Tarawera design honoured once again
7 August 2017
TARAWERA High School has been honoured for its learning environment once again, at an awards ceremony in Singapore.
The school’s project design, by architects RTA Studio, earned a commendation at the Learning Environments Australasia Educational Facilities 10th annual awards on July 13.
The recognition came in the new educational facility category.
The awards showcased the design and use of engaging and innovative learning spaces and programs to improve learning outcomes for students and attracted a competitive field with 72 entries from across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The judges commented that Tarawera students, staff and the broader Kawerau community lived in a particular place and had needs which reflected the complexities of challenging social conditions.
“The planning process included exploration of the cultural, geographic and educational considerations to optimise the ability of the school to achieve learning objectives.
“Environmentally sustainable development is incorporated into the project as more than a token gesture. True integration is part of educating the broader Tarawera community that everything they do has an impact on each other and the environment,” they said.
Principal Helen Tuhoro said RTA Studio was to be commended for achieving a special sense of place that provided true inspiration for the school and community.
“Here in Kawerau, at Tarawera High School the result is an appropriate and effective design solution that reflects the community and has stimulated systemic change in the educational system by addressing difficult questions, challenging the status quo, and raising expectations.”
Source: Whakatane Beacon