Education
Project
A theatre of invention for Western Sydney
HDR’s Factory of the Future at Western Sydney University turns an awkward slice of Bankstown City Campus into a hands-on learning environment for robotics, digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing.
Project
Student housing with room to settle in
AJC Architects’ EPIISOD Macquarie Park brings a more residential approach to student accommodation, pairing warm interiors with shared amenity and a strong connection to campus life.
Ideas
AI, education and 50 years of practice with Matthews Architects
Things get a little philosophical on the podcast as Gerald Matthews of Adelaide-based Matthews Architects discusses the state of architectural education, AI and the practice’s 50-year milestone.
News
Design stewardship with John Walsh
Following his appointment as Principal at Plus Studio’s Sydney office, architect John Walsh speaks with us about design culture, integrated typologies and why stretching the brief is often where the most meaningful outcomes emerge.
Project
Designing education on a grand scale
Monash University Malayasia will be making its presence felt with a grand new project in Kuala Lumpur.
Events
RIBA Gold Medal awarded to Níall McLaughlin
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that the Irish architect, educator and writer will receive the 2026 Royal Gold Medal for architecture.
Ideas
Architecture, democracy and feeling at home in our cities
The built environment is all around us; would the average citizen feel less alienated if the education system engaged more explicitly with it?
Project
Gray Puksand transforms workplaces into learning spaces
Gray Puksand’s adaptive reuse of former Melbourne office into Hester Hornbrook Academy’s new City Campus shows how architecture can support wellbeing, connection and community.
Events
Unsure about Designing with Country? Start with this event in October
Several design groups are coming together on 29th October, 2025 for ‘grounded,’ a day of talks and workshops on Country-centred design.
Ideas
A winning appointment
Leading by design, Erik L’Heureux has recently taken the helm of Monash University’s Department of Architecture, and so a new and exciting journey begins for both L’Heureux and the University.
Events
“Architecture is always about more than form; it is about meaning”: In conversation with Lina Ghotmeh
As French-Lebanese Architect Lina Ghotmeh prepares for lectures in Melbourne and Sydney, we hear about the philosophy shaping her internationally celebrated practice.
Project
Too cool for school
Joan Montgomery Centre PLC by Warren and Mahoney is a tour de force of education design, with high-end facilities including a swimming pool and general athletic amenities.
Workplace
The university of TAFE by Gray Puksand
A new $67.6 million facility at Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus in Victoria marks a shift in how vocational education is delivered in Australia.
Project
Leading the architectural charge
fjcstudio leads by design and the practice’s Melbourne studio is making quite the impact on the built landscape of Victoria.
Workplace
Classroom-meets-workplace at DesignInc’s new UNSW CBD campus
This clever conversion of a commercial building to a university campus is setting a new benchmark in rethinking vacant city sites.
Ideas
Connecting with Country – Kerrie Shepherd shares simple steps to make a start
Kerrie Shepherd is a Kamilaroi woman and Principal of Connecting with Country at Aboriginal-owned urban design company Yerrabingin, drawing on extensive lived experience with First Nations communities.
Project
Learning on display
Architectus has completed the Health and Community Centre of Excellence for Kangan Institute, an education facility featuring TAFE and more.
Project
Sibling Architecture responds to context and pedagogy
The Junior Learning Hub at Box Hill North Primary School is an adaptable and environmentally responsive addition that supports pedagogical needs while fortifying a strong sense of place.
Project
Sibling’s education design engages with the landscape
Aireys Inlet Primary School Art & Music Hub by Sibling Architecture is contingent on an interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, engineers and landscape specialists, all working within defined budgetary constraints.
Project
Art and learning take centre stage in new addition to Tarrawarra Museum of Art
Victoria’s art scene is humming with the opening of the new Eva and Marc Besen Centre designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA).
Project
New LIFE for Clonard College
Its beauty is in its form and function and The Oak Centre sits proud in the landscape of Clonard College.
Project
A school with an undulating difference
Fluid and flowing, Cocoon is a school that, through its architectural form, enhances the day-to-day rituals of learning and elevates the experience for the very young.
