Loreto Kirribilli Masterplan and Spiritus Innovation Centre

fjcstudio was engaged to undertake a detailed masterplan for Loreto Kirribilli, an independent Catholic school for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12 with an enrolment of just over 1,000 students. The response to the masterplan was initiated by a deep process of consultation and collaboration with the school leadership, students, staff and parents. Full engagement with the school community through a series of interactive and detailed workshops produced a core brief that considered every aspect of life at Loreto. A benchmarking process was fundamental in understanding opportunities for the site and enabling more meaningful engagement and effective change, and a set of clear design principles was developed reflecting Loreto’s articulated future vision, against which all design responses were measured. The engagement process started at the masterplan stage, and customised engagement with neighbours and external stakeholders was integral to a successful SSDA approval of the Concept Masterplan.

Community, alumni and donor engagement was a significant component of the work. Activities included the coordination and preparation of publication-quality collateral (moving image, posters, brochures and social media), town hall and one-on-one presentations to major donors, filmed interviews, articles and thought pieces, focus group sessions, and after-hours fundraising events including panel sessions and more intimate cocktail events. fjcstudio worked with an external communications consultant, with a consistent focus on clear and targeted communications through a genuine and personal lens.

The Spiritus Innovation Centre, the first stage of the masterplan, was realised through extensive consultation with the school community throughout the lifespan of the project. Post Occupancy Evaluation studies were undertaken one year after completion.