Continuing our long-standing relationship with Damascus College in Ballarat, Law Architects delivered Stage 6 of the college masterplan – with the Damascus Events Centre, which opened in 2021. This building is a strategic addition to the college’s campus, facilitating its commitment to community connection, learning and leading.

Located at the front of its campus, the Events Centre provides Damascus College with a more than 1500 sq.m. venue for up to 450 people, in which to offer hospitality for community gatherings, formal dinners, school assemblies, musical performances, and a comfortable examination space. This venue is complemented by an adjoining commercial kitchen, servery, bar, and foyer spaces.

Law Architects took advantage of the sloping site, enabling spectacular Mount Clear views from within the events space, as well as tucking another storey of support spaces - offices, college archives and a uniform shop – underneath it.

While purpose-designed for school and community use, Law Architects built in a flexibility and agility to the space that support even more events and learning activities than originally briefed. Even the college staff have noticed the space being utilised for even more functions than originally anticipated. As such, the potential of this venue to accommodate any type of event has already been realised.

Responding to the local bushfire overlay, Law Architects seamlessly integrated this building into the campus’ bush environment, harmonising it with the other campus architecture, putting a strong emphasis on durability and sustainability. We incorporated a central climate control system, powered by roof mounted solar generation that saves the college on ongoing energy costs

Law Architects specified high performing acoustic treatments to the events space, pairing them with comprehensive audio-visual and lighting systems that allow for maximum flexibility. We enhanced the architectural lighting system with stage lighting, which can provide a full colour wash across the entire venue or focus spotlights on speakers, performers or tables at dinner events.

Photography: Drew Echberg