1Complexity & Contradiction

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript LibrarySkidmore, Owings & Merrill1963

Melbourne Grammar School, Centre for Learning & LeadershipJohn Wardle2004

History is highlighted by the silhouette of the Shrine of Rememberance.

Built around lush sporting fields, where the character of students is forged in competition.

The design is a series of inter-linked pavilions so that the scale and rhythm of the school’s frontage to Domain Road is continued.

The main entry frames a view of the bluestone Quadrangle buildng weaving the old and new together visually.

The design goes to great lengths to capture the multitude of landscape and contextual views available and so becomes an outward focused learning environment orienting its students toward the city, its history and beyond.

Each pavillion has its own individual expression to the public on Domain Road

The seminar rooms cantilever towards the street and reflective glass louvres allow cinematic views to the gardens from the interior whilst providing some privacy from the street.

The bond includes several vertical bricks stacked on end and the main wall folds back to highlight these book-like bricks set into the surface.

The book stack pavillion stores the main book collection and is clad in a burnished healer brick with its own bond specifically designed for this component of the project.

The book stack pavillion opens with a massive window toward the main sporting field.

The main library areas wrap around the enormous historic Elm tree.