Together we explored what kinds of learning environments might best support young women evolving in today’s world. We asked what it would need not just for this generation but those that would follow.

And we began to experiment, creating an Enlightenment Centre as a nexus for ideas on campus. It built on the school’s own tradition of “enlightenment” – an intensive program held for every Year 10, where students grapple collaboratively with a challenge. We created prototype spaces and tested different spatial design and modes of teaching. Out of this emerged a very engaged clientele and a roadmap.

Our plan for the campus began with clearing space and creating a new campus heart. By demolishing several small buildings and creating two large courtyards, the layout and navigation of the campus was radically altered.

Transforming existing classroom areas into multi-use learning clusters and shared staff/student workspaces was another radical shift. It enabled the school’s vision of students across age groups learning together and teacher/student collaborations beyond traditional classrooms.

A refit of the drama theatre allowed for internal and external use. A new 1300 seat auditorium gave emphasis to student performance. And relocation of the hockey field allowed for an extended Creative and Performing Arts precinct, encouraging participation while also creating a new link between the Junior School and the rest of the campus.

The school’s other active zones were equally supported. The chapel and gym were expanded, a cafe and creche added and the pool entrance enhanced to improve daylight and ventilation.

Landscaping both around and through the school brought greater greenery to the campus enhancing wellbeing while also encouraging more walking around gardens and pathways. And a dedicated pedestrian zone helped ease traffic on the busy Park Road.

The Senior Centre represents Stage 1 in our masterplan for MLC and it’s a striking anchor for the campus. Two new courtyards, undercover outdoor spaces and a cafe have created places for students, staff and parents to gather.

Four stories of glass windows and aluminium panels are punctuated by pop-out glass rooms where the entire community can see learning taking place. Suspended in the void are glass pods designed for quiet study or small group discussions.

Inside, a soaring atrium floods the building with light, intersected by a central staircase joining each floor with the next. From here activity is visible everywhere and the transparency is key to the school’s vision for confident (and safe) independent learners. As well as the students’ own desire for independence and trust.

With MLC we created a dynamic strategy for a school that could enable its students to become fearless thinkers, independent learners and curious citizens of the world today. And an environment that can pivot and evolve, as the generations of students do.