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Award for Design in Landscape Architecture
Special Commendation for Education
Facilities
ECOLINK
Landscape Architect: Rush Wright & Associates
Client: ECOLINC
 The
Ecolinc Centre at Bacchus Marsh Secondary College demonstrates a model for
the sustainable design of inspired teaching and learning environments.
The integration of building and constructed
wetland is especially appealing, with attention to details that provide
both practical and poetic responses to a constantly changing landscape.
As an outdoor classroom, the landscape
setting extends opportunities for innovative curriculum, through active
participation in ecological and horticultural activities, while allowing
students of all ages to feel comfortable in a semi-wild (constructed)
landscape. It provides opportunities for the individual’s development of a
‘dialogue with nature’ and an understanding of their place in a
more-than-human world.
To take a grassy paddock and convert it into
a valued environmental learning centre is inspirational. To reconnect it
with its river setting through carefully considered stormwater management
and indigenous habitat planting is environmentally responsible landscape
architecture at its best.
One can imagine the creative minds that will
emerge from this holistic learning experience.
Images
Photographs: John Gollings, Michael Wright
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