Darlington Public School wins the Educational Architecture Award at the 2024 NSW AIA Awards
We are very pleased to advise that our school, recently won the Architecture Award at the NSW Institute of Architects Awards night.
fjcstudio, would like to sincerely thank the Darlington School Community, who put their trust in us as architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. We would like to say thank you for involving us in this great project. It is so rewarding to see the students coming into the school, starting to discover their new world.
Jury Citation: Darlington Public School’s architectural design follows a clear and simple diagram. Its footprint is organised into two main components – double sided and cross ventilated learning spaces and a semi outdoor space – which together facilitate flexible learning methods. The protective screens surrounding outdoor learning terraces provide both safety and aesthetic appeal, casting dappled light reminiscent of the surrounding landscape.
The design, born out of extensive community consultation, reflects the school’s identity as a community hub with deep connections to Aboriginal culture.
Darlington Public School prioritises community accessibility, with publicly available facilities such as a community hall, Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), and library. The construction masterplan, implemented in two stages, ensures continuous school operation while minimising relocation costs.
Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, incorporating passive elements like sawtooth roofs for optimal sunlight exposure, high-level glazing for indirect daylight, and curved screens for filtered light. Additionally, the design celebrates the school’s rich Indigenous culture and artistic heritage, preserving and showcasing an extensive collection of Aboriginal artworks throughout the campus.
