St Michael's Reflective Garden
Location
Kaurna Country | Henley Beach SA
Status
Completed 2022
Client
St Michael’s College
Photography
Dale Ireland
Collaborators
Hakea Landscapes, SA Waterscapes, Bullseye Creative
Scope
Landscape Architecture
Conceived through collaboration, the idea of what a garden could represent for the school community of St Michael’s College was informed by the students themselves. From a student-led consultation the seed of an idea grew, informing the initial brief and concept that led to our team exploring the idea of a garden for reflection.
The garden offers not only a sense of calm and connection to nature, but also a panacea for the spiritual and physical wellbeing of its students
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Place
Located in the western suburbs of Adelaide, St Michael’s College has seen growth in recent years introducing a co-ed model into their secondary campus, formerly being a boys only school for many years. A new landscaped space nestled alongside the school’s chapel would offer a quiet, restful space for students and teachers alike.
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Proposition
The brief of a connection to water and with flexibility to be used as an outdoor classroom led to the creation of a garden sheltered away from the everyday noise and commotion of the school. One that facilitates a disconnect from technology, where trickling water imbues a sense of calm and a place for pause from the everyday. A calming and tranquil setting for groups of students to take time out, to nurture their spiritual selves and to undertake group activities.
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Make better
A space that encourages discovery, the St Michael’s Reflective Garden provides all visitors an opportunity to exist in the moment.
Winding paths connect to the slowly flowing stream that lies at the heart of the design, taking you through stepped learning areas, vegetive nooks and diverse plantings softened by the dappled light of the mature tree canopy.
The garden creates a tranquil journey for anyone lucky to spend time soaking in the serenity in an otherwise chaotic world.