LatStudios was engaged to design external learning spaces for the College. The design approach for the re-imagining of this Franciscan College was seeded in a vision to create a communal space that encourages a community to grow and learn amongst three gardens: a productive garden; a garden for gathering; and a garden for recreation.

The first of these gardens, the productive garden ‘La Foresta’, was completed in January 2015 and forms the public face of Mount Alvernia College, where the learning and social spaces merge.

The early design process commenced with a series of conversations with the college to establish a vision for the garden. A clear understanding and commitment to the graft of three garden functions was collectively established.  The project has delivered beyond expectation a garden context that is beautiful, functional and educational.

LatStudios' design:

• creates a productive garden and learning space for students
• creates a beautiful public face for the College
• creates an identity for the College that reflects its Franciscan history
• builds community relationships between the College and its neighbours through shared garden programs.

Selected photography courtesy of Christopher Frederick Jones.

Mount Alvernia College was featured on a recent episode of Australia by Design: Landscapes. Director Andrew Neighbour discusses the project in the video below.