The five key issues in education design that impact learning and wellbeing

Our environment has a profound effect on us. It can impact everything from our level of concentration and productivity to our health and emotional wellbeing. Yet many schools aren't designed in a way that maximises learning outcomes, fosters community, encourages play, and prioritises student and teacher wellbeing.

Could your school be one of them? To help you, here are the five key issues in education design that impact learning and wellbeing that we identified through analysing over 140 schools in Australia.

1. Classroom layouts prevent learning opportunities

Gone are the days when every classroom layout has rows of desks facing the teacher and whiteboard. With each child learning differently, it’s important that the modern classroom features flexible learning areas for students to be able to learn in multiple ways – with the teacher, by themselves, and in varying group sizes through their peers.

For this to happen effectively, classrooms spaces need to be designed to have different areas that cater for collaborative work and discussion, allow for quiet individual work and retreat, and encourage focus time with the teacher at the front of the room. Open planning, breakout areas and flexible furniture are key to creating this flexibility within the classroom.

2. Children don’t have the flexibility to learn outside

While children thrive in routine, their performance can be impacted by working in the same environment all the time. By creating outdoor classroom environments, teachers and students can venture outside when the weather allows for different learning opportunities.

Combining adaptable indoor learning spaces with flexible outdoor spaces that are large enough for full class groups, students are given many varied opportunities for interaction, performance, collaboration, and connection to nature.

This not only boosts student engagement, but it also minimises costs of lighting and air-conditioning while providing greater connection to the landscape and better working conditions.

3. There are inadequate views to landscape from classrooms

Increasing the proportion of natural landscape within our immediate environments is key to improving both our physical and emotional health. In a study into ‘school landscape environments,’ it was suggested “that the function of schools’ landscape has significantly related to efforts of assisting the learning processes and nourishing environmental appreciation among students” (Ali, Rostam & Awang, 2015).

But unfortunately, some classrooms (even on the ground floor) don’t have adequate views to landscape. Increasing views to landscape, which can encompass a variety of natural and constructed spaces including open fields, gardens, shelters and open pavilions, reflective areas, and water bodies to name a few, can be a quick and easy way to improve student learning and wellbeing.

4. The inability for children to run and use their energy when needed

It’s no secret that physical activity is good for our health and improves our ability to think clearly. Yet the design of many schools and classrooms don’t allow children the opportunity to have regular times to move their body to increase their learning potential.

Throughout our consultation with teachers, we heard time and time again that the traditional classroom layout of desks facing a teacher doesn't allow kids an outlet for their abundant energy. This can lead to children being fidgety, distracting others or misbehaving.

The modern classroom model needs to allow space within the classroom inside and outside for children to use energy when they need to while still being a part of the class.

5. Carbon Dioxide build up from a lack of fresh air

While many schools install air-conditioning for the comfort of students and teachers, what many people are unaware of is that the quality of air can be dramatically affected. In environments with split system air-conditioning and no fresh air intake, air is simply moved around the room but not replaced, leading to a build-up of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) throughout the day, which affects the cognitive ability and learning capability of students in the classroom.

In 2016, a study done by researchers at Harvard and Syracuse University found that human cognitive function declined by about 15% when indoor CO₂ reached 945 parts per million and crashed by 50% when indoor CO₂ reached 1,400 parts per million. Environments with split system air-conditioning can quickly reach these levels, especially after lunch when 30 sweaty kids re-enter the classroom after running around for an hour.

It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? We put students into classrooms and exam rooms that are air-conditioned for their comfort only to create the worst possible air quality for them to perform and compete against other schools in.

The good news is that through sustainable initiatives both the comfort and air quality of classrooms can be improved. While there are times when air-conditioning must be used, there are times when air-conditioning could be minimised by using a more effective passive ventilation design (like louvres) that will allow greater fresh air and breezes through the classroom. Ducted systems with fresh intake are very important in the classroom as are CO₂ monitors for any rooms that already have split system units installed.

Do measures like this make an impact, you might ask? A study done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that examined the costs and benefits of green schools for Washington State estimated a 15% reduction in absenteeism and a 5% increase in test scores.

If you would like to book a School Audit to see how your school performs in these areas and more, call us today on (07) 3870 9700 (Brisbane) or (03) 8547 5000 (Melbourne).

Considerations in special needs schools and autistic learning

By Pat Giles 

Going to Prep school when young can be a daunting thing. It may be your first time learning and playing outside of home, in a big new space surrounded by unfamiliar children and adults, and possibly the first time without a family member being there to give you comfort and feel safe.

These early memories form the foundation of your relationship with school, how you begin to socialise with others, and your motivation to be educated. They are the first steps in beginning a learning process that will be part of your life until early adulthood. It’s a pivotal moment that directly sets up your educational journey, the routine of school life, and the experiences that go with it.

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD), this experience is even more challenging. As a diagnosis in early ages, it can manifest in difficulties communicating, restrictive and repetitive behaviour, and other symptoms hurting a child’s capability to function properly in everyday life. 

These children need selective attention as they are more sensitive to social behaviours and stimulants than typical (or ‘neurotypical’) children. It is in response to this treatment that special needs schools - early learning facilities equipped to cater to children with ASD - are established. As designers, it is our fundamental responsibility to ensure the architecture surrounding these children facilitates this stage of their learning, and the experience itself builds a positive connection with school moving forward.

Independent Learning

The aim of designing early learning schools for children with ASD is establishing a supportive setting where students can achieve autonomy for the mainstream education system in the years beyond graduation. For this to work, schools need a curriculum and infrastructure in place for these students to develop natural skills in learning, problem-solving, and independent thinking before they transition into regular primary schools.

These skills are a coping mechanism for children with ASD, which enable students to grow in confidence as they learn. These are derived from seven design principles catered to Autistic sensitivities; Acoustics, Spatial Sequencing, Escape Spaces, Compartmentalisation, Transition spaces, Sensory zoning, and Safety.

Coping Skills - Generalisation

As a term, Generalisation refers to students with ASD having the ability to feel comfortable learning in a mainstream school without special assistance. It usually involves the process of a child understanding the daily routine of a school day, participating in activities with other students, and adapting to tasks that require independent learning, problem-solving, and social interaction.* Generalisation can range in difficulty for Autistic children but is a necessary issue that must be overcome for successful integration to mainstream schools. 

Pathway to Learning Concept: Children with ASD

The Greenhouse Effect

This term is a label for environments catered too specifically to children with ASD, or if activities in a mainstream school setting are too unrecognisable. Consequently, a child is unable to cope in this space due to an unfamiliarity with general classroom activities and the structure of mainstream learning. Under these scenarios, the value of a prep school can be lost as a student requires re-education, placing their performance behind the standard curriculum.**

There are no absolute design methods for determining when children with ASD revert to using coping skills and when they exert general behaviour. The educational approach should be a healthy balance of both patterns, with architectural design assisting spaces in ensuring the ability to learn independently. 

Spatial Design

There are a few distinctions made in Architectural design that cater to children with ASD. They differ to regular classrooms and teaching spaces in mainstream schools. Still, these differences are crucial to ensure children work in comfortable environments with minimal distraction that encourages mental development and guide the routines of everyday school life.

A recent working model with these traits was developed in Guymer Bailey’s design for Western Autistic School in Niddrie. This exercise was through consultation with Irabina Autistic Services and the ASPECTSS Design Index***, which are evidence-based guidelines that help build environments for children with ASD. The layout of a new teaching block on-site was structured to create safe, internal courtyard enclosures linked by classrooms, allowing for external stimuli to be removed or controlled in different areas. 

Classroom Learning

A standard teaching space was designed as a single or double-classroom module, intended as flexible-use learning areas for various year groups ensuring the space could accommodate several learning programs without the need to re-purpose the teaching environment. Classrooms contain six to eight children at a time, with up to four staff to maintain supervision and concentration.

Sensory rooms and student amenities are directly adjacent to the classrooms and act as escape spaces that are easily accessible from both sides. Natural light is maintained at focused levels to control diffusion and avoid visual distraction.  Windows are slimmed to obscure outdoor activity and reduce glare and are strategically placed around outdoor landscapes to prevent external attention. Internal glazing with observation points to monitor children’s behaviour by staff and parents. 

