woods bagot: KIOSC green school in victoria, australia

‘knox innovation, opportunity, and sustainability centre’ by woods bagot architects, victoria, australia

all images courtesy of woods bagot

international firm woods bagot have received acclaim for their design of the knox innovation, opportunity, and sustainability centre (KIOSC) in melbourne, australia. while the sustainability training center is part of a consortium of schools, the design is part of a specific effort to integrate eco-friendly construction methods in accord with the environmentally responsible ‘technical and further education’ (TAFE) curriculum taught inside the classroom. located in swinburne university of technology’s melbourne campus, students from the city of knox in grade 7 through 10 can attend presentations, visit the discovery center, replete with technology and laboratories, as well as take lessons in ancillary learning spaces. a green gradient of vertical louvers distinguishes the facade while providing a passive cooling system and allowing the passage of light in the double height space. the expansive glazing defines concepts of reflection and refraction and works in conjunction with strategic siting and building orientation. the training center uses its very architecture as an educational tool by carefully integrating color, materials, form and technology to create an engaging learning environment that illustrates the environmental role of buildings.