The school’s Principal, George Sekulla, envisioned the project as a landmark facility that would not only respond to the school’s current needs, but also provide a model for the implementation of similar education centres across the State.
Client: Department of Finance
Location: Perth, WA
MODE Expertise: Architecture, Interior Design
Completion Date: 2022
Swan View Senior High School | Perth, WA
Maali Kaadadjiny Centre - Aboriginal Education Centre
The project initially commenced as a refurbishment of the school’s existing cafeteria. During the briefing process, however, the school identified an opportunity to make better use of the allocated resources by establishing a dedicated Aboriginal Education Centre.
The school’s Aboriginal-focused academies have achieved strong engagement and attendance, leading to a revised brief focused on providing a dedicated facility for the three major programs: Clontarf, Girls Academy and Follow the Dream.
The building accommodates dedicated offices, storerooms, learning spaces for the Clontarf and Girls Academies, a meeting room, kitchen, laundry, toilet and shower facilities. The planning provides a dedicated environment for the programs while supporting their day-to-day operational needs.
The material and colour palette draws from the existing school architecture and the colours of the Aboriginal flag. A red brick base wraps the administration and services areas, topped with lightweight black cladding and a feature black brick element marking the entry. The learning areas introduce a complementary colour treatment inspired by a sunset, incorporating the flag’s sun motif through the use of red and black.
The school’s Principal, George Sekulla, envisioned the project as a landmark facility that would not only respond to the school’s current needs, but also provide a model for the implementation of similar education centres across the State.
The result is a dedicated environment that supports the programs’ work while strengthening the school’s commitment to Aboriginal education and student engagement.
