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Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneDuring the last 6 months, the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning teamed up with the Faculty of Education at the <a href="http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/n-544" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a> to build a childhood learning center for an indigenous community in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Using four recycled <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/shipping-containers">shipping containers</a>, the student team built the center in 10 days time using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/prefab">prefabricated</a> elements, a large shade roof and native landscaping. The University of Melbourne partnered to build the project with the <a href="http://www.gumala.com.au/our-projects/gumala-05-studio/" target="_blank">Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC)</a>, and organization that works to protect indigenous people's heritage, culture and languages. The new center aims to help prepare children with a solid foundation for their education.1
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe student project was completed through a design/build course at the university as part of the Bower Studio, a program that works with indigenous communities to build infrastructure.2
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneOver their fall semester, the students researched and interviewed the community to discuss their needs and wants.3
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe small community of Wakuthuni, who are members of the GAC, asked to have the early childhood center, because they wanted their young children (infants to age 5) to start their educations off right.4
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneResults of their research led the student team to design an open-air center using four shipping containers.5
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThree of the four containers were shipped directly from Perth to the site, while the fourth container came from Melbourne packed with tools, the prefabricated window units and the over-arching roof.6
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneStudents arrived in Wakuthuni on June 20th and spent the next 10 days hard at work placing the containers, building the deck and roof, and planting native plants.7
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe architecture students worked closely with the education students to design the space to accommodate specific learning areas and provide exactly what the community wanted8
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe project was more than just about design and construction, but also about listening and working with a client to produce a meaningful project.9
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneNow that the center is complete, the Department of Education is working with the community to to develop a culturally appropriate childhood education program.10
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe architecture department has plans to continue working with the GAC on sustainable housing and other humanitarian projects for the area.11
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneChildren from the community were on hand during construction and took advantage of the new facilities.12
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneNative landscaping and use of upcycled tires completes the project.13
Early Childhood Learning Center-University of MelbourneThe simple design helped keep costs down and eliminates high maintenance costs for the community down the road.14