Most importantly, retreat space is provided for escape from over-stimulation in the classroom, where children can feel safe and protected. Gardens are directly accessible from class, individualised to each room, and dispersed with soft, natural materials, colours and scents. These natural areas provide physical refuge but feel safe and protective while remaining under close staff surveillance.

Standard classroom model - teaching blocks

Standard classroom model - section

ASD classroom model concepts and realised teaching block layout

Natural Play

Playgrounds and open spaces can be intimidating for children with ASD. This distress comes from the child’s stimuli, where large areas full of sights and sounds can bombard the senses and provoke uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.

Autistic children have a general tendency to find engagement in free play more actively and equivalently than neurotypical children. However, social participation itself can be a struggle and can lead to solitary behaviour in playgrounds and outdoor spaces. This struggle to socialise with other children over time can manifest in personal difficulties like developing motor skills, balance, coordination and self-awareness.

Landscape design of the Western Autistic School, Niddrie

Playspaces should be designed in ways where children recognise, separate and control their surroundings, and in doing so, organically learn when to participate in group activities, retreat quietly, and move outside their comfort zone. In tangible form, this can be facilitated through equipment to coach a child’s stability (low-level balancing beams and stepper courses), coordination (rope climbing and climbing posts) and cognitive movement (stepper courses and run patterns), to allow safe play and provide outlets for expendable energy. 

Outdoor teaching spaces should be designed to provide safe, informal class settings that develop children’s familiarity with natural shapes, textures, and scents. In early learning, this is particularly encouraged, as providing a variety of natural materials and planting elicits emotive responses, builds focus and creates a calm, comfortable connection to the environment.

In this respect, landscape spaces for children with ASD form extensions of the learning processes happening in the classroom, with an underlining theme of naturality; the natural development of a child learning to cope with a range of emotional, social and physical differences; and the ability to foster this growth in a natural setting.

Perspective

 What has fascinated me the most about designing for children with ASD is that the planning process challenges a standardised approach to educational environments, and in doing so, demonstrates that physical changes in these spaces lead to safer and more productive classrooms to learn and build confidence in. 

Working with special needs schools, it’s encouraging to know there is a sincere effort to channel this form of learning by the staff and the school communities. This enthusiasm motivates us as design professionals to ensure our creative approach translates into buildings and landscapes that support young minds on the Autism spectrum.

About the Author

Pat Giles is a registered Architect and a valued member of our educational design team in Melbourne. He has managed projects of varying scales across multiple sectors in both Western Australia and Victoria. He brings a creative attitude to projects and enjoys the tasks of managing school projects and working in partnership with multiple specialists.

* Promoting Generalisation of Positive Behaviour Change

* Designing Buildings for Children with Autism

***National Autistic Society, Designs for Living

Guymer Bailey Announced Principal Consultant on Southern Queensland Correctional Centre

The Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, has announced Guymer Bailey Architects as the successful Principal Consultant for the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre project near Gatton.

“I’m pleased to have Guymer Bailey Architects on board, as they have extensive experience in designing major infrastructure projects. When completed, this state-of-the-art facility will deliver approximately 1,000 beds for male prisoners. It will mean safer, less crowded, more effective prisons statewide, which will help reduce recidivism and keep communities safer.” he said.

Guymer Bailey Architects have been the lead design consultant on many of Australia’s most innovative correctional projects including the Hopkins Correctional Centre, Ravenhall Correctional Centre and Chisholm Road Prison Project.

Guymer Bailey Directors, Phil Jackson and Kavan Applegate, expressed that the team are thrilled to be working with the Queensland Government on the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.

“With the prisoner population growing across Australia, it’s vital that the current and future design of prisons have a greater focus on rehabilitation to reduce recidivism rates, we’re excited to be bringing this rehabilitative approach to the design of the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.” Phil Jackson said.

“The physical environment of a prison influences prisoners, staff, and visitors in a myriad of ways. This leaves us as architects of correctional facilities with a great opportunity, but also a substantial responsibility.” Kavan Applegate said.

According to Minister Ryan, the $618.8 million, 1000-bed facility is a landmark infrastructure project for the Palaszczuk Government and a historic investment in security safety.

The project, which is planned for completion in 2022-23, will be led by Guymer Bailey Associate Craig Blewitt, who specialises in creating therapeutic environments that promote rehabilitation.

“The design will utilise evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism through enhanced mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services,” he said.

The new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre is the first new correctional centre built in Queensland since 2012. 

Nine key considerations in court design

Like all design exercises, there is a range of considerations when designing for Courts. Through this article, we will explore nine of these considerations – humanity, symbolism, tradition, innovation, security, efficiency, workplace, safety and technology – and how they influence the way we design justice architecture.

1. Humanity

One of the reasons “courtroom dramas” feature so heavily in books and movies is the heightened emotions and various tensions surrounding most judicial events. This, combined with the potential for the justice system to be seen as imposing and institutional, can create a de-humanised experience.

A key challenge for court designs is to mitigate, or at least not exacerbate, the feelings of anxiety, fear or intimidation that many feel when thrust into the Court system. The designer needs to be aware of issues around dignity, legibility and equity in contemporary courtroom design.

How does this translate to bricks and mortar or chairs and tables? A good example here is the question of the witness stand or dock.

“Research suggests that a defendant sitting in a glass-encased dock is twice as likely to be convicted…. Meanwhile, the jury is out on whether body language can be interpreted – should witness boxes conceal the person giving evidence? …and should a jury table be round, oval or rectangular, to avoid one person being seen as unequal?”

Ray Edgar, “New Shepparton court building tackles stress through design” The Age 12/03/2018

2. Symbolism

Photography by: Scott Burrows Photographer

Courts are steeped in symbols and symbolism. This makes the need to harness or control the symbolic content of any court design a crucial element of the design.

Metaphor and ritual play a strong role in courts, from Themis (Lady Justice blindfolded with her sword and scales) on down. At Shepparton, the town's strong Koori culture features in the court entrance. Wrapped layered timbers abstract the Koori court logo of a giant tree and its roots. The projecting layers suggest a canopy, a metaphor for a protective and secure meeting place. The tree motif extends throughout the building and is inlaid into the Koori court table.

Ray Edgar, “New Shepparton court building tackles stress through design” The Age 12/03/2018

Symbolism ranges from the grander, large scale gestures such as the ‘tree’ as a central metaphor at Shepparton Courts of Law, a project designed in partnership with Architectus, to small elements such as having judges positioned a step or two above the majority of the court.

We're trying to make less of the authoritarian symbols visible, so it becomes more inviting, less threatening. Our focus is the support of occupants through these processes. For us, that's what a modern court building is about.

Mark Wilde, Architectus

3. Tradition

Photography by: Scott Burrows Photographer

As a key institution in the social fabric of modern society, Courts come freighted with layers of tradition. Many are essential to preserve and foster; others deserve to be challenged as to whether they meet contemporary expectations.

Which is which? An example of a tradition to foster is the viewing gallery which allows proceedings to be witnessed by any member of the public to ensure transparency and oversight. In contrast, the opportunity to innovate with technology illustrates where a traditional value (the right to see your accuser in court) can be adapted to modern practices.

Traditionally, courts would have been closed rooms employing rich detailing and prestige materials to reinforce the serious nature of proceedings and authority of the court. A contemporary change in court design is to create courts that are light, open and transparent with a clean, sophisticated use of materials.

An equally powerful and consistent metaphor is told through the building's materials – the court is either transparent or, for reasons of privacy, translucent.

Ray Edgar, “New Shepparton court building tackles stress through design” The Age 12/03/2018

4. Innovation

One consequence of tradition in courtroom design is the opportunity for innovation. A good example here is the increasing use of in-court technologies in most judicial systems. Remote witness testimony allows vulnerable witnesses to appear and testify without the stress that can flow from being close to the accused. From the simple proposition of telepresence flows a range of physical, psychological and logistical considerations for the architect designing the spaces.

Another example of innovation which impacts court design is the expansion of third-party support services such as the Court Network, Cubby House or therapy dogs. Increasingly these are viewed as important ‘soft’ support services, which are included in courthouses to assist people navigating the stress and strains of the judicial process. With each comes a web of proximities and relationships to consider, as well as the physical space and infrastructure for them to operate.

