Published: 2014-02-05 12:12:00 - Exported: 2024-09-04 18:06:47 | NB | The information on this sheet once printed/exported is classed as an uncontrolled copy. The currency of the information should be checked by visiting the ESFG website prior to using the information for any purposes.

Published: 2014-02-05 12:12:00 - Exported: 2024-09-04 18:06:47 | NB | The information on this sheet once printed/exported is classed as an uncontrolled copy. The currency of the information should be checked by visiting the ESFG website prior to using the information for any purposes.

Published on NSW Department of Education - EFSG (https://dec-staging.sitback.com.au)

HS607.21

Assembly Zone

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Function and Location
Function:
  • Seating
  • Caters for large gatherings
  • Caters for informal games
  • Provides opportunities for outdoor learning
  • Provides opportunities for outdoor play
Location:
Generally central to the school.
 
Planning

The zone is a hard-paved, high-use area. It is multifunctional and may form a gathering space able to accommodate the whole school, a forum for public addresses and performances, space for informal games, seating and shade. The assembly zone often is the central space and focus of the school, connecting many areas. It can be a transition zone from the buildings to the free play area.

Planning Criteria and Considerations
Criteria Considerations
Microclimate

Avoid wind tunnels, overshadowing, heat and glare from paved surfaces.
Context

Consider relationship of assembly function to surrounding buildings - noise transmission and reverberation, views, thermal comfort.
Biodiversity Recovery

Not applicable. 
Pedestrian movement

Define main paths and connections with placement of planting. Allow access for people with disabilities.
Shade

Provision of shade trees to seating adjacent to assembly quadrangle. Ensure selected or existing species do not drop branches, excess leaves or fruit.  Consider tree protection measures to ensure tree establishment in this high use area.
Winter solar access

To classrooms and seating areas through setback of planting or use of deciduous trees.
Furniture

Fixed seating on perimeter (refer Schools Facilities Standards).
Water

Sufficient hosecocks for irrigation. Ensure hosecocks do not form obstacles. 
Erosion

Consider spill out from edges of paving onto turf - maximum wear areas.
Surface finish

Hard paved. Scale of paving pattern should consider age and size of students and potential for games. Colours should relate to the overall scheme of school.
Solar glare

Bright reflective surfaces to be avoided.
Allergenic plants

Low allergenic species required as zone is high use. 
Stormwater

Consider levels (including floor levels), pits, swales, connections, overland flow. Particular attention required to avoid ponding and excess cross flow in Assembly area and COLA.
Lighting

Refer Schools Facilities Standards.
Signage

Not required.
Maintenance

Medium to high level as this zone is high use.