australia’s mcbride charles ryan designed this addition for fitzroy high school in melbourne, australia. the expansion provides additional space for the school’s senior years, joining a range of other school buildings dating back almost 100 years. the new addition aims to express the school’s progressive education vision through its design. 225 students and 12 staff members use the 3-story structure that
features an undulating wall of masonry. this wall provides structural advantages and helps with light and air circulation. the main floor features a flexible open foyer that can accommodate large gatherings and serves as an open concept classroom designed for team teaching. rather than sticking with conventional rectangular classrooms, mcbride charles ryan imagined classrooms as peninsulas. each space has a focal point from which the entire class can be supervised, while the extremities of the spaces are designed for separate project-based learning. the addition was even shortlisted for the premier’s design awards in victoria.