Government of Western AustraliaPERCENT FOR ART SCHEME

DARLING R ANGE SPORTS COLLEGE • 2014

needles and scissors. Environment is distinguished by imprints of Sheoak leaves and other indigenous trees, while Health and Physical Education gather together the softball, cricket ball, basketball, soccer and football. There are eight more designs.ZIP unites smart design, functionally, and meaning for the target constituency - the inaugural Year Seven Class of 2015 and youngsters to come.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTitle: ZIPArtist: Simon GauntlettArt Coordinator: Paula Silbert Arts ConsultancyArchitect: Gresley AbasClient: Department of EducationClient Representative: Peter RobertsonSchool Principal: Peter NoackProject Managers: Sarah Zimmermann and Shijin JayPhotographer: Simon Gauntlett

Minutes away from the serious traffic on Roe Highway between brand new Forrestfield residential developments and Perth’s foothills, is Darling Range Sports College. The high school is unique in the Western Australia education system with peak athletic students actively engaged in a dedicated Sports Academy. In tandem are educational opportunities via the school’s Academic Excellence, Arts, Job Readiness and VET programs.

Urban by postcode, the college landscape conserves a sense of regional Australia. Mature indigenous trees including Sheoaks, remain close to classrooms and playgrounds, defining the school grounds.

Commissioned to create outdoor seating at the entrance of the new Year Seven Accommodation, public artist Simon Gauntlett distilled into his design the disparate mix of competencies and training opportunities available on campus. True to its name ZIP, twelve interlocking concrete benches (shaped like zip teeth), conveys a buoyant welcome, and builds an appealing place for youngsters to congregate and play.

Imprinted on the top face of each bench is a textured pattern of easily recognisable symbols. For the Arts there’s a treble clef, artist’s palette, camera, and theatre mask. Food Science is represented by a sewing machine, saucepans, a whisk, knitting