Architecture
More than a school, Green Square Public School & Community Spaces delivers multipurpose neighbourhood infrastructure
Green Square is a 278-hectare urban renewal precinct located in inner-city Sydney. Significant investment into new residential and commercial development and an ambitious green agenda underpin the area's transformation that balances density and amenity. Green spaces and tree-lined boulevards complement educational, sporting and cultural facilities that support the projected 63,000 residents in Australia's densest neighbourhood.
Green Square Public School & Community Spaces is Green Square's new, purpose-built primary school, delivered in partnership with the City of Sydney and School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW). The four-storey facility takes 600 local students from kindergarten to year 6 and integrates community spaces to extend the life of the school until 11pm, 7 days/ week. Levels One, Two and Three are reserved for students while the Ground Floor combines dedicated community spaces with sports courts and facilities shared between the school, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and community groups.
“This revolutionary school design will provide much-needed community facilities that will be activated day and night for the whole community to use. It is an important addition to the area’s educational, social and cultural life.”
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore
Green Square Public School and Community Spaces is a compelling example of a school becoming an essential component of a community’s infrastructure.
Ali Bounds, co-CEO
BVN's competition-winning design maximises the site's L shape by extending the built form to Zetland Avenue and Portman Street and bringing circulation to the inner edges. This massing strategy prioritises a strong civic presence and a direct street address while preserving open space beside the adjacent childcare centre. Through-site links running east to west and north to south maintain public passage, connecting neighbouring Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre and The Joynton Avenue Creative Centre. The school taps into these to expand its capacity to deliver specialised sporting and cultural education to its diverse student cohort.
Designed for the community
A key design move made to encourage community use of shared facilities was moving the multipurpose games court from the rooftop to street level. Games and events now activate the visually prominent street corner which is further enlivened by First Nations storytelling with a landmark artwork by Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas. The Belly of the Feast 
Green Square Public School & Community Spaces is an ambitious collaboration where design is key in resolving the complex demands of a tidal, all-ages population. Clear pathways and discreet security lines assist in managing flow before, during and after school while a design approach that aspires to create a playful and welcoming atmosphere ensures both school children and the community feel a strong sense of belonging.
The Process
June 2025: Construction nearing completion
Footage couresty of Hutchinson Builders
iAM Projects developed the artist brief and managed the concept design for the multi-games court at Green Square Public School and Community Space.
Blak Douglas was commissioned to create The Belly of the Feast, inspired by the 1896 discovery of dugong bones in nearby Shea’s Creek—evidence of Aboriginal presence over 5,000 years ago.
The design creates a mystical, immersive court surface, with soft gradients, dugong motifs and abstracted bones referencing coastal rock engravings and the site’s role as a place of community and learning.
Read more.
June 2025: Construction nearing completion
Footage couresty of Hutchinson Builders
iAM Projects developed the artist brief and managed the concept design for the multi-games court at Green Square Public School and Community Space.
Blak Douglas was commissioned to create The Belly of the Feast, inspired by the 1896 discovery of dugong bones in nearby Shea’s Creek—evidence of Aboriginal presence over 5,000 years ago.
The design creates a mystical, immersive court surface, with soft gradients, dugong motifs and abstracted bones referencing coastal rock engravings and the site’s role as a place of community and learning.
Read more.
Credits
BVN
Collaborators
City of Sydney
School Infrastructure NSW
Walker Corp
Consultants
Blak Douglas, iAM Projects, NSW Health, UNSW, Ingam Institute, Western Sydney University, Dialogic Learning, Meinhardt Group, NDY, Philip Chun, SCL Schumann, Stantec, Soda Arts, Turf Design Studio, Wilde and Woollard, Windtech Consultants, The Footprint Company
Collaborators
City of Sydney
School Infrastructure NSW
Walker Corp
Consultants
Blak Douglas, iAM Projects, NSW Health, UNSW, Ingam Institute, Western Sydney University, Dialogic Learning, Meinhardt Group, NDY, Philip Chun, SCL Schumann, Stantec, Soda Arts, Turf Design Studio, Wilde and Woollard, Windtech Consultants, The Footprint Company
Photography
Martin Siegner (construction)