An international jury has chosen an ‘app’ by Architectus aswinner in the Melbourne School of Design’s competition to revolutionise thehumble re-locatable classroom.
Ideas submitted to the Future Proofing Schools Design IdeasCompetition responded to a complex brief which outlined best internationalpractices in education, prefabrication, sustainable design and landscapeintegration.
The winning design idea from architecture firm Architectusproposed a computer ‘app’ with a suite of modules to be selected and organizedby each client group to suit their needs and location.
Tertiary studentAnastasia Globa developed a scheme that fully exploited the potential ofcomputer aided prefabrication techniques.
A render by Architectus of eMOD (Educational Modular Offsite Design).
Other winners of the competition include:
- Tertiary Student Competition: 1st prize:Anastasia Globa of Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Melbourne Student Competition: 1st prize:Ayrine Kwan, Melbourne School of Design
- High School Competition: Dinel Meyepa, Jack Huynh,Olivia Baenziger, James McMillan and Minh Nguyen.
Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planningat The University of Melbourne, Professor Tom Kvan said: “This is a significantcompetition, the first we know of to be included within a research programfunded by the Australian Research Council. Professionals and tertiary studentshave addressed the importance of the built environment for maximisingeducational outcomes.”
“We asked participants to re-imagine the way thatre-locatable teaching spaces should function. Instead of being tired, drearyspaces, we asked for designs to be both practical and delightful,” saidProfessor Kvan.
The Architectus Melbourne entry is described under three headings:
The Aim
To provide you with a portable building solution that is tailored to suit yoursite, climate and desired learning outcomes in an efficient, sustainable andadaptable way.
The System
eMOD (Educational Modular Offsite Design) is an adaptable modular design systemcomprising two separate modules 4.5m x 15m that can be configured to create abuilding solution to suit your site, climate and learning outcomes.
The App
This interactive educational design App allows you to explore, discover andcreate possibilities for the eMod system. The App has three modes, Learn,Create and Cheat. Each mode provides an opportunity to experience theversatility of the eMod system, and find a solution to future proof yourschool.
Try the app for yourself at www.edu-mod.com/.
Entries from students of the University of Melbourneexplored a variety of design approaches, from individual origami-like foldingstructures to urban scale ‘learning bridges’. In a parallel competition forhigh school students, Olivia Baenziger designed connecting hexagonal classroomsforming a ‘hive’ or integrated cluster of classrooms.
Professor Kvan said, “This is the inaugural event of our annual Ideas Incubatorrun by our Melbourne School of Design. Each year we will explore asignificant social issue and encourage debate through design.”
The Awards Ceremony and exhibition launch for the Future Proofing Schoolscompetition will be held on December 12, 6pm at the Wunderlich Gallery, at theUniversity of Melbourne.
The online exhibition displaying submissions is available on: www.msdincubator.com/gallery
