Issued Monday 28 May 2018
The City of Casey’s striking new arts and cultural precinct Bunjil Place has made its mark on the world design stage, taking out the top honour at the International Design Awards (IDA) 2017.
The $125m project, designed by leading Australian architectural firm Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), was named ‘Architecture of the Year’ and also received the Gold prize in both the ‘Institutional’ and ‘Landmarks, symbolic structures, memorials, public’ architecture categories.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said Council was honoured that Bunjil Place had received such recognition.
“Council set out to create an inviting central heart for the whole community that would instil a sense of pride in the Casey community through the delivery of Bunjil Place,” he said.
“The remarkable, iconic design of Bunjil Place has helped Council create a welcoming and enlivening destination for local residents and visitors to come together, make community connections and enjoy many exciting entertainment, arts and culture experiences.
“Council is proud of this international recognition and congratulate fjmt for their contemporary and innovative design, as well as builder Multiplex and all those involved in bringing this project to life.”
Opened in October 2017, Bunjil Place is home to a range of community and civic facilities including an 800-seat theatre, multi-purpose studio, gallery space, three-level library, outdoor plaza with big screen and function centre.
In 2014, fjmt won Council’s international design competition for Bunjil Place with their architecturally unique and beautiful design which connected to Casey’s Aboriginal heritage and addressed connectedness, accessibility, sustainability and technology requirements.
The architect’s sources of inspiration for the design were that of ‘The Meeting of Many Paths’ and Bunjil the Eaglehawk, both central themes to the culture of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners and inhabitants of the land.
“Council is incredibly proud of the design outcome of Bunjil Place that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, local culture and the history of the area,” the Mayor added.
“From the distinctive roof, which resembles soaring eagle wings and reaches out to create the outdoor meeting space, to the impressive timber gridshell feature, along with the modern and inviting design that features throughout the facility, it really is a beautiful precinct the whole community can be proud of.”
For more information on Bunjil Place visit the Bunjil Place website.