5. Security

The consideration of security comes in to play in a range of ways. Firstly, and possibly most obviously in a post 9/11 world, there is a need for venues to be secure from hostile intent. Many of these important issues are addressed well before attendants reach the courtroom through screening or scanning, control of access or surveillance.

Next is the thought that some in attendance may be in custody and literally, need to be secured. For prisoners or remandees in custody, this involves a considerable ‘back-of-house’ infrastructure leading to their arrival in court. Courts are also the location for confidential matters with other security considerations, for example, acoustic privacy.

6. Efficiency

Photography by: Guymer Bailey Architects

The delivery of justice and the court system in general, are a costly public service, which all Courts are well aware of and seek to improve. In addressing this, all courts seek to be efficient, while striking a delicate balance with being thorough. A similar balance needs to be struck in designing the spaces and place in a court. The obvious example here is circulation in a courthouse or court complex.

In most court projects there are at least four separate systems of circulation – public, staff, judges and persons-in-custody. There can also be separate paths for jurors and witnesses, particularly vulnerable witnesses. At face value, this is incredibly inefficient and requires considerable space, even multiple elevators leading to attendant expense. However, the need for judges and staff to be at ‘arms-length’, for witnesses to feel safe and those in custody to be securely held are more over-riding priorities than the simplest, minimum configuration of circulation.

An example of good efficiency gains on the design front can be found in great wayfinding. Enabling practitioners, the public and staff to move efficiently to a destination through clear signage and logical adjacencies provides effective efficiency.

Scale and space help people avoid confrontation. Clear wayfinding is also important.

Ray Edgar, “New Shepparton court building tackles stress through design” The Age 12/03/2018

7. Workplace

Photography by: Guymer Bailey Architects

Another consideration in the design process is approaching the design as a workplace – since it is for judges, counsel, court staff, etc. Some of these are employees of the court; others are in court as a part of their working day. An example of the impact of considering this in the design is evaluating screening systems and who is able to skip this process due to prequalification.

Some courts allow legal practitioners to have access passes. Others require all legal practitioners and police prosecutors, their paperwork or electronic evidence and so forth, to pass through screen systems. This simple choice significantly changes the process of arriving at court and the times and space involved.

Another example is the incorporation of opportunities for landscaping, plants and biophilia. A great example of this is the hanging gardens and breakout areas included in QEII Courts of Law in Queensland.

8. Safety

Safety and security are related, but different considerations. A secure facility can restrict access to only peoples expected to be there, but if it allows a distressed person to be violent, then it is unsafe. Safety also ranges from the physical to the emotional. An example of this is providing segregation between parties in conflict, or between judges and the public.

While these are important, technical aspects to get right in the design, due to the nature of the adversarial justice system, the key consideration for designers regarding safety is the creation of an emotionally safe space, where intimate, personal, or painful matters can be explored to establish truth, trust and deliver justice.

"It noted significant deficiencies…It wasn't really a safe environment…because [people are] often exposed and having to share the same space as the perpetrators."

Ray Edgar, “New Shepparton court building tackles stress through design” The Age 12/03/2018

9. Technology

Like most of modern society, evolving technology is having significant impacts on the operation of courts. This ranges from the inclusion of remote access/witness programmes to the use of multimedia, trial management systems or physical aids like iPads in use for juries. Our experience across numerous jurisdictions shows the careful consideration courts apply to the technologies that are beneficial.

A good example of the maximised inclusion of technology in courts can be seen in the Moot Court at Monash University. Created as a teaching space, it is also very much an exploration of what the next steps for integrated technology in courtrooms can be in the near future.

As you can see, the design of courts requires a complex, multifaceted consideration of the technical and intangible aspects that are part of the modern court. All play a part in the success of the spaces created, whether it is the layout, material selection, acoustics or embedded symbolism.

A Tribute to Ralph: Q&A with Guymer Bailey Landscape’s Rob Waddell

This year we say goodbye to our remaining founder, Ralph Bailey, as he heads into retirement. As an AIA Life Fellow, Ralph has had an impressive career spanning five decades and has built a reputation for designing award-winning architecture and landscaping in the community, education, corrections, justice and resorts sectors.

To honour Ralph, and celebrate his time here at Guymer Bailey, we sat down with Principal Landscape Architect, Rob Waddell, who has had the privilege of being mentored by Ralph over the last two decades. We hope you enjoy, as we have, getting a small glimpse into the impact Ralph has had, and the legacy he leaves behind.

How long have you known Ralph?

I’ve known Ralph since I was six years old. I went to primary school with Ralph’s son Luke. He also gave me my first Landscape Architecture job back in 2002 when I was 19 years old and a 3rd year student.

If you had to capture Ralph in just a few words, how would you describe him?

A passionate, dedicated and talented architect, a reliable friend and mentor, and as stubborn as a mule!

What have you learned from him as a mentor?

Ralph has taught me more than anyone in terms of design and technical skills. He has also taught me to back yourself and advocate strongly for what you believe in – particularly with regards to design.

Do you have a favourite moment?

There are many. Though the best would have to be receiving the QLD Architecture Medal for the Frew Park Arena Play Structure together with Ralph. The project epitomises the true collaborative working relationship we’ve had for many years. That and the lovely speech he gave at our wedding.

On the lighter side, Ralph has been a pretty good sport when the subject of practical jokes, some of which were instigated by me. Years ago, I doctored a fake letter from a Queensland Police client saying Guymer Bailey had been terminated from a project due to Ralph’s unpaid traffic offences. We had to tell him it was a joke to stop him from ringing the client. He was pretty annoyed initially, but months later he eventually saw the funny side.

Another memorable moment was at the Anderson Street Office. Ralph is a notorious hoarder and his old workspace used to resemble a human sized bird’s nest. One time his desk collapsed under the weight and all the paper flew out across the mezzanine and showered down on everyone working on the lower level.

Lastly, there was the time he accidently heated his meat pie in the microwave for 20 minutes instead of two minutes on the weekend. He smoked out the office and the meat pie had completely petrified to the microwave plate. Ralph was so amazed that he kept it to show everyone the next Monday.

What is the best advice Ralph has given you?

Earning the trust of the client is of the utmost importance and this means approaching each project with conviction and fighting for what you believe in.

What will you miss most with him retiring?

His presence. There is always a comfort knowing that he is available and nearby to provide assistance, support or advice.

What legacy do you think he leaves behind in the company and sector as a whole?

The company carries his name, which is synonymous with quality and architecture and high standards in customer service.

Biophilic Design in Prisons

By Rachel Hur

Scenario

Imagine that you are in a cubicle located in the middle of the office floor plate. Your office has a glazed front, but you are looking into another open office. You have no real window or view to the outside, so you can't tell if it's raining outside or sunny. If you are lucky, and you do have a window, it's fixed, and you are looking into an office in the neighbouring building that is five metres away.

The fluorescent lighting that you sit under for eight hours has thrown out your body's natural circadian rhythm. The ventilation is alright, but you start to feel droopy at around 3pm because the carbon dioxide levels in your shoebox have risen. It might even feel a bit stuffy, regardless of the door being open or closed. As you don't have an operable window, you have been breathing in recycled air all day. When you get outside and take a breath, you will instantly notice that the air outside is fresh.

Now multiply that by five days a week, 48 weeks a year. Maybe you will get a pot plant in a few weeks.

The Biophilia Hypothesis

Exposure to the natural world is essential for human wellbeing because humans have an innate connection with the natural world (Gills).

It sounds obvious, doesn't it? But how often do we rely on the natural world to recharge and reconnect? We live in a world full of distractions and in a culture that prioritises efficiency, quick change and instant gratification. Is it any wonder that the rates of anxiety and depression are increasing, and our knowledge and awareness of mental health issues and mindfulness are growing to combat this?

We need the natural environment now more than ever. To look beyond the concrete jungle that has become our normal life, and find moments to breathe, destress and recover. Nature has been there all along, patiently waiting for us to stop, take a breath and recharge.

What does this have to do with design and architecture, you might ask?

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Biophilic Design – what is it?

Biophilic design philosophy encourages the use of natural systems and processes in design to allow for exposure to nature. Exposure to nature has been found to have positive responses on human psychology and physiology in contribution to improved health and wellbeing (Gills, Soderlund).

