John Paul College (JPC) is a school located on the southside of Brisbane that offers quality educational services for age groups ranging from six weeks of age to year 12. In 2008, JPC commissioned Deicke Richards to revise the master plan for its campus at Daisy Hill. The school’s leaders wanted to review plans for the campus, including the prospect of purchasing additional land. The master plan process involved a three-day enquiry by design workshop to determine the needs, constraints and opportunities for the site. The workshop offered students access to the process and allowed the designers to work closely with a cross section of stakeholders including staff and the administrative body.
The process allowed open and informed discussion about future development on the site. Several key building projects were proposed including an upgrade of the senior school science labs, a new tuckshop and plaza, and a new hospitality and textiles building. New innovative teaching facilities, a learn-to-swim pool and a performing arts complex also formed part of the future plan.
The design team emphasised the importance of the spaces between buildings, including how campus circulation is managed within a challenging topography. A series of new high-quality outdoor spaces was also identified as part of the master plan.
At the conclusion of the enquiry by design workshop, the proposed work was scoped, costed and prioritised in relation to student needs and the school’s objectives. Deicke Richards offered a review of the campus plan from a fresh yet informed perspective and contributed expertise in the enquiry by design process. The outcome was a shared future vision for the school.
Perspectives: Nigel Gough
