AFTER growing up and studying in Bendigo, Architectus associate Jayden Peacock has been able to become a permanent part of his beloved city with the completion of his latest project.
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Mr Peacock was the lead on Bendigo TAFE's recently opened $60 million revitalisation project and spent the last three years bringing the new build to life.
And he said being part of the project was a highlight of his career.
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"I actually began studying at Bendigo TAFE when I was younger and they helped me move into a course at Deakin University," Mr Peacock said.
"Architecture was always something I wanted to do and I think working at the TAFE gave me the opportunity to know that was what I wanted to do.
"I've been with Architectus for almost 10 years now and in that time I've been part of some amazing projects such as the State Library of Victoria referbishment, but this one in Bendigo has been very special to be a part of."
Mr Peacock was able to use his expertise in the region as the lead architect on the project.
"I grew up in Bendigo and I knew the campus, so to be able to put that knowledge to use was great," he said.
"We spent a lot of time working with the staff and students as well as the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners and people to put this design together and eventually build the project.
"It was fantastic to bring the Indigenous culture to life inside and out and to be able to work with such amazing artists and people was priceless."
Waa, the wise crow of the Dja Dja Wurrung, welcomes and guides Bendigo TAFE students as one of three artworks on campus by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illam Wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson.
Waa and Bujil are the two primary moieties that make up Dja Dja Wurrung cultural and belief systems, brought to life in filigreed metal work on the exterior of the building and in a dramatic hand painting in the atrium of the new Building G.
The new campus includes a new learning hub, a one-stop shop for student training and job support, an Indigenous Education Centre and modern flexible teaching spaces where students can connect with industry and community.
The works have also opened the campus to the public, with better access to the TAFE restaurant and hair and beauty salon, giving students hands on experience to hone their skills in their chosen fields.
The campus will open to students from 2022 with courses including health and community services, Indigenous support studies, business, hospitality and tourism, education, hair and beauty, creative industries and IT.
After the new buildings were opened on Wednesday, Mr Peacock said seeing his designs come to life was unforgettable.
"To be able to now stand in these new buildings and see that all of our hard work has paid off is just so rewarding," he said.
"All the hard work from Architectus in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects, Simone Bliss Landscape Architecture and Mandy Nicholson has really paid off."
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