FJMT Creates Stunning Community Space Outside Melbourne

BUNJIL PLACE | FJMT

Melbourne, Australia

Description provided by the architect. Bunjil Place is a library, a performance theatre, a public gathering space, a place of exhibition, gallery and display, a flexible and experimental space for events, lectures, debate and celebration, it is a help point, a service centre and a place of work and collaboration. Above all perhaps, it is a place where all of this overlaps and interconnects and at the centre is the interconnecting fluid form of the foyer gathering space, a non-hierarchical space that unifies the complex.

The design vision seeks to create authenticity and “place” or Narre Warren and the City of Casey. This is of prime importance given the identity loss that resulted from the development of the semi-rural residential towns into a major growth corridor and the rapid expansion of new housing developments.

The approach reinforces the history and diversity of the area and will help keep alive the stories that have shaped the community that continues to grow and evolve. Our sources of inspiration is that of Cathy Adams’ 2001 artwork, “The Meeting of Many Paths” and the Bunjil Eaglehawk; both central themes to the culture of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners and inhabitants of the land.

Bunjil Place’s identity reflects community values which are “to be the city of choice to live, work and raise a family”. The precinct encourages an egalitarian and democratic use by all community members and reflects the history and diversity of the area promoting civic pride. Inclusivity is considered with the opens spaces to congregate and dwell, active and passive thoroughfares and the encouragement of public gathering.

The success of the project is the result of an aspirational brief and long-term collaboration with the client, consultants and integrated disciplines within fjmt. The response from the community is extraordinary. Where once the community travelled long distances to access high culture, live entertainment, and quality learning environments, a compelling local alternative avoids significant emissions and congestion generated in travelling to the city.

Project Details

Type: Community Building
Address: 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren VIC 3085
GFA: 24,500 m2
Completion: November 2017
Services Provided: Architecture, Interiors, Urban, Landscape, Community

Design Team

fjmt: Architect, Interior Architect, Urban Design, Landscape Architect, Community Consultant
Design Director: Richard Francis-Jones
Jeff Morehen, Geoff Croker, William Pritchard, Lina Sjogren, Annie Hensley, Andrew Chung, David Moody, Fleur Downey, Iain Blampied, Laura Vallentine, Amanda Bey, Bradley Kerr, Nic Patman, Marco Coetzee, Jessica Kairnes, Lance White, Estelle Roman, Natalie McEvoy, Phoebe Pape, Richard Black