The NT Department of Education selected Rossi Architects to design a new multipurpose hall for Darwin Middle School.
The underlying principles for the design of the hall centre around connectivity. From a large scale, the hall acts as a node, connecting Atkins Drive, the rest of the middle school and the adjacent oval. Through thoughtful design of the eastern façade Rossi Architects have provided a visually engaging, layered entry experience from Atkins Drive that lifts the presence and public profile of the middle school to passers-by and invites them into the school grounds.
Historically the site was occupied by the saw-tooth roofs of the old abattoir complex and large African mahogany trees. Both of these are referenced in the zig-zag roof-lines, tree canopy-like screens and trunk-like angled columns. The scale of the structure is in keeping with the context, yet the large bulk of the building is softened with the layering of shaded spaces around its perimeter. The material palette takes cues from the heritage tank building while minimising maintenance in the harsh coastal conditions.
The naturally lit sports courts support basketball, netball, badminton and indoor soccer but they also double as a space for public performances and whole of school assemblies. Dance, drama and band rooms with sprung floors are separated by 6m high operable walls which open to create a 196-seat theatrette with retractable seating, bio box, music store / green room serviced with stage lighting, sound bars and curtains. Other affordances include a rock-climbing wall, two connected general learning areas and staff preparation zones.
Above all, the Multipurpose Hall is a place for the future of learning in Darwin.