It is the integration of the biophilia hypothesis into design. Biophilic design has been further incorporated into environmental psychology theories of Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Recovery Theory. Both theories suggest that there are stressful and non-stressful environments and that non-stressful environments can actively help people recover from stress and fatigue (Gills).

These theories are supported by studies that have found that exposure to nature reduces heart rate variability and pulse rates, decreases blood pressure, lowers cortisol and increases parasympathetic nervous system activity, while lowering sympathetic nervous system activity (Soderlund).

Biophilia is not merely about providing trees and greenery, but consists of different natural layers, which can be divided into direct experience of nature (light, air, weather), indirect experience of nature (natural materials, evoking nature) and the experience of space and place (prospect and refuge, organised complexity).

What do we do with it?

As we specialise in correctional facilities here at Guymer Bailey, we strive to create humane environments that allow for rehabilitation. One of the key ways we do this is using biophilic design.

Let's face it; prisons are known to be "not nice". When we look at the statistics, 44.8% of prisoners released during 2014 – 2015 returned to prison within two years across Australia.

With a design focus on rehabilitation and not punishment, part of this rehabilitation is creating therapeutic spaces and calm environments where people can feel safe and secure. A lot of our decisions in the design process are around biophilic design such as providing access to natural light and fresh air, views to the landscape and use of colour and materials.

Enhancing living quality doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, it just comes down to prioritising and efficient design, and in the case of our secure facilities, the balance with security requirements.

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre, a project completed almost a year ago in the Grampians Region, is an example of successful biophilic design implementation with views out beyond the perimeter fence to the mountains, natural light in every room for both residents and staff, and either operable windows or natural ventilation units in every room across the site. Timber has also been used internally and externally, and we retained as many existing trees as possible to keep that connection to nature. So far, we have received positive staff feedback about the therapeutic design of the facility and the benefits of being able to open all the office windows.

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

What can you do with it?

Biophilic design can reduce stress, improve cognitive performance and positively impact emotions and mood. What's more, it can be implemented in all typologies, including residential, education, commercial, health, and as you have seen corrections. We've even started to implement it in our own studios.

Our Brisbane studio has many operable windows, granted Brisbane has much better weather than Melbourne! In Melbourne, we are restricted from major modifications because we're on the fifth floor of a building but have a row of potted peace lilies to help filter the air. We have also recently replaced a fixed window with operable louvres, and even though it's only one, we've already started feeling the difference in the air (and no, it's not just the cold air of winter!). The CO2 levels are lower on that side of the studio as well.

It's not the easiest thing to change in a building already built, but biophilic design is something that we can design into new projects. Hospitals are seeing the benefits of biophilia for patients and have started building in courtyards and windows. Prisons are doing it; schools are doing it. When will you start doing it?

References

Gillis, K., Gatersleben, B. "A Review of Psychological Literature on Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Biophilic Design"

Soderlund, J., Newman, P. "Improving Mental Health in Prisons Through Biophilic Design"

About the Author

Rachel Hur specialises correctional architecture with a strong focus on rehabilitation and creating therapeutic spaces. This, combined with her passion for sustainability and biophilic design in prisons, makes her a valued member of the Guymer Bailey corrections team. Rachel was the Project Lead on the Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre, which was recently shortlisted in the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards Sustainability Category.​​

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre, a secure residential treatment facility designed to house 20 residents from serious sex offender and violent offender cohorts, has recently opened in the Grampians region of Victoria.

The post-sentence facility, designed by Guymer Bailey Architects, has been created to provide intensive treatment to target rehabilitation prior to transitioning back into the community and includes staff offices and training spaces, various rooms for programs, training and education and individual residential units to encourage independent and community living.

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Kavan Applegate the Project Director on the Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre, said the Centre had been designed to reduce recidivism rates in Victoria.“This facility is the first of its kind in Victoria and displays the commitment Corrections Victoria has to providing intensive treatment and supervision to serious offenders to reduce risk of reoffending.”

To avoid an institutional feel, the Centre uses a mix of warm materials such as timber both internally and externally throughout the buildings, as well as landscaped outdoor areas (with walking paths, gardens and exercise equipment) to provide a greater connection to nature from both staff and resident areas. Independent living has also been encouraged through the design, with individual residential units linked to communal spaces.

“The individual residential units are designed to encourage independent living for residents to help them transition back into society. Shared communal spaces also allow for community-type interactions with other residents in a way that is very different to the operations within a correctional facility. Research from the UK has shown that supported housing like this is an important part of effective rehabilitation and reintegration.” Kavan said.

There are three standout design features of Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre:

The Perimeter Fence

Due to the secure nature of the brief, the perimeter fence still needed to function like a prison perimeter – but these traditionally feel harsh and overbearing. To minimise the correctional feel, a fence was designed with precast concrete panels at the bottom and with a perforated steel fence above. An image of trees is created with the perforations in the fence providing visual relief in the perimeter border. The fence has been detailed in such a way that it maintains the required security levels.

The Timber Cladding

The main building is clad in timber on the second floor to distinguish it from the other single-storey buildings and almost eliminate the feeling of being inside a secure facility. The timber cladding also forms an anti-climb façade to the resident side. Blackbutt timber was used due to its amazing, rich tone that will naturally grey over time.

Programs Building at Rivergum. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

The Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Initiatives

To ensure sustainability through the design of the Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre, we worked closely with our expert ESD Consultant who guided our material and systems selections to maximise quality and long-term savings. These initiatives also aim to reduce energy consumption and decrease impact on the environment.

Passive Design: Passive environmental design principles were incorporated into the buildings to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling, and calculated sun shading elements such as the timber fins on the main building’s northern façade were also built in to reduce summer heat loads. Other passive design techniques include attention to building orientation, insulation, natural ventilation and thermal properties of materials.

The windows of the facility were specified to have high performance, double-glazed units, which minimises heat transmittance, and thermally broken aluminium window frames to eliminate cold bridges from the outside temperature into the buildings. The staff offices also have double glazed operable louvres, which operate automatically depending on the internal office conditions to maintain optimum indoor air quality. 

Putting preference on natural ventilation to achieve high indoor air quality levels, most of the rooms across the site, including the residential units, utilise a Lunos unit, which continuously trickles in fresh air from the outside without the need for a full HVAC system and thus decreases energy use. The main Programs building was given a central, triangular courtyard to minimise depths of floor plates to maximise natural day light into the spaces, reducing the need for full internal lighting during the day.

Central Staff Courtyard. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Materials: Insulated precast concrete sandwich panels were used inside to maintain high R-values and stabilise internal temperatures. The floors throughout the facility are generally honed concrete, which also attributes to thermal mass, reduces the need for additional flooring material and creates a raw but characteristic finish to the spaces.

Insulated sandwich panel roofing completes the continuous insulation around the buildings. This was achieved by careful detailing of the insulation in the walls and to the underside of the slab which all join with the roof insulation like an uninterrupted wrap around the building. This essentially stops any heat or cool air leaking out of the buildings, which can lead to overuse of HVAC systems and creates a continuous insulation wrap around the buildings .

Staff Breakout. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Residential units use the thermal mass of the brick veneer and concrete filled structural walls to keep the units cool in the summer and warm in the winter without mechanical systems . The floors in the residential units have in-slab hydronic heating. The high thermal mass of the concrete allows for it to absorb, store and release heat, thus making the heating system more effective with less energy use for winter months. All the residential units also utilise the Lunos units and have operable windows, filling the units with constant fresh air and freedom for users to control the internal environment based on their needs.

A geothermal system supplies energy for the hydronic heating, further reducing the heating energy consumption. The geothermal system also provides cooling for the mechanical systems in the main programs building by circulating coolant through loops in the ground that use the natural sub-surface temperatures to cool down before recirculating again.

Geothermal energy is still not very common in Australia, but when used in conjunction with the other sustainable initiatives at Rivergum, such as understanding thermal mass of materials like concrete and combining it with effective systems like in-slab heating, it is designed to reduce energy consumption and provides a better environmental outcome as it relies on natural ground temperatures and only requires a small pump to recirculate coolant through the pipes.

