Bunjil Place wins ‘Architecture of the Year’ award at international design competition

The design for the City of Casey’s Bunjil Place arts, cultural and entertainment precinct has been awarded the top prize at the 2017 International Design Awards.

Designed by Melbourne and Sydney-based architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), the $125 million precinct also had a success in two other architectural categories at the Awards, taking out the top place in ‘Institutional’ and ‘Landmarks, symbolic structures, memorials, public’ disciplines.

Welcoming the precinct’s recognition, City of Casey Mayor, Geoff Ablett advised “(the) 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.

“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 that Council and the community can be proud of.”

Located in south-east Melbourne, Bunjil Place combines a space that is architecturally unique with striking design connected to Casey’s Aboriginal heritage.

The minds at Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp were inspired by The Meeting of Many Paths’ and Bunjil the Eaglehawk, two central themes to the culture of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners and inhabitants of the area.

Design Director Richard Francis-Jones commented “Bunjil Place was designed to be an inspiring and welcoming place for the whole community that deepens our connection to place and each other. So, while recognition in the form of international design awards is much valued, more important has been to see the community embrace Bunjil Place as their own.”

The International Design Awards aim to recognise, celebrate and promote legendary design visionary, aspiring to draw attention to the ‘iconoclasm of design worldwide’.

Awards founder and President Hossein Farmani added “from its startling and beautiful lines to its inspired use of both modern and classical materials, and especially its purpose of providing the community with a space to collaborate, create, and celebrate.

“Architecture is not just about designing the physical space, but also creating something that will inