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Printed Glass Façade: Bob Hawke College Stage 2, Perth
Bob Hawke College Stage 2 seamlessly integrates public art into its architecture, with a striking printed glass facade designed by artist Jon Tarry. Using ImagInk and DigiGlass printing technologies, the artwork changes appearance depending on the viewing perspective—externally featuring bold white ink, while internally, the interlayer alters the perceived colors and depth. Bob Hawke College stage two won the 2024 George Temple Poole award, the top prize of the 2024 WA Architecture Awards.
In modern architectural endeavors, public art serves as a vital component, enriching spaces by infusing cultural and aesthetic value. At Bob Hawke College, the integration of commissioned artworks reflects a dedication to creating an inspiring educational atmosphere. The glass facade, a focal point of this initiative, was realised through a competitive selection process, underscoring the project's emphasis on artistic excellence.
Beyond its visual appeal, the facade functions as an interactive element, engaging with natural light to transform the building's exterior into a dynamic canvas. This seamless fusion of art and architecture ensures the longevity of the installation, with advanced glass printing technologies safeguarding it against environmental factors.
In addition to Jon Tarry's work on the glass facade, other artists contributed significant artworks throughout the college. Artists such as Anne Neil, Stuart Green, and Rick Vermey were involved in creating various installations, enhancing the educational spaces with site-specific works that reflect the school’s vision and identity.
A key feature of this project is the way the artwork changes when viewed from different perspectives. The combined decorative processes of ImagInk and Digiglass allows the artwork to shift in appearance depending on the angle of view and the lighting conditions—externally, the bold white ink defines the facade, while internally, the interlayer influences the perceived colour and depth.
Jon Tarry: The Artist and His Concept
Jon Tarry, a celebrated Australian artist, sculptor, and designer, is known for his multidisciplinary approach that bridges fine art, public sculpture, and architectural interventions. His work often explores themes of movement, light, and spatial relationships, making him an ideal choice for this project. For Bob Hawke College, Tarry developed a concept that reflects both the historical and contemporary narratives of the site. Drawing inspiration from Perth’s natural landscape, indigenous heritage, and the dynamic energy of a learning institution, the artwork captures abstracted forms and fluid patterns that evoke a sense of motion and progression.
The design is composed of intricate layers that interact with natural light, shifting in appearance throughout the day and creating a living artwork that resonates with students and the broader community. Tarry’s vision for the glass facade was realized through a sophisticated process of digital printing on glass, utilizing a combination of ImagInk and DigiGlass technologies. These methods enabled the precise reproduction of his intricate designs while ensuring durability and high visual impact.
The realisation of Jon Tarry’s artwork at Bob Hawke College required the integration of advanced printed glass technologies. Two key processes—ImagInk and DigiGlass—were employed to achieve the desired effect, each offering unique benefits that complement the other.
The combined use of ImagInk and DigiGlass in this project exemplifies how multiple glass printing technologies can be strategically employed to maximize aesthetic and functional outcomes. While ImagInk provided the durability and permanence needed for exterior-facing elements, DigiGlass added a layer of depth and vibrancy that enriched the overall visual effect.
A key feature of this project is the way the artwork changes when viewed from different perspectives. The white ink was printed onto the exterior surface of the glass using ImagInk, creating a striking contrast against the natural backdrop of the school. Meanwhile, the DigiGlass interlayer, laminated within the glass, adds a dynamic visual effect when viewed internally. This combination allows the artwork to shift in appearance depending on the angle of view and the lighting conditions—externally, the bold white ink defines the facade, while internally, the interlayer influences the perceived color and depth, enriching the student and staff experience within the building.
This synergy allowed for a seamless integration of Jon Tarry’s artwork into the architectural fabric of Bob Hawke College, creating an engaging and enduring public art installation. The result is a facade that not only enhances the school’s visual identity but also fosters a sense of place and inspiration for students, teachers, and visitors alike.
Frameless Spider Fixed Glass Facade
In addition to the printed glass facade, Cooling Brothers also supplied and installed the spider-fixed glass system for the main facade of the building. This feature comprises a suspended slab surrounded by frameless glass, creating a strikingly modern and transparent architectural statement. The frameless glass facade enhances the overall aesthetic of the school’s entrance, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces while maintaining a seamless and open visual connection between the school and its surroundings. The frameless glass system not only contributes to the contemporary architectural language of Bob Hawke College but also underscores the project's commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
The combined use of ImagInk and DigiGlass in this project exemplifies how multiple glass printing technologies can be strategically employed to maximize aesthetic and functional outcomes. While ImagInk provided the durability and permanence needed for exterior-facing elements, DigiGlass added a layer of depth and vibrancy that enriched the overall visual effect.
