Centre focuses on innovation and creativity
Schools
A new centre that provides a vibrant space for ‘social exchange, interaction and collaborative learning’ was officially opened at Cardijn College in June.
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan blessed the new $18.5 million Centre for Innovation and Creativity at the Noarlunga Downs campus in a ceremony held on June 27.
Principal Paul Rijken, who retired at the end of Term 2, said the centre was the third stage of the college’s $42m development program and was by far the largest single project in the masterplan.
The contemporary building features a cafeteria, a serenity room, STEM and robotics laboratories, informal student breakout spaces, a design technology centre, visual arts, fashion technology and Year 12 learning areas.
Dr Rijken said the serenity room space epitomised the innovation of the centre.
“We are one of only two places in Australia where a 360-degree theatre has been built from the ground up,” he said.
“This technology is still unfolding but it is the next step in virtual reality, providing great opportunities for curriculum and learning experiences as well as training experiences.”
Designed by Tridente Boyce and built by Kennett Builders, the project had felt the full impact the pandemic had exerted on the building industry.
“In the last 18 months, a storm has been present in this building project, which at times was a hurricane,” Dr Rijken said.
“The impact of COVID on the building industry, the impact of supply of materials for projects, the escalating costs of materials and supplies, a tragic fire in one of our suppliers’ factories and lack of availability of materials all contributed to delays to the building schedule and ultimately, the cost.
“However, in all these challenges, I am of the deep belief that Jesus was present to us in many ways. The way the project team worked towards solutions, the way the project team supported and had faith that the project would continue to meet the high expectations of the build and meet the design that we see realised today.
“These facilities are adaptable and ready to provide for the unknown. These facilities are future-proofed for the next 30 years.”
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