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A Blueprint for Learning – Watson Young
Watson Young’s redesign of the Ranson Building at Emmanuel College in Victoria uses strategic colour schemes and thoughtful material choices to create dynamic, engaging spaces that enhance science education.
Watson Young is a responsive architectural practice that believes in the power of considered design to transform spaces and enrich experiences. With a human-centred ethos, the firm approaches each project with an individual focus on the strategic design decisions and how they, in turn, create engaging and inspiring environments. Established in 2004, the firm has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice with a national footprint, operating from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Geelong.
The project introduced a series of dynamic spaces designed to inspire students through the strategic use of colour and materiality.
Watson Young takes a holistic approach to design, meticulously conceptualising and crafting each environment to ensure it is both functional and stimulating. Whether designing from the inside-out or the outside-in, Watson Young creates versatile spaces that support communities and enhance everyday experiences. Working across a broad spectrum of disciplines – including commercial, residential, industrial and education – the practice integrates the architecture and interior design to deliver projects that are considered and aesthetically pleasing.
This ethos is particularly evident in Watson Young’s work at Emmanuel College in Point Cook, Victoria, where the firm transformed the Ranson Building into a vibrant new home for the Science and Technology Department. Moving beyond the traditional laboratory model, the project introduced a series of dynamic spaces designed to inspire students through the strategic use of colour and materiality.
The firm purposely selected distinct colour schemes to help differentiate each science discipline – green for biology, blue for chemistry and orange for physics. “We wanted to celebrate the individuality of each science discipline and create a sense of place within the department,” explains Jack Hesse, the project lead. “By using distinct colour schemes for biology, physics and chemistry, we’ve given each subject and room its own identity, helping students differentiate between the topics and feel more connected to their learning environments.”
The design team balanced bold colour choices with the need for calming, focused learning environments. “As part of the design process, we tested different colour extents within each space to achieve the right balance,” says Amy Stuart, a senior interior designer at Watson Young. “By carefully assessing spatial volume, natural light and neutral elements, we ensured the colours had impact without being overwhelming, creating dynamic yet focused spaces.” Materiality was equally important, contributing to both function and aesthetics. The integration of custom Troldtekt ceiling panels and Autex Vertiface pinboards enhanced the acoustic performance, ensuring the spaces remained conducive to learning.
“Students and educators love the brighter, more open spaces, which better support modern teaching.”
The impact of Watson Young’s design approach is clearly shown in the redesigned spaces, which create a vibrant and dynamic setting. “Students and educators love the brighter, less cluttered spaces, which better support modern pedagogy,” says Hesse. “Increased natural light, vibrant colour schemes and improved classroom flow have all contributed to enhanced engagement, while the reconfigured layout fosters better student connection and collaboration.”
By focusing on how considered design can enhance learning, Watson Young has demonstrated how well-thought-through design can transform bland educational classrooms into spaces that foster engagement, stimulation and collaboration, and enhance the educational experience.
Architecture and interior design by Watson Young.