Multi-Faith Chapel and Contemplative Garden. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

On Site Collection: External sustainable initiatives were also included in the design such as solar panel shade structures over the car park and thoughtful design of networked swales to maximise stormwater capture for storage in underground water tanks.

The solar shade structure use is a two-fold: one was to provide off-grid power to the facility; and the other, to provide staff vehicles protection from the extreme summer and winter temperatures. Each car space is estimated to provide approximately 3kWh. To compare, an average household of one person uses approximately 9kWh per day. 60 car spaces are covered, which means there is enough power generated to supply around 20 single households per day.

The facility is 100% electric, and the inspiration behind this innovative idea was the Department’s aspiration for Net Zero Energy in all new facilities. By harnessing clean energy, the facility can reduce its carbon footprint and has a chance to offset the embodied and consumed energy of the materials, construction and use of the facility.

Solar Panel Shade Structure. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

The Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre is a clear example of what can be achieved through innovative rehabilitative design. Providing a non-institutional space which still operates as a secure facility, residents can more easily adjust to life in the community.

The Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre was recently shortlisted in the 2019 Victorian Architecture Awards Sustainability Category.

Normalisation in the Correctional Environment

Normalisation has become a bit of a buzzword in the design of correctional facilities, but what does it really mean? A group of the Guymer Bailey team sat down recently to discuss what constitutes a normalised environment and how close we’re getting to achieving it.

What does normalising a correctional environment mean? What do you see as the main benefits?

Kavan Applegate –  The normalisation of ‘what’ needs to be asked. Is a correctional environment aiming to be/look/feel like a house? Or a school campus? Is a cell trying to feel like a bedroom? Or is it more about normalising daily routines and activities? “Normal” environments are often messy or untidy, but institutions aim to be clean and tidy. Is it OK if a cell is a mess, like someone lives at home? Maybe ‘normalised’ isn’t the right word?

Yoshi Seki – In my opinion, normalcy is about allowing prisoners to manage their life within prison to give them a better chance of adjusting back into society upon release. Normalisation comes about through a combination of the physical environment and the way the correctional centre operates. It’s about emphasising the rehabilitation aspect more than punishment, which ultimately reduces chance of reoffending. 

Hopkins Correctional Centre. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Rachel Hur – For me, it’s about providing a humane space – which is difficult to define because there are so many different views on corrections and there is a certain dogma around what a prison should be.

Amanda Larsson – The environment should cater for the natural variations in people’s personality and mood. The interiors and landscape should cater for everything from large active social groups, to quieter conversation spaces and areas of solitude. The simple act of providing variation in the size of seating groups can create different zones of privacy and interaction that mimics societal norms.

Ben Roberts - I think the research on this topic speaks for itself. We need to change the mentality of prisons as a tool of punishment. How can people be expected to rehabilitate and normalise back into society if we lock them in a hard concrete box?

Alie Kennedy - Making sure that it is not institutional is so important for rehabilitation of the prisoners. I see that giving the prisoners an environment that they can be proud of will generally encourage them to treat it with respect, as well as changing their mood about their environment and themselves and each other. We know that most prisoners have not had the easiest life and a “normal” environment might be the one they have never experienced – which comes back to Kavan’s earlier point about defining what ‘normal’ means. I think we need to do our bit to promote this and contribute to dropping recidivism rates as much as we can. 

Ralph Bailey - If prisoners are treated well and given opportunities, they can develop behaviour management and self-control skills, and can learn vocational skills that will benefit them on their return to society. Treat them poorly and they’re more likely to leave prison angry and with limited skills to obtain work and integrate back into society, which makes recidivism more likely.

Craig Blewitt – I agree, prisoners are sent to prison as punishment, not for punishment. The vast majority of prisoners are released back into general society at some point, so it’s important that the conditions inside help prisoners to develop and maintain a normalised routine so that they’re better prepared for release. Simple things such as getting up and going to work or education, taking care of their own health, meals and laundry can play a huge role in helping prisoners transition to normal life once they are released.

Ralph Bailey – Ongoing visitation from family and friends is critical to normalising the life of prisoners. It allows them to maintain and, in many cases, repair the relationships that will support them throughout their sentence and underpin their integration back into society when they’re released.

Amanda Larsson – The landscape environment plays a huge role in destressing this experience for visitors. The approach to the site, and the walk from the carpark to the gatehouse set the tone for the visits experience. The connection between the gatehouse and visits which can often be a sterile and confronting environment, has the opportunity to provide a zone of respite for visitors to decompress after moving through security screening – and we have had the opportunity to embrace this approach in recent projects.

Ben Roberts - Nature and the built environment can drastically change people’s emotions, and there is no reason a prison can’t take advantage of this. If we provide spaces where visitors feel welcome, they’ll come back. If we can provide spaces where prisoners can reflect, learn, grow they must have a better chance when they get back into society.

Rachel Hur – It begins with the architecture of the whole place because it can influence how someone feels and acts in a space. Therefore, being able to inject elements for basic human needs such as access to daylight, fresh air and nature are very fundamental and pretty much a necessity for any sort of design.

Yoshi Seki – I couldn’t agree more, and I think that’s where design can play a big role. Prisons are often a very confrontational place for visitors, so by making the experience for visitors – the gatehouse, security screening and the visits centre – as welcoming as possible, it helps to encourage visitors to return.

Hopkins Correctional Centre. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

How do you balance creating a normalised environment with the security and movement control required for a correctional centre?

Ben Roberts - This is the challenge. In part comes down to the architecture and partly the operations. I think we need to rely on both for the best result and not just one or the other. We need architecture that gives prisoners opportunity and need to trust the staff enough to manage this.

Rachel Hur - This is actually quite an interesting design challenge. The security and movement control are obviously a top priority for the safety of everyone in the facility, including staff, but it’s trying to find a creative solution for “normalising” this that’s a good challenge and can be achieved in different ways.

Yoshi Seki – I think the approach generally depends of the security level of the facility as this often determines the level of freedom afforded to prisoners and the approaches we take as designers to normalising the environment. An example would be the selection of finishes to suit different security levels of accommodation. In a minimum-security facility, we’re able to select more domestic style finishes in order to soften and normalise environment. Where dealing with higher security classifications, we need to specify more robust and durable materials, so the challenge becomes making selections that still create a normalised and engaging feel for occupants.

Amanda Larsson – The same consideration for materiality and finishes applies in the landscape design for different security classifications. Our objective is always to ensure enough soft scaping in the form of garden beds and trees make it into the design without compromising safety, but the security level then influences how we achieve that objective. In lower security facilities the experience of the landscape is generally tactile – planting prisoners can touch and interact with. In higher security facilities its more of a visual connection to borrowed landscapes, with the accessible landscape elements becoming more subdued.

Ralph Bailey – The effective segregation and movement controls for different prisoner cohorts can also help to provide normalised environment for all prisoners. By designing correctional facilities to reduce the likelihood of conflicting prisoner groups from coming into direct contact with each other, it helps to create a sense of safety for prisoners. And, this is even more-so when it can be achieved without relying on timetabling to avoid the interactions. When a prisoner feels safe in their environment, they’re more likely to be more social and more willing to participate in rehabilitative and vocational programs and training.

Amanda Larsson – How you go about creating a secure barrier to accommodation communities or a whole facility can have a huge impact on the whether an environment feels normalised or not. While there is always the security reality of needing fences and walls to contain and separate prisoner cohorts, innovative design solutions can break down the visual scale of the barriers. Through varying materials and creating views to landscaped spaces through and beyond the fences and walls, it can decrease the feeling of prisoners feeling enclosed or being ‘caged in’.

Ben Roberts - Technology is providing opportunities for managing prisoner movements, and this is something that will keep improving. Advancements and cost reductions are already allowing surveillance in areas that would have previously put a guard in a dangerous position. I’m sure this will improve further allowing us to stretch correctional design in ways that we couldn’t before.

How close are we getting to creating a truly normalised correctional environment? What areas can we improve on or give more consideration to?

Kavan Applegate - I think we’ve come a reasonable distance toward a normalised environment in some jurisdictions. Hopkins Correctional Centre and Ravenhall Correctional Centre both have open campuses which are approaching the scale and aesthetic of university campuses. Individual buildings still use concrete and blockwork, which is necessary from a construction approach, but there definitely needs to be more focus on reducing the scale of the large accommodation buildings – at least in terms of visual bulk, variation, and colour.