Project
Designed for social interaction: MGS Architect’s Kostka Building at Xavier College
For the Year 7 and 8 students of Xavier College, their dedicated Kostka Building feels warm, welcoming and offers myriad spaces for all types of social interaction. Living Edge has played an important role in this, working with MGS to supply furniture solutions that support their different learning activities.
News
Continuity and contemporaneity: Winning design team for new National Sculpture Garden revealed
Multidisciplinary team CO-AP Holdings has been announced as winners of the National Sculpture Garden Design Competition.
Ideas
Women in construction across India
Women play – and have for centuries played – a central role on construction sites in India. It’s something that western countries such as Australia might take note of and learn from.
Events
“We need to stop pretending it is for someone else to solve”: Carol Marra on climate crisis
We speak to architect Carol Marra following recent events focusing on climate-resilient design.
Project
A new era of education at Flinders City Campus by Architectus
Architectus elevates Flinders University’s Adelaide presence with a culturally resonant vertical campus, amalgamating advanced learning environments with industry integration and community engagement.
Project
A play on curves
A playground in Ahmedabad has been expertly crafted by Hsc Designs, promoting interaction and connection for the children who call it their own.
Project
fjcstudio’s dual INDE.Award-winning school
fjcstudio recently took out two INDE.Awards for Darlington Public School. Managing Principal and incoming AIA NSW Chapter President, Elizabeth Carpenter, tells us more.
Ideas
Hayball on inclusivity in education: A diverse range of spaces for a diverse range of students
Hayball Senior Associate Laura Ulph delves into the diverse needs of contemporary education design, with additional comments from Senior Associate Kerlina Bahari and Principal Harry Nicholas.
Events
Gathering around the edges in the Blue Mountains
The Regional Architecture Association (RAA) is set to host a three-day event focusing on regional architecture and its impact on the perception of place.
Project
Form follows function at the Nursing College Ashaktashram
The Nursing College Ashaktashram is a versatile and timeless addition to the Asakta Ashram Trust campus, designed to support educational growth while improving the architectural narrative of the area.
Ideas
Performing arts hubs: A case for cross-disciplinary creativity and community with Hayball
In this comment piece, Hayball’s Owen West, David Tweedie and Emma Parkinson make the case for an important dimension of education design.
Project
Going off the rails in Melbourne CBD
Merging heritage, hospitality and education design, Gray Puksand has restored a retired W-class Melbourne to become the CBD’s newest cafe.
Ideas
Today’s students expect more: Q&A with Architectus
We spoke to Architectus Principals, Marina Carroll and Diana Rosenthal, about meeting the needs of students today and the evolution of tertiary institutions.
Project
The art of learning at EYAS Kindergarten
Kokaistudios designed the EYAS Kindergarten as an innovative early-years educational facility built upon values of creativity, community and cohesion.
Events
Far North Queensland Awards honour architectural innovation and community impact
The annual Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards recently lauded innovative designs characterised by the positive impact of considerate architecture.
Project
Taigu Design, shaping the future of education in China
Taigu Design and CEIBS Shenzhen Campus have collaborated to design the first business school in China, signifying a shift in the region’s educational framework.
Project
Building futures: New TAFE NSW facility streamlines entry into construction sector
Gray Puksand’s construction-focused facility at TAFE NSW responds to the critical need for a resilient Australian construction industry.
Ideas
Tilt’s Tim Phillips on technology and the essence of industrial design
We spoke with Tilt’s Managing and Creative Director about industrial design, innovative technology and wellbeing within education spaces.
Ideas
Comment: Gray Puksand’s predictions for Australian architecture in 2024
In this comment piece, Gray Puksand’s National Managing Partner, Nik Tabain, outlines some anticipated trends for this year.
Articles
Weaving hidden First Nations stories into the built environment
An exciting new collaboration involving Autex Acoustics, Willie Weston and Lisa Waup colourfully brings First Nations design to high-performance acoustics.
Ideas
Comment: Encouraging children to thrive in sustainable and inclusive outdoor classrooms
Hamish Dounan, Director of Sydney-based landscape architecture studio, CONTEXT, shares his insights on the possibilities of outdoor learning in education design.
News
Community, adaptability and a proud heritage at Hayball’s Scientia Terrace
With emphases on context, place, STEM and social value, Hayball has created a thriving educational environment in North Sydney.
