Pascoe Vale Primary School project consists of three new buildings and refurbishment of existing buildings and landscape spaces undertaken over a six-year period. The first stage involved the extension of a neo-classical two-storey building designed by E. Evan Smith. The addition houses administration functions and continues the existing building’s masonry language and brick articulation. Stage Two involved the realisation of a new two-storey specialist learning facility (STEAM) with connected outdoor learning spaces. Cultural engagement with traditional owners resulted in the naming of the building, ‘Moondani’, which in Wurundjeri language means ‘embrace’.

Local artisans were engaged to integrate playful elements such as a Kookaburra play sculpture and trumpet artwork that illustrate stories developed with the Traditional Owners. Science motifs such as sun dials and solar system sculptures were integrated into the building to support a curriculum that aims to encourage students to embrace curiosity and sense of discovery.

The final stage is a new competition grade gymnasium with dedicated music rooms and an outdoor amphitheatre. A dedicated entry from the street, designed in collaboration with Indigenous artist Kent Morris, a Barkindji man, enables the community to use the facility independently and for the school to generate additional revenue.

Photography: Derek Swalwell