Yoshi Seki - I think the design of cell fit outs and colour schemes still needs more work – this is where many prisoners spend the majority of their time. While the need to minimise ligature points does decrease design options, and the robustness requirements limit the options for materiality, this is an area that will see more development in the coming years.

Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre. Photography by Scott Burrows Photography.

Craig Blewitt – I think smaller scale projects such as the Rivergum Residential Treatment Centre and Totalspace Design’s redevelopment of the Ruby Unit at Adelaide Women’s Prison have shown how the incorporation of many materials not normally allowed within secure facilities allows the creation of a very domestic feel within quite a secure environment. And, with minimal risk.

Alie Kennedy – These projects have gone a long way to creating a normalised environments for prisoners, but we still have to acknowledge the security overlays of the environment we’re designing means that normalising every aspect of a prison design has limitations – and that inspires us to constantly strive to find ways of getting as close to the normalised environment, within these limitations.

Construction Commences on Olympic Village Primary School

Construction has begun on the Olympic Village Primary School in Heidelberg West, close to Melbourne CBD, after receiving confirmation that funding was allocated in the 2018 state budget for the full realisation of their masterplan. This is incredibly exciting for the community who thought the school was going to close entirely.

The local community, which has a rich history as the location of the athletes’ village for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, has become highly disadvantaged since then which is reflected in the school’s enrolment figures which currently stand at 86 students. The school’s facilities have fallen below an acceptable standard in recent years and were assessed by Guymer Bailey Architects to help build the case for the replacement of the school.

With 45% of students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds, 20% of students being Koorie and 10% eligible for additional funding through the Program for Students with Disabilities, social justice was a central theme for this project. It was a strong motivation of Olympic Village Primary School to ensure that those who are the most disadvantaged at home, are not disadvantaged at school.

Building a community for learning

The other present theme that influenced the design of the masterplan was the desire to create a ‘community for learning’. The school is to become a place that encourages students to strive academically and socially. A place where all, no matter their differences, come together to collaborate and learn. Much like the ethos of the Olympics, people coming together and striving to be better. In the architectural language of the project, this transfers into the idea of a village.

Classrooms, the multi-purpose hall, entrance foyer and staff lounge are represented as individual homes to create a sense of place and foster a feeling of security and warmth. These homes open onto internal covered streets that are shared spaces in the design and promote social interaction and collaboration while also allowing for discreet spaces to sit and retreat. These discreet spaces also facilitate the equity and remediation programs for ‘at risk’ students within the school structure.

The educational village is arranged around a village green or village heart which all buildings open onto, creating a focal point and providing legibility to the layout. The scale of the house and street emphasises the human scale, stimulating belonging and comfort within the students.

Creating flexible learning opportunities

Classrooms are clustered in groups of three around a central common space to promote shared teaching options between classes and flexible learning opportunities. All classrooms have the option to be opened up to this common breakout space, but also have doors to allow for separation if a more orderly learning environment is required for a particular class or activity.

Each classroom also has an individual discrete outdoor learning area, which can be utilised for larger groups, smaller specialist learning or students who are experiencing frustration and need time away from the class while remaining under the supervision of their teacher.

Ensuring student safety and security

Greater safety and security for students was a key objective addressed through the design of the masterplan. New fencing and one central access point have been proposed to create a safer learning environment where all visitors are required to enter through the administration. A drive through kiss-and-drop-zone will also allow for safer management of school drop off with the new entry providing a strong visual from the street to assist with wayfinding.

To maximise toilet supervision and minimise the potential for bullying, toilets can be accessed from inside during class time and outside during breaks. Passive supervision is also maximised by placing the principal’s office, staff lounge and staff workspace on the eastern side of the building facing into the village heart.

A leading learning environment

The new school will also include a staff centre that is a single shared staff workspace designed to help staff work together in the planning, delivery, assessment and reporting of learning to support teacher development.

A multipurpose space that can be accessed from both inside and outside of school grounds will also be created for school and community use. This versatile space features a kitchen, which will house community programs like the breakfast and homework club.

And last, but certainly not least, a new library located at the centre of the classroom cluster will be built. The library provides a third break out space while also serving as the connection from the discrete classroom courtyards to the north and the village heart to the south.

There is no question that the changes will make a significant impact on the learning opportunities for students at the Olympic Village Primary School and the Heidelberg community at large. Having been involved in the design of the project we’re overjoyed to see construction commence.

Need to design an extension, redevelopment or renovation for your school or education facility? Contact us today on 07 3870 9700 (Brisbane) or 03 8547 5000 (Melbourne). You may also like to view our other education projects.

Changes in playground design

By Rob Waddell

Significant changes have been happening in playground design over the last few years due to greater recognition around the health and cognitive benefits of play, a strong desire to get children active and outside, and modifications to playground safety standards that acknowledge the benefit of graduated challenges which teach children how to manage risk.

Out of all of the changes, we have found three key trends are emerging, and these are influencing the design of playgrounds both nationally and internationally.

1. Unlocking imagination through theming

Photography by Scott Burrows

With the introduction of video games and tablets, there is no question that the way a child plays and interacts with the world has changed.

Twenty years ago outdoor play was a way of life for us; we would disappear for hours on end building forts, riding bikes and playing sports. But now, with so much entertainment and stimulation available indoors, greater incentive to switch from screen time to green time is needed.

This has seen a rise in playground themes to evoke the imaginations of children, allowing spaces to be interpreted and used in a number of different ways to create a unique play experience for each child.

One example of this is the Frew Park Arena Play Structure Guymer Bailey Landscape designed. Built on the grounds where the iconic Milton tennis stadium once stood in Brisbane, its theme ‘deconstruction’ honours the history of the site with play precincts that reflect stadium spaces.

The grandstand is brought to life with large precast concrete panels of varying heights and angles, and it even features a commentary box – a steel-mesh box suspended eight metres above the ground, to offer greater thrill to playground goers.

2. Getting back to nature

With many children experiencing nature deficit disorder not being able to play in the creek, squish mud in between their fingers and toes, climb trees and get dirty in play, there is a growing demand to create this experience within the playground environment.

This is particularly important for kindy children who benefit from the sensory experience nature play can produce.

From mud pits and water play to sitting on logs around a fire pit, roasting marshmallows for story time, nature play experiences allow children to enjoy the beauty and simplicity of nature, and hopefully inspire a deep love for the outdoors.

The key to nature play is to make it authentic using as many raw materials as possible. There are many plastic replicas available, but they do not create the same experience for children. Nature play areas should also be flexible, allowing for a wide variety of activities, sensory experiences and individual play interpretations – such as logs that can be used for sitting, standing or balancing on.

3. Creating a call to adventure

Photography by Scott Burrows

While as children we were quite adventurous in our play, as a society in recent years we have been more cautious, preventing children from taking the same risks as we did. While these intentions are noble, in that we don’t want children hurt, what we have failed to realise is that we are preventing children from learning key life lessons through play.

Research has proven time and time again that there are significant benefits when children are exposed to risk.

Adventurous or more challenging play allows children to identify their strengths and limitations, manage risk and fear and develop courage and confidence in their abilities – all fundamental life skills that are needed into adulthood.

These findings have resulted in modifications to the Australian playground safety standards that allow playground designs to greater challenge children and expose them to managed risk, where previous standards were inhibiting their form of play.

Challenges at height including climbing walls, nets, ropes, tunnels, barriers, slopes, sliding poles, swings and flying foxes can all create greater playground challenges for children that allow them to get a better sense of risk and themselves. By being more adventurous in playground design while also keeping in mind age and ability, we can provide children with greater life skills.

Does your kindy, school or community playground need an upgrade to create more imaginative and challenging play? Talk to our specialist playground designers today on 07 3870 9700 (Brisbane) or 03 8547 5000 (Melbourne).

About the Author

Rob Waddell is the Principal Landscape Architect at Guymer Bailey Architects. With extensive experience in designing landscape architecture for the community and education sectors, Rob has a proven track record of designing award-winning outdoor areas that capture the hearts and imaginations of children and enrich the experiences of the local community. With a keen interest in exploring the relationship between natural and built environments, Rob develops high-quality design outcomes that prioritise placemaking and people-centred design that works in harmony with the natural environment.

