The school designed by fjcstudio is characterized by garden play areas and different terraces proposed with the aim of serving as outdoor learning spaces, thus enhancing the idea of openness and connection with nature that the centre promotes.
The project takes advantage of the initially limiting conditions of the environment, seeking comfort and energy efficiency of the centre through different strategies of solar protection, rainwater collection, and natural ventilation while establishing connections with the cultural heritage of the place.
The concept of connection to the land, developed through extensive consultation with First Nations Elders, artists and the Aboriginal Art Group, led to the inclusion of native plants, art and storytelling throughout the campus. In addition, the project incorporates perforated screens that reflect the local casuarina trees, seeking to further connect the school with its natural environment.
Darlington Public School by fjcstudio. Photograph by Brett Boardman.
Project description by fjcstudio
Darlington Public School is a community school located in a thriving inner-city suburb of Sydney, with strong connections to Aboriginal people. The school serves as a model for innovative educational spaces, emphasising the integration of First Nations culture and sustainability. Designed in collaboration with educational consultants, New Learning Environments, the school features adaptable learning hubs that foster collaboration and inclusivity. These spaces support active, quiet, and outdoor learning, creating a safe and inviting atmosphere that maximises natural light and ventilation. The design incorporates perforated screens that reflect the local casuarina trees, further connecting the school to its natural surroundings.
Connecting with Country
Central to the school’s design is the concept of Connecting with the Country, developed through extensive consultation with First Nations Elders, artists, and the Aboriginal Art Group. This collaboration resulted in the inclusion of Indigenous plants, art, and storytelling throughout the campus. QR codes link students and visitors to the stories of the land and plants, transforming the school into a living classroom where culture and environment are intertwined. This thoughtful integration of cultural values makes the school a powerful example of place-based learning.
The outdoor learning terraces and garden play areas promote openness and a connection to nature, echoing traditional learning environments found in cultural practices. Murals from the original school, painted by Blak Douglas (Adam Hill), were recreated in the new facility, ensuring a continuity of culture. Additionally, totems designed by Uncle Neil (Thorne) are incorporated into the design, linking the classrooms to cultural narratives and enhancing the educational experience.
A sustainable venture
Darlington Public School’s commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient systems. The design also features sawtooth roofs angled to capture sunlight, high-level glazing for indirect daylight, and protective curved screens for filtered light. The school’s emphasis on blending educational, cultural, and environmental values highlights its role as a community hub that celebrates both its local landscape and its deep connections to Aboriginal heritage.