News
Experiential design in the education sector with TURNER
The team at TURNER has amplified learning outcomes for students and teachers at Santa Sophia Catholic College in Box Hill, Sydney, adding to the work of BVN.
Ideas
Hayball comment: The importance of understanding space in enabling innovative learning experiences
In this comment piece, Hayball Principal, Dr Fiona Young, considers what it means to really understand education spaces and design for deep learning.
News
Adaptive reuse wins the day at BVN’s UQ Brisbane City
BVN’s redesign of this heritage site has created a new city campus in Brisbane featuring a varied range of functional spaces and long-term flexibility.
Project
New schools rule: 7 ground-breaking education designs
In no particular order, we bring you some of the most inspiring, unique and unusual recent projects across education design that have also featured in the INDE.Awards.
Events
AIA Gold Medallist Kerstin Thompson at the World Architecture Festival
Timothy Alouani-Roby caught up with the Melbourne-based architect at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) after her AIA Gold Medal speech.
Events
Five insights from Australian designers at the 2023 World Architecture Festival
We asked prominent designers travelling to Singapore a simple question: what does Australian design bring to WAF? Here are the five main topics that came up.
News
First look: Architectus unveils preliminary design concepts for UNE Tamworth Campus
The University of New England (UNE) recently hosted a community reveal of Architectus’ initial vision for the proposed Tamworth campus. We walk you through the update.
Project
Rooftop renewal of a Sydney modernist gem
Ground-breaking in its day and an icon of Australian campus architecture, the University of Sydney’s Fisher Library is celebrating 60 years with a very special reactivation.
Project
CHES manifests new modes of learning in pre-tertiary education
This pre-tertiary education facility by Fieldwork and Brand Architects elevates modern day learning through connections with nature, progressive sustainability measures and flexible work spaces. Check out CHES.
Project
Meadowbank Tafe poised to become central hub of skills-based learning
Australia’s first tertiary campus with the facilities to host both trade and digital skills-based education under one roof is now complete. Designed and delivered by Gray Puksand, the campus is ready to address Australia’s skills shortages.
Project
Collaborative laboratories at the ANU with Hassell
Canberra’s Australian National University has a new facility in the Hassell-designed Research School of Physics. It’s taking science into the future and a new era of capability.
Project
Case study: Biophilic design tactics in Australian school design
More relevant than ever, biophilia has become a centrepiece of education design. Speaking with Lyons, ThomsonAdsett, Capral, Krause and more, we gain insight into the best products and smartest approaches dissolving the boundaries between inside and out.
Project
“From council car park to vertical campus”: Bankstown City Campus by HDR
HDR, in collaboration with Walker Corporation and Lyons, has designed Western Sydney University’s new 26,500 square metre vertical Bankstown City Campus as part of a $340M investment in the area.
Project
The vertical campus turned outside in: Wurun Senior College
The winner of The Learning Space at the 2023 INDE.Awards has been named: Wurun Senior Campus by GHD Design and Grimshaw.
Events
Who’s been On The Move throughout August?
It’s been a busy month as usual across the design industry in Australia and the wider Asia Pacific. We track the latest promotions and moves.
Project
“The most visited place on campus”: TL Robertson Library at Curtin University
This library’s design aims to elevate the student experience and offer something extraordinary. Gillian Serisier interviews Hames Sharley and Schmidt Hammer Lassen about the design.
Ideas
Are these the last days of architecture? Q&A with Gerald Matthews
Gerald Matthews, managing director of Matthews Architects in Adelaide, is an architect willing to engage with the profession’s biggest issues. We asked him about AI, architectural education and more.
Project
Case study: How we design spaces for lifelong learning
Leanne Amodeo sets out to find places that nurture our enthusiasm for lifelong learning with facilities designed to feed the mind and the soul. She tours us through the quietly powerful learning spaces of The Hedberg in Hobart, and POMT’s workplace in Sydney.
News
One architect’s journey from Everest Base Camp to rebuilding education in Nepal
Since the Nepal earthquakes of 2015, architect Neill Johanson of Davenport Campbell has been working to rebuild schools and support communities in Nepal’s remote regions. It’s a pro-bono project that has expanded from emergency efforts to a wider and longer-lasting vision.