Why sustainability is needed in schools

Photography by Scott Burrows

By Phil Jackson

With greater demands to decrease costs, and a desire to minimise environmental impact, improve efficiency and increase student learning and performance, schools are starting to recognise the need to become more sustainable.

But with many principals, boards and P&F committees balancing multiple needs, there is often a focus on short-term costs and savings, which can create more resistance around the long-term move towards greater sustainability.

To help you shift your perspective, I’ll explore three reasons why sustainability is needed in schools and how it can give your school and students a greater competitive edge.

1. Improve performance with greater comfort and air quality

Photography by Scott Burrows

While many schools install air-conditioning for the comfort of students and teachers, what most staff members and P&F committees are unaware of is that the quality of air can be dramatically affected. In air-conditioned environments more Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is present in the air, affecting the cognitive ability and learning capability of students in the classroom.

It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? We put students into classrooms and exam rooms that are air-conditioned for their comfort only to create the worst possible air quality for them to perform and compete against other schools in.

The good news is that through sustainable initiatives both the comfort and air quality of classrooms can be improved. While there are times when air-conditioning must be used, there are times when air-conditioning could be minimised through the use of a more effective passive ventilation design (like using louvres) that will allow greater fresh air and breezes through the classroom.

Do measures like this make an impact, you might ask? A study done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that examined the costs and benefits of green schools for Washington State estimated a 15% reduction in absenteeism and a 5% increase in test scores.

2. Minimise costs and reduce inefficiency

Photography by Scott Burrows

With air-conditioning seen as a necessity, little thought or planning can go into the ongoing cost and maintenance of systems. Energy bills can skyrocket, particularly when there is little education or incentive around minimising air-conditioning use in classrooms.

By linking both passive ventilation methods and air-conditioning to both a smart (automatically switches between passive ventilation, assisted ventilation, or air-conditioning based on settings) and manually controlled system, staff and students can become more conscious of their decision to use air-conditioning within the classroom. The installation of a CO2 monitor (Australian Geographic has a weather system that measures CO2 levels) can also be a valuable teaching tool to show the air quality of each classroom when the air-conditioning is on.

Schools can further encourage more sustainable thinking through the use of incentives, offering a reward to the class who uses air-conditioning the least throughout the term.

A holistic site approach that considers the use of shading, solar power, and LED lighting can also further reduce costs.

3. Boost student engagement with different teaching environments

Photography by Scott Burrows

Photography by Scott Burrows

While children thrive in routine, even their performance can be impacted by working in the same environment all of the time. By creating outdoor classroom environments, teachers and students can venture outside when the weather allows for different learning opportunities.

This not only boosts student engagement, but it also minimises costs of lighting and air-conditioning while providing greater connection to the landscape and better working conditions.

One example of the outdoor classroom idea is the Kimberley College Flexible Learning Area we designed.

Combining adaptable indoor learning spaces with flexible outdoor spaces that are large enough for full class groups, students are given many varied opportunities for interaction, performance, collaboration and connection to nature. The feedback from these outdoor classrooms and others like it have been overwhelmingly positive, with teachers and students both saying they are a pleasure to work in.

Schools that are making sustainability part of their governance are not only reaping the benefits of minimised costs and greater student engagement and performance; they are also addressing one of our greatest social challenges by empowering the next generation to be more environmentally minded.

About the Author

Phil Jackson is a Director of Guymer Bailey Architects and has a passion for sustainable design outcomes and the integration of architecture and landscape. From conception through to construction he ensures the delivery of outstanding projects and satisfied clients through open communication and enthusiasm for every project.

The importance of nature play in childcare

By Rob Waddell

There are many health benefits connected to nature play from cognitive, social and emotional development, to the building of resilience and creativity. But nature play is still not incorporated as much as it should be in childcare playground design.

If you’re yet to incorporate nature play in your childcare centre or kindy play area, here are five reasons why you should reconsider your approach.

1. Unscripted play increases imagination

Children from a young age can experience a lot of structure to their lives, and while an element of structure and routine is needed for their happiness and wellbeing, too much structure, particularly around play, can stifle creativity.

Without being given prompts or recognisable play equipment, children are able to activate their imaginations, create stories, and be more likely to explore their environment.

At Guymer Bailey Landscape we believe in increasing the opportunities for children to enjoy more unstructured play outdoors and in nature, and were recently given the opportunity to bring this philosophy to life through the design of the new nature play space at Bellbowrie Kindy.

““In a world where children are constantly being told what to do, here was an opportunity to provide an unscripted play space that would foster imagination, creative thinking, and investigation.” ”

— Pam Niven, Kindergarten Teacher and Coordinator at Bellbowrie Kindy

Our team, in partnership with kindergarten teacher and coordinator, Pam Niven, and in consultation with parents and children at the Bellbowrie Kindy, created a space that consists of a number of features to encourage hours of unscripted play. These include:

• A natural watercourse fuelled by a water pump to allow kids to control the flow of water down the creek

• Mudpits and digging mounds

• Barefoot garden paths around a forest of natural totem poles

• Log bridges, balance beams and stepping stones,

• Scented and flowering native plants

• Pottery garden

• Yarning circle centred on a fire pit to introduce to children the indigenous concept of storytelling in an organic way

2. Getting dirty leads to happy exploration

Children need to be active and have the opportunity to run around and be happy playing outside. Worrying about stains and getting dirty only limits their play and can lead to guilt around activities that they find are fun and exciting.

Children who are given the time and opportunity to get dirty and explore, discover their world, and how things work. This exploration boosts their social, physical and creative skills, which can be well worth the extra washing.

3. Challenges teach resilience and risk management

““Children need the opportunity to develop their resilience through challenges” ”

— Pam Niven, Kindergarten Teacher and Coordinator at Bellbowrie Kindy

The single-minded focus on injury prevention through risk elimination that the playground industry has had in recent decades, has been found to be detrimental to children by ignoring their need to learn how to manage risk themselves.

Changes to the Australian Standards last year reflected this shifting emphasis and recognised that the downsides of risks should be balanced against the very real benefits of incorporating meaningful graduated challenges for children to explore and test their capacities and limitations.

The Bellbowrie Kindy nature play space embraces this realisation, in the hope that even at the kindergarten age, we can set a course for stronger, better-equipped and more resilient future citizens.

4. Enlivening sensory experiences

Nature play is a great way to engage all seven senses being sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste, vestibular (sense of balance) and proprioception (sense of body awareness in space). This is incredibly important when you consider sensory play has been proven to support fine and gross motor skills, cognitive growth, problem-solving skills and language and social development.

The design of the Bellbowrie Kindy nature play space has created an environment that enhances and enlivens the children’s sensory experience and importantly, at the same time, provides inclusion and engagement for those experiencing sensory impairment or disability.

5. Creating environmental awareness

““We want to develop a love of nature that will help carry them through the rest of their lives” ”

— Pam Niven, Kindergarten Teacher and Coordinator at Bellbowrie Kindy

Perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of nature play is that it can also develop an environmental awareness and appreciation, which can create a concept of stewardship later in life. A legacy worth leaving our children.

Could your kindy or childcare centre benefit from more nature play? Talk to our specialist playground designers today on 07 3870 9700 (Brisbane) or 03 8547 5000 (Melbourne).

About the Author

Rob Waddell is the Principal Landscape Architect at Guymer Bailey Architects. With extensive experience in designing landscape architecture for the community and education sectors, Rob has a proven track record of designing award-winning outdoor areas that capture the hearts and imaginations of children and enrich the experiences of the local community. With a keen interest in exploring the relationship between natural and built environments, Rob develops high-quality design outcomes that prioritise placemaking and people-centred design and work in harmony with the natural environment.

South Coast Correctional Centre Expansion Open and Ready for Inmates

The new 200-bed minimum-security wing at the South Coast Correctional Centre (SCCC), designed by Guymer Bailey Architects, has been opened by the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Justice and inmates have started to be transferred.

The minimum-security wing expansion which has been designed to feel more like a campus than a correctional centre, includes accommodation for inmates, health facilities, staff amenities, a programs building and an industry building.

