North Melbourne Primary School Molesworth Street Campus is a new vertical school for 525 students, with a 66‑child kindergarten on the top level. The school includes 21 classrooms, specialist learning spaces, a library, a community gymnasium, and extensive outdoor learning, recreation, and play areas across three levels.

Emergent Studios collaborated closely with lead consultant ARM Architecture from the early planning phases, undertaking critical research and in‑depth analysis—such as cumulative solar and shade studies, grading analysis, and interviews with surrounding schools—that informed the prioritization and performance of open space between the built form and landscape. This analysis‑led, collaborative approach resulted in an optimized outdoor area that directly responds to site constraints, including grading, accessibility, and seasonal solar access. The outcome demonstrates the value of integrated masterplanning in maximising outdoor recreational and environmental benefits within the primary school model.

The importance of outdoor space to the school’s local student community is amplified by the surrounding dense urban context, where most children live in apartments and have limited access to open outdoor areas. The design was required to create a welcoming, permeable interface with the community, ensure equitable experiences for all students, and support diverse open‑space needs.

Designed over three levels, the landscape scheme is conceived as a continuous, undulating surface, using topography as an extension of learning. The design is defined by the richness of the landscape and the variety of spaces provided for learning and play.

At ground level, topographic pathways create an undulating, connected network that supports fluid movement and access. Working with the site’s sloping topography as an opportunity for functional performance, play elements such as slides and tiered seating are integrated to leverage natural level changes, carving out a large central core: an adaptable open space that forms the heart of the school. This communal outdoor area is bordered by amphitheatre seating for spectatorship and a range of group sizes, supporting programs including community events, performances, outdoor learning, sports, and recreation.

The central outdoor zone features an active play area and shade canopy at ground level; the playing field provides space for physical education, sports recreation, and unstructured play. This area is bordered by more intimate zones of unstructured play, including active, nature, and sensory play spaces that accommodate different age groups and interests.