Project
Mixing it up – Port Melbourne Secondary College by BLP
This secondary school design challenges convention of form and facilitates the new thinking that is shaping pedagogical environments. Here’s how.
Project
Wurun Senior Campus, the height of education design in Melbourne
Winner of The Learning Space at 2023 INDE.Awards, Wurun Senior Campus by GHD Design and Grimshaw features terraces in the sky and dynamic learning neighbourhoods that turn the vertical school model outside-in. Senior year just got better.
Events
CIRCA, the university journal reinvigorating architectural discourse
Students at the University of Sydney launched CIRCA last year with the aim of creating a platform for architectural discourse for students and professionals alike. After a series of successful events, the second issue is under construction.
VIC
“Imagining a future history”: The six new schools of outer Melbourne
The task facing ARM Architecture was to create six new schools across five sites in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
Events
Anita B. Lawrence Centre launches: 25-year anniversary marks renaming of UNSW Red Centre
As part of UNSW’s Celebrating Women on Campus project, the home of UNSW’s School of Built Environment has been renamed in honour of a trailblazing architecture graduate.
Project
Spontaneity and collaboration in the place where unicorns work
Adaptable, neurodiverse work settings define this boundary-pushing workplace designed by Geyer for fintech unicorn, Tyro, and its next-gen talent.
Events
Architectus and Conrad Gargett merger complete
Business operations at the two renowned design firms have officially merged. The news will mean that the newly merged practice will be one of Australia’s largest.
Project
An education in revitalisation: BSPN in Somerville House’s heritage heart
BSPN has restored Fewings Building’s Queenslander vernacular, recapturing its former glory while bringing it well and truly into the 21st century.
Articles
Modern seating with a classic twist
The humble stacking chair receives a contemporary facelift with the new Aula chair by Wilkhahn.
Ideas
Intersecting innovations: Accelerating advances in science through collaborative infrastructure
In this comment piece, Graeme Spencer, national director of science and education at HDR, discusses the state of scientific and technological innovation across the design industry.
VIC
The school that went underground: Ivanhoe’s world class sporting complex
At Ivanhoe Grammar, McIldowie Partners has tackled a demanding brief head-on. With multiple levels and a wealth of facilities, the new Sports and Aquatic Centre brings top class facilities without losing a connection to the landscape.
Ideas
A portrait of the architect as a young man
No, this not a review of James Joyce’s latest novel. Timothy Alouani-Roby spoke with Matthews Architects’ managing director, Gerald Matthews, and recently registered architect, Aiden Moon, about the changing face of architectural education and the transition to practice.
News
Transforming life in the library: Spowers at Chadstone Campus
Through a strategy of reusing materials and maintaining the existing layout, Spowers has transformed the Chadstone campus library in Victoria. With strong input from end-users, the fit-out is a model of sustainable and conscientious design.
Events
Autex Acoustics, supporter of The Learning Space category in the 2023 INDE.Awards
As the supporter of The Learning Space in the 2023 INDE.Awards, Autex Acoustics is passionate about education and providing the best products to aid teaching and learning. However, there is so much more to this company who have a world view of sustainability and helping our planet repair.
Ideas
Q&A: Offline versus online learning with Spowers’ Scott Allardyce
Spowers is a Victorian design practice, delivering architecture, interior design and masterplanning across a range of sectors. Hear director Scott Allardyce’s take on equitable hybrid learning environments.
Project
“Stronger than before” – Clifton Creek Primary School revived from the ashes of 2020
The devastating 2019-2020 bushfires forever changed Australia’s physical and spiritual landscape – especially for rural communities such as Clifton Creek, Victoria. Architecture firm AOA Christopher Peck recently delivered a message of hope to the people of Clifton Creek with the rebuild of its beloved primary school.
Ideas
Scott Alterator on designing learning environments
Architects are re-evaluating how to design learning environments for the future. Melbourne-based education consultant and qualitative researcher Scott Alterator works with design teams to create highly functional education settings through a collaborative consultation process, resulting in student-centric environments that bring the best out of all end users.
