Christian Brothers College is proud to announce its latest iconic development of a new Centre of Innovation and Learning
Situated on CBC’s Senior Campus at 214 Wakefield Street the new development will provide a contemporary and state-of-the-art learning environment for students as well as an exciting architectural icon in the heart of Adelaide. The building’s design strongly references the use of crystallised geometric forms, with associated complex mathematics which pays tribute to one of its multi-function uses which is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art(s) and Mathematics facility (STEAM) incorporating innovative art, music, study and collaborative maker spaces.
The centre’s ecological roof deck classroom, specifically designed for student led STEAM study and experiments in ecologically sustainable development, and the purpose-built astronomy observatory will offer students the opportunity to engage and learn in a practical and hands-on environment where boys learn most effectively.
The educational vision shared by the College and our collaborative partners, Swanbury Penglase, is for an uncompromising facility which maximises the educational opportunities for boys. Featuring the use of natural materials with simple colours and textures, complemented by controlled natural and artificial lighting, refined acoustics, fresh air movement and internal planting, creating a high-quality learning environment. The centre will form an integral part of the Senior Campus precinct with multiple above ground walkways to adjoining buildings whilst opening up the Western Courtyard’s previously under-utilised space with ample undercover leisure and breakout areas for students.
Why does CBC need a new facility?
The 2017-2020 College Strategic Plan has as one of its major outcomes a commitment to educational excellence and equity. Strategic Direction 3 states, ‘CBC will commit to embracing international research and best practice in education, developing a culture of academic excellence and high expectations for all.’ This project will ensure CBC remains contemporary, relevant and responsive to the needs of the 21st Century learner.
The completion in 2016 of the Middle School STEAM Centre which incorporated a new Music and Technology facility provided students and teachers with modern, flexible classrooms and world-class technology. This project will continue the College’s commitment to the provision of fluid learning spaces, which are adopted by universities, businesses and schools across the globe. The facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, de-privatised and open learning spaces, purpose built furniture and lighting and energy systems which reflect the College’s commitment to eco-sustainability.
Senior STEAM Focused
Adding another facet of support to the existing Middle School STEAM facility and located to Level 1 along the unique crystallised façade of the new Centre of Innovation and Learning, the new Senior STEAM facility provides a state-of-the-art Science Centre with flexible science laboratories. These have been established as a flexible discipline space to allow every opportunity for all students from all year levels.
The laboratories will be equipped to allow students many opportunities outside of the traditional Science paradigm with a more inquiry-based approach, allowing students to take greater ownership of their learning. Opportunities for the curriculum to link current real-world issues within class learning will be front and centre with the ability to stream a live feed of data and information directly to both student laptops and each of the laboratory’s interactive television screens.
Adjacent to the laboratories are breakout study spaces affording students opportunities to work either independently or collaboratively. Supportive Learning Studios are found further down the hall providing extra flexibility to the students’ learning.
Rounding out the Senior STEAM Facility is a large flexible Maker-Space that will provide students a place where they can come together to use materials in order to develop a range of creative projects such as F1 in Schools. Studies have shown that a Maker-Space fosters play, exploration and participatory learning, as well as aiding in developing a culture of creating as opposed to consuming.
Inspiring Creativity
The inclusion of a new Art facility located in the Centre of Innovation and Learning expands the opportunity for students to develop their creative talent. Two interconnected flexible Art Studios with supporting digital creative suites and a large adjoining Maker-Space for the expansion of the multimedia arts allow students to explore 3D animation, video and digital art, along with added 3D Design and Technology opportunities.
The new Centre of Innovation and Learning will provide the opportunity to showcase student works throughout its modern internal environment and with its stunning visual outlook around the campus and the city, students will be further inspired to greater creations.
A Centre for Music
Music is an integral component to the multidisciplinary approach for the new Centre of Innovation and Learning that will allow students to expand beyond music theory, performance and appreciation to enhance their own creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills with the interaction of the latest technologies.
Located along Wakefield Street on the ground floor as an active window to the Senior Campus, the facility provides a new large flexible rehearsal space with its hidden accessible stage floor, adjoining quality rehearsal pods and new uniquely shaped, high-end music practice rooms. A new wide operable glazed wall provides added transparency back into the Central Courtyard to further celebrate music performances for the college community and similarly, will establish lunch-time student/band performances to foster a greater social and inviting environment for all.
The rehearsal space will be utilised both by music classes and co‑curricular ensembles. In music classes, students will utilise the latest technology to find creative solutions to real-life projects and be involved in the entire creative journey from making music, recording, digitally editing /mixing and producing the final product. Students will have the opportunity to study and learn about both traditional and modern approaches to music that will provide pathways to careers in the music industry. After-hours, students will rehearse in the space as a member of one of our co-curricular ensembles. Ensembles will be able to live record rehearsals to provide real-time feedback to inform their music making and performance preparations.
As with every internal environment, the provision of high-quality acoustics, the use of controlled natural light and adjustable artificial lighting, the maximum exchange of fresh air and the use of quality, comfortable furniture will establish the best possible learning environment.
Space for Astronomy
Along with other existing elevated College environments, the new Roof Terrace of the new Centre of Innovation and Learning will provide for students a wonderful opportunity to be inspired against the backdrop of Adelaide’s CBD skyline and Adelaide Hills.
CBC has always celebrated Astronomy with its established connections to Universities and Astronomical Societies around Australia. The new Roof Terrace will include as a first for any school, a new state-of-the-art Observatory that can be remotely controlled with its motorised dome and high-quality telescope with recording camera that shall be shared with other international observatories around the world. This will allow CBC students and other astronomers to track celestial bodies by using this worldwide interconnected telescope array.
Even the existing observatory will be transformed to allow further astronomical study of day-time observations of our Sun and its corona. With the Australian and SA Space Agencies located just around the corner from the College, this will provide further connections for CBC students to explore, in this ever-expanding innovative field.
Further student opportunities include a new experimental testing deck to allow students to investigate a variety of the latest sustainable technologies, including testing and studying their own solar, wind and battery storage devices. The inclusion of a Roof Garden has also been provided to allow students to explore plant propagation and genetics. This feature will aid with further carbon capture and for students to explore in their new sustainable environment.
