Canterbury Girls Secondary College’s new community space connects and unites the college’s existing drama hall, auditorium and canteen buildings to create an inviting, flexible and stimulating multi-purpose space.  

Designed to provide the school with a community space for hosting events, learning and socialising and to create a welcoming and engaging formal entrance to the school, the soffit is highlighted with the school’s bright yellow to create visual interest and distinguish the building as a formal entrance. 

The architectural form, while different from the campus’s other buildings, is simple, monolithic and timeless. The use of red brick is an important sentimental nod to and link to the college’s original 1928 red brick building, an icon of the school, but in a contemporary and timeless form to symbolise the college’s constant evolution and contemporary and progressive approach to girls’ education.

The large, elevated roof draws on sustainable design principles to limit the intensity of the western sun and creates a sheltered outdoor area, while the expansive glazed surfaces allow for natural ventilation and provide connection with the surrounding areas.

Inside, a sense of movement is created through the highlighted pathways, where student’s artwork is displayed along the walls. The continuous raked ceiling creates visual interest within the large open space, while the combination of awning windows and large glazed hinged doors promote cross ventilation and allow the space to be lit naturally.

Now enjoyed by staff, students and the local community, the flexible nature of space allows for a multitude of uses and has been fundamental in allowing the school to provide more collaborative and social learning experiences, which research suggests is fundamental to girl’s education.