The new facility is part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion infrastructure program to help reduce recidivism rates among offenders through upgraded educational and work programs. With more than 80% of inmates at SCCC enrolled in a trade or other upskilling program, these new facilities will significantly assist with the rehabilitation of offenders.

Allan Pearson, the Senior Architect on the project, said, “The South Coast Correctional Centre expansion has been two and a half years in the making, so it is a great achievement to see the new minimum-security wing open.” 

The stand-alone facility is part of a broader expansion that also includes a 160-bed maximum-security wing that is expected to open at the site next year.

Ravenhall Prison Named Australia's Best Infrastructure Project

Victoria’s $670 million Ravenhall Prison Project has been named as Australia’s best infrastructure project at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s National Infrastructure Awards.

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Ravenhall Prison - Original concept design

““It is exciting to see the Ravenhall Prison Project win the Project of the Year Award as it is the first privately delivered prison project Victoria has seen in about 20 years – delivered on-budget and on-time” ”

— IPA Chief Executive Adrian Dwyer.

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Gatehouse

“The Ravenhall Prison Project fundamentally transforms the way that support is provided to people in the justice system in Victoria.

“In a Victorian first, the proponents will oversee all elements of the prison’s operations, including custodial services, with performance targets to directly reduce the rate of recidivism.

“Australia is a world leader in bringing together the public and private sectors through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to deliver better outcomes for the community.

“The Ravenhall Prison Project is a stellar example of the evolution of the PPP model in Australia and shows what can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate to achieve good outcomes.

“I pass on my congratulations to the winners of the Project of the Year Award tonight,” Mr Dwyer said.

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Transitions Hub Courtyard

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Community 4

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Cell Building Day Room

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Internal recreation space

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The National Infrastructure Awards are convened by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia each year, recognising excellence in public administration and business, across major projects. The Project of the Year is the most prestigious of the Awards.

Mary Cairncross | Breakfast With the Birds

Elevated walkway through existing trees at Mary Cairncross (Photography: Scott Burrows)

Looking for another reason to visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve? Why not join the Sunshine Coast chapter of Birdlife Australia for morning bird walks. The group meets at the back gate to the reserve, on alternative Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

To book tickets and to find out more visit the Sunshine Coast Council website via the link below.

Rob Waddell to Present at QLD Awards Showcase

Guymer Bailey's Principal Landscape Architect, Rob Waddell will be presenting at the AILA QLD awards showcase this Thursday!

Hear from Rob Waddell, Guymer Bailey Landscape on the details of the project: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at the upcoming Awards Showcase on Thursday 3 August in Brisbane. Register online at www.aila.org.au/qldevents 

The jury comments: the project represents a a highly successful collaboration between landscape architect and architect, where the outcome is a seamlessly integrated nature tourism facility. The Landscape Architect’s engagement with traditional owners shows respect to cultural and environmental values of the site. The landscape design greatly enhances the visitor experience to the site, unifying the building with the surrounding rainforest and is a worthy recipient of a Landscape Award.

The Awards Showcase will be held over breakfast and feature 3 award winners speaking on their projects.

Guymer Bailey Landscape Wins 2017 AILA QLD AWARD!

Last night, our Principal Landscape Architect, Rob Waddell, accepted the AILA Qld Tourism 2017 Award for the landscape design of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Discovery Centre at Maleny on behalf of the team! Well done to all who were involved! 

AILA Jury citation:

"Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve represents a highly successful collaboration between landscape architect and architect, where the outcome is a seamlessly integrated nature tourism facility. The Landscape Architect’s engagement with traditional owners shows respect to cultural and environmental values of the site. The landscape design greatly enhances the visitor experience to the site, unifying the building with the surrounding rainforest and is a worthy recipient of a Landscape Award".

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

The new Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) elevates tourism and education in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. It nestles on the edge of the Reserve’s subtropical rainforest and overlooks exceptional Glasshouse Mountain views. The RDC includes a new café and discovery centre where visitors to can learn about the Reserve’s remnant rainforest in its living museum of diverse flora and fauna, even various endangered species.

The RDC’s integrated design captures the natural rainforest setting and the Glasshouse Mountains view-shed by intimately and visually displaying them. Visitors thus experience such environmental, cultural and scenic dimensions. The landscape design essentially connects the user to these dimensions, by blurring the line between inside and outside and reinforcing the Reserve’s character. The landscape experience is two-fold:

Glasshouse Mountains

•   The rainforest boardwalk reaches the rooftop viewing terrace, its large seating platform, and its vine-covered arbor forms inspired by the Glasshouse Mountain landscape.

•   The raised outdoor dining space of the new café offers an ideal vantage point to enjoy the uniqueness of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Rainforest

•   The landscape ‘situates’ the building in the rainforest. Basalt stone walls reach out from the building like buttresses to promote rainforest views.

•   The building’s influence on the natural environment is softened with screening and vegetation.

•   The rainforest boardwalk, courtyard spaces and meandering pathways allow visitors to ‘experience’ the Rainforest without having to access the walking tracks, particularly those with limited time or different ability.

• Landscape spaces mimic the micro-environs of the Reserve to extend the habitat of the Reserve’s fauna.

• The RDC’s landscape opens the Reserve’s walking tracks so visitors may ‘converse’ with the Rainforest.

• The landscape design supports the interpretive function of the RDC, with signage and natural displays.

THE DESIGN APPROACH

The landscape design is intentionally adaptable which allowed modifications to cater for unforeseen natural obstructions that arose during construction (e.g., buttress tree roots or large woody vines). The layout thus incorporated easily manipulated natural patterns and organic forms. Such modifications also ensured significant vegetation was protected without compromising the overall landscape design intent.

This approach was also applied successfully to the rainforest boardwalk design including its landings supported by single columns. This boardwalk was re-routed on-site to avoid the structural root-zones of existing trees. The column footings were also vacuum-excavated to prevent damage to trees roots.

Designing the project meant thorough community consultation so that the views of the local community, previous management committees, and the Jinabara were fully considered. Design partners included a local architect, placemaking consultants, the indigenous community, and the client Council. Landscape, architecture and interpretation cohesively achieved a holistic design. This collaboration motivated the success of the project’s outcomes.

The RDC edifies visitors on the rainforest to ensure the natural assets are appreciated and respected. The landscape design also provides an undercover outdoor seating terrace where the Reserve’s volunteers can educate students and tourists. The landscape design equitably accommodates all demographics and abilities. The Centre fully complies with access requirements ensuring all visitors can experience both the Rainforest and mountain views.

The landscape design minimises adverse environmental impacts, promotes conservation, and enhances nature-based tourism by implementing the following sustainable outcomes:

•  Using only endemic plant species; many were grown from seed collected within the Reserve.

•   Providing habitat by reflecting the Reserve’s natural environs. The design incorporates important habitat plant species, such as the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Vine, haven for the endangered butterfly.

•   No imported topsoil or mulch was used (i.e., no weeds and pathogens will follow).

•   Materials were sourced locally (e.g., concrete aggregate, stonework, timber) and/or site-salvaged (i.e., boulders and weathered logs). Timbers from existing building were repurposed as structural columns and screens.

•   The design team consulted the project arborist so that the existing cleared land footprint endured and existing vegetation altered minimally.

•   More than 200 reptiles and wildlife were relocated prior to construction. The existing man-made pond was retained because its critical habitat for the endangered ‘tusked frog’.

•   The stormwater-drainage design simulates natural systems to improve the site’s natural hydrology. Sustainable water management involved storage, bio-filtration and natural swales to direct flows.

NATURE-BASED TOURISM

Nature-based tourism is key to Queensland’s $23 billion tourism industry; the RDC’s redevelopment will greatly influence Sunshine Coast’s nature-based tourism by showcasing the Reserve’s natural beauty while preserving it for future generations.

The new facility is predicted to increase the Reserve’s 200,000 annual visitation. This will benefit Maleny’s local economy and tourism providers. The site-planning and landscape design emphasises the relationship between the cafe and the interpretive space. Revenues derived from such cross-patronage from donations, lease fees, and merchandise/educational product sales promises reinvestment to the Reserve.

The building of the RDC created 261 jobs during construction; 92% for locally-based, Sunshine Coast employees.