The agricultural education sector is witnessing a large crisis across Australia at times when farmers need to be highly qualified to manage complex businesses and environments
In these circumstances, it is important for us to ask how we as a nation intend to develop the knowledge and skills we will need to ensure that agriculture remains a vibrant contributor to the Australian economy?
One of the answers is creating schools that build their curriculum and educational experience around agricultural education. The goal of this project is to develop a system that enables students to develop beyond required knowledge and skills, making them future leaders in the agricultural industry.
Woori Yallock School of Agricultural Education
Following the local landscape, the building establishes itself close to the ground with a base from recycled bricks wrapping around the facade. Interrupted by the greenhouse, a curtain wall panel made from recycled window frames is used, creating an opening and providing a view from outside into the plant nursery and the greenhouse.
Site Plan
The proposed building expands on the existing facilities that were on site to create a self-sustaining school, with its own nutrient cycling, food growing and consumption, support of local natural systems and energy generation
Outdoor education
Elevating above the brick podium, timber and hemp blocks are used to add a more light touch to the building, separating the levels and type of education within in a visual and sensory way
Section
Ground Level accommodates work-place learning, accommodating spaces where students will get a hands-on approach and developing skills beyond the typical classroom. The brick auditorium takes us to L1 that accommodates the classrooms that also serve as student hubs and the administrative side of the school
Breakout from Study
Classrooms
Sofya Savenkova, Woori Yallock School of Agricultural Education
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