Ideas
Raising the design EQ with Marina Carroll
The complexities of modern education projects demand we leave our biases behind and open our ears to those on the edges of the process. We hear from Architectus’ national education sector leader, Marina Carroll.
Project
ThomsonAdsett and Law Architects’ biophilic design delivers the calm in Melbourne’s Wollert Primary School
Former principal at ThomsonAdsett, Sally Brincat, sits down with Leanne Amodeo to discuss the importance of biophilic design in shaping Wollert Primary School, one of the projects featured in Indesign 88: The Education Outlook Issue.
Ideas
Monica Edwards comment: Seizing the aha! moment
In this article, SJB’s Monica Edwards writes on how straddling the role of educator and designer can help us pose the questions that really matter in learning environments, and in life.
Events
27 educators, tech trailblazers and innovators honoured
A science educator, a parliamentary science champion, an international force for tackling climate change, solar panel innovators and computer science advocates are among the game-changing group of Fellows elected this year to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).
Project
Embedded in the bushland: Elkhorn Building by m3architecture
Purposefully engaged with its surrounding landscape, this University of Queensland precinct by m3architecture ensures plants are always the focus.
Project
Four schools in one: Gray Puksand’s masterful plan for Greater Shepparton Secondary College
Bringing four schools into one, Greater Shepparton Secondary College has seen Gray Puksand masterplan an entire campus and modelled a benchmark for future multi-school amalgamations.
Project
m3architecture’s masterful restoration of the Treacy Precinct
Ten years in the making, the restoration of the Treacy Precinct in Boondall, Queensland by m3architecture is well worth the wait.
Workplace
Lighting design that helps humanise the office
How can lighting design help us create human workspaces and harmonise spatial functionality? Willow Aliento reports.
Project
Mixed-use design enhances learning at The Hedberg
Designed by LIMINAL Architecture with WOHA, The Hedberg in Tasmania sets the scene for a new way to educate. Welcome to the winner of The Learning Space, INDE.Awards 2022.
Project
Redesigning education: At home with Ngutu College
As a place of learning and a breakdown of barriers, Ngutu College, designed by Matthews Architects, is a place that gives back to the Indigenous Community on Kaurna Country.
Articles
Beauty and science: 6 learning spaces that put flooring first
We select 6 inspiring education projects that showcase how science-backed carpet tiles can be used to elevate education environments.
Project
McBride Charles Ryan: Engaging students, embracing growth
McBride Charles Ryan looks ‘outside the box’ with its designs. Colourful and engaging, many of the practice’s award-winning designs can be found at Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School’s campuses.
Project
INDE.Awards 2022 winners announced!
The auditorium was full, the vibe electric and the winners truly outstanding last night at the INDE.Awards Gala. Scroll the Indo Pacific’s most outstanding projects and people, here.
Project
Geological wonderland at Curtin University
Janet Laurence teams up with John Wardle Architects to hero WA’s most precious rocks in an architecturally crafted ‘cabinet of curiosity’.
Project
To create amazing things we must work together
Beyond the realm of academia, RMIT’s administrative offices, or RMIT Our Place, by ARM Architecture called for a series of curated, tech-savvy spaces to appeal to its diversity of workers.
Project
Bean Buro strikes a delicate balance
This agile, comfortable destination by Bean Buro puts the emphasis on a soothing and encouraging environment – the perfect place for learning about the retail trade.
Articles
Read and learn: rugs for libraries and education settings
In collaboration with Designer Rugs, we explore the role of flooring in well designed educational projects and the benefits of specifying rugs in school, library or university projects.
Project
EcoKid Kindergarten nurtures the next generation of Vietnamese children
Architecture has the power to impact society and change the way people live. Case in point is EcoKid Kindergarten which encourages holistic learning through environmentally conscious architecture.
Project
Pinghe Bibliotheater: An ocean of knowledge for students
Part library, part theatre, Pinghe Bibliotheater by OPEN Architecture presents an ocean of knowledge for students of Qingpu Pinghe International School in Shanghai, China.
Ideas
Designing for inclusivity: Key learnings for designing alternative flexible education schools
Research by Gray Puksand found that a sensitive, community-focussed approach was key to ensuring alternative flexible education schools best support students, Mark Freeman reports.