An enquiry by design process involved the school, the community and Catholic Education representatives in collaboratively designing a master plan for Good Counsel College at Innisfail in North Queensland. The master plan reflects a shared vision for the campus environment and infrastructure needs to 2020.
With its master plan and staged development clearly identified, the school has since been successful with two significant funding applications in 2010 and 2011.
Proposed new facilities in the plan include creative arts and aquatic facilities, located to ensure easy access by the wider community. The plan also addresses intended changes within the school system, which require the introduction of a Middle School.
The plan engages with the site’s steep topography and the local climate, with stepped built form, clear lines of movement and covered all-weather walkways. Other outcomes include a connection between the college site and the town centre, improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Community and stakeholder input was gathered by extensive consultation, a charrette and design workshops. Scenarios were tested and costed, and considered against the outcomes of a facilities audit. The charrette process and enquiry by design workshops involve stakeholders in a consultation process that is effective and cost efficient.
