Kaurna people of Tarntanya
South Australia
As the first Technical College delivered for the State, Findon offered a unique opportunity to shape the program’s vision to repositioning VET within Secondary Education. Undertaking a collaborative visioning process with DfE revealed Findon as the heart of a new learning ecosystem connecting students, industry and local community to create work-ready school leavers, defining four key principles:
* Beacon of Excellence
* Feels like a Workplace
* Learning on Display
* Flexible and Adaptable
Reflecting a place of learning where students and industry come together, the built form speaks to innovation and technical excellence with dynamic hands-on environments immersing students in real-world training alongside industry professionals in simulated workplace settings.
Delivered only 21 months after the Technical College program was introduced during the 2022 election, Findon Technical College provides state-of-the-art learning spaces derived from the specific skills and workplace environments required by industry, with direct pathways to address critical skills shortages in the State.
The Findon Technical College reimagines the technical college model through a contemporary, hands-on learning environment. Designed with a flexible, workplace-centered approach, the new building is seamlessly integrated into the existing school context while maintaining a distinct identity. Formal and informal spaces are organized around a central gathering hub that fosters community connection, while flexible workshops and learning areas support engagement with a range of industry specializations, successfully responding to an evolving educational brief.
The Jury acknowledges the Brown Falconer team for successfully delivering a technically complex election commitment project within a fast-tracked, year-long delivery time frame. Throughout the presentation delivered by project lead, Caroline Cummins, together with Annabelle Denbigh, it was evident that the team, primarily composed of members from the EmAGN demographic, collaborated effectively. Each team member’s role was clearly defined, demonstrating how different individuals were provided opportunities for professional growth. Despite the challenging timeframe, strong collaboration and mutual support within the core team was promoted. Annabelle showed confidence in her abilities throughout the verbal presentation, with notable skills for a relatively new graduate of architecture. The Jury observed that Annabelle received guidance throughout the process and was given the role of 2IC to work under Caroline’s leadership, likely facilitated by Brown Falconer’s internal mentoring scheme. The submission showcasing the Findon Technical College, is a strong example of the ability of the EmAGN cohort to successfully deliver a project and strengthen vital skills to aid their career advancement.
Findon Technical College’s exterior of two overlapping stacked forms references the interplay of education and industry underpinning the project. This dynamic relationship is expressed in the outer skin of Snaplock standing seam cladding in Aries, Shale Grey and Pale Eucalypt, which reference the three industry specialties offered at the College. Paired with Surfmist and Dover White, the play of colours and varying pan widths create a vibrant, welcoming presence that reveals and connects to learning within.
Findon Technical College sets a new standard in skills-based education, where school students learn, train, develop industry skills and fast-track their pathway to their career.
The college is designed to replicate real-workplace environments, featuring purpose-built facilities and industry-standard equipment, ensuring students are work-ready on graduation. Shared spaces foster collaboration and connect students with educators, employers and mentors, while industryaligned learning areas support hands-on training, equipping students with the technical and employability skills they need for their careers.
This innovative design elevates technical education and plays a pivotal role in shaping South Australia’s future workforce, exemplifying excellence in educational architecture.
Michael Lambert, Project Director
Caroline Cummins, Project Architect
Annabel Denbigh, Graduate of Architecture
Louisa Glennon, Interior Designer
Chin Tan, Project Architect
Lauren Rollison, Project Architect
Zorawar Basur, Graduate of Architecture
Bash Dissanayaka, Interior Designer
Aurecon, Civil Consultant
Aurecon, Services Consultant
Aurecon, Structural Engineer
Aspect Studios, Landscape Consultant
TF Certifiers + Consultants, DDA + BCA Certifer
URPS, Town Planner
StudioBand, Signage
Capisce QS, Quantity Surveyor
Rusted Tin, First Nations Artist