers laid in a herringbone pattern form a new entry from footpath to steps. Gold anodized stair nosings and brass tactile indicators line the newly poured concrete stairs, providing visual and physical cues that prevent slips and falls.

Mindful of harmoniously blending the old with the new by retaining some of the historical elements of the original façade, PTA Landscapes maintained the front fence and worked around an established native eucalyptus tree. Rounding out the reimagined front entrance
is a greenscape of judiciously selected plants.

The revitalised landscaped has transformed the street appeal to reflect the Academy’s commitment to excellence, while the transformed Garden Square affords students greater amenity in a fun and vibrant format.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

COMPANY PTA Landscapes
CLIENT Australian International Academy
LOCATION Coburg, Victoria