Branch Studio Architects had two distinct design objectives for this project at Marcellin College, and they overlap in some surprising and delightful ways. The first objective, demanded by the brief, was to manage the students’ psychological wellbeing. After strict pandemic lockdowns, mental health issues surged in Melbourne, Victoria. The Kids Helpline saw a 184% increase in calls. Responding to this, Marcellin College chose to prioritize a mental health program and facility upgrades by creating the Placidus Student Welfare Spaces. The fitout revives the formerly dark and underutilized basement level
