These additions to the Lycée Condorcet, the International French School of Sydney, were developed as part of a collaborative partnership between French architectural studio, Segond Guyon Architectes, Raffaello Rosselli Architects, and Luigi Rosselli Architects (under the umbrella of Rosselli Architects). The aim for the project was to blend French architectural principles with the Australian environment; this project’s inception came as a response to the growing student population of the school, and a desire to enhance the quality of life at the Lycée, whilst ultimately promoting greater educational success.

The chosen design approach for the additions to the school campus buildings focused on maintaining a cohesion and consistency between the existing and the new building. Stylistically, the design references the typology, materiality and construction methods of the older building while implementing a contemporary proposal. Notable qualities of the original buildings are echoed in the new extension; including the height of the volumes, and the continuous parapet line and the rhythm of the façade. This approach resulted in a homogenous yet articulated façade, and the rhythm of the columns and continuous parapet line provide a familiar and consistent identity to the space.

This addition also addressed the needs of the childcare centre, which previously suffered from a weak connection with its external play area, and small programmatic faults such as lack of sightlines and indirect connection with the external spaces, which created subtle barriers that reduced the ability of the early years educational staff to allow the kids in their care exposure to critical interactions with the world. While centre’s limited private open space posed challenges, it also presented opportunities for stronger social interaction. In a society that is increasingly cut-off, the layering of uses of public places such as the park provides important social benefits, for both the community and the development of the children. It plays an important part at strengthening the local culture, community and traditions of the block for future generations. Ultimately, the vision for this project is that, through small interventions, we can playfully and pragmatically encourage interaction with the public outdoor play area, allowing this childcare centre as a model of social sustainability.