St Clare’s College Learning Commons

A multi-functional learning space

Originally conceived by Collins Pennington, the design of the Learning Commons is integral to its educational purpose as a multi-functional learning space.

Level 2 provides opportunities for senior students to socialise and study within an environment that is visually connected to the outside yet cocooned in the supportive structure of the Learning Commons.

Level 1 is focused on ‘reading’, with the design channeling students along the book stands with opportunities for individual, supported and collaborative reading.

The ground floor’s five unique but interconnected spaces encourage teachers to explore flexible and creative ways to teach.

A unifying design

The scale of the building unifies the existing 1960s campus, anchoring the college to Canberra Avenue and establishing it as a communal hub.

The pattern of vertical sunshade fins on the building’s façade is a nod to the rhythm of the surrounding buildings. The fins help regulate east and west sunlight while also providing privacy from the road and nearby developments.

The new hub connects to an original two-storey classroom wing of the campus, which we fought to retain and upgrade. This has resulted in an outcome that not only meets the educational needs of the college, but preserves the collegial character of the campus and exceeds energy efficiency standards.

The Learning Commons represents a meaningful investment in the future of its students, providing them with a dynamic and inspiring environment to foster their academic and personal growth.