The centre, located at Swinburne University of Technology’s campus in Melbourne, is for senior secondary students from seven local schools who pooled their Australian Commonwealth government funding (as part of the Trade Training Centre in Schools Program) to fund the centre.
Featuring a mixture of technology-rich collaborative areas, a presentation space for 100 people, discovery laboratories, TAFE laboratories and ancillary spaces, plus a Discovery Centre, KIOSC was conceived as an immersive eco environment for students in Years 7 to 12.
The design of the building reflects its purpose of operation – sustainability, inclusion and innovation. It includes sustainable materials, energy efficiency through correct building orientation and integration of siting and building fabric with engineering services.
The building’s distinctive facade is part of the sustainability imperative of the design. The large eve acts as a canopy, while the blades serve as a screen, positioned for thermal quality in response to the angle of the sun.
Photo credits: Woods Bagot