Darlington Public School | fjcstudio
Darlington Public School, a small school located on the fringe of the City of Sydney near the University of Sydney and the eclectic neighbourhoods of Darlington and Newtown, has undergone a significant transformation. Linear brick structures, complementary to the local industrial masonry, house flexible learning hubs, a multipurpose hall, and support spaces, while a curvilinear perforated metal screen defines fluid, organic movement and gathering areas related to outdoor learning and play.
The redesign prioritises a contemporary learning environment, fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere for the tightknit school community. Acknowledging diverse backgrounds, the design integrates the rich Aboriginal Peoples culture and artistic heritage, preserving aboriginal artworks with QR codes for ongoing curation.
Photographed murals from demolished walls are reproduced in the cladding, providing a tactile response and preserving cultural narratives. The landscape enhances learning by detailing indigenous plant names and uses, reinforcing the school’s commitment to a holistic educational experience.
Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) | Sam Crawford Architects
The design of Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) balances the highly technical requirements of animal welfare with the need for a safe workplace and welcoming adoption centre.
BARC comprises a set of separate, elongated buildings; of fingers, reaching toward the woodlands of the Western Sydney Parklands. These fingers maximise cross ventilation and solar access, and prioritise proximity to nature, reducing stress and improving health of staff and animals.
Each building is drawn together and linked via a bold colour scheme and a 120m long, 4.5m high, multicolored artwork a collaboration with artist Lymesmith that evokes the plumage of native birds, and unifies, screens, and protects from the street the activity within.
As a council operated facility, BARC must accept all animals brought in by council rangers or citizens. Each is quarantined, given health checks, vaccinated, desexed, fed, washed; and then nursed back to physical and mental health ready for adoption.
