ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
AWARD WINNING FJCSTUDIO
FJCSTUDIO WINS THE 2024 WAF WORLD BUILDING OF THE YEAR FOR DARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL
fjcstudio was recently honoured with the World Architecture Festival ( WAF ) Building of the Year award for its work at Darlington Public School . This award is a recognition of fjcstudio ’ s commitment to innovative and sustainable design , firmly rooted in community values and cultural integration .
The school was chosen from among 42 category winners and over 200 shortlisted entries from around the world .
Repeat honors
This honor was a a repeat win for World Building of the Year for Sydney-based practice , fjcstudio , after first receiving the honour in 2013 for the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki . This is the first time that a practice has been a double recipient of this prestigious award .
Darlington Public School is a community school located in a thriving inner-city suburb of Sydney , with strong connections to Aboriginal people . The school serves as a model for innovative educational spaces , emphasising the integration of First Nations culture and sustainability .
Designed in collaboration with educational consultants , New Learning Environments , the school features adaptable learning hubs that foster collaboration and inclusivity . These spaces support active , quiet , and outdoor learning , creating a safe and inviting atmosphere that maximises natural light and ventilation . The design incorporates perforated screens that reflect the local casuarina trees , further connecting the school to its natural surroundings .
Connecting with Country
Central to the school ’ s design is the concept of Connecting with Country , developed through extensive consultation with First Nations Elders , artists , and the Aboriginal Art Group .
This collaboration resulted in the inclusion of Indigenous plants , art , and storytelling throughout the campus . QR codes link students and visitors to the stories of the land and plants , transforming the school into a living classroom where culture and environment are intertwined .
This thoughtful integration of cultural values makes the school a powerful example of place-based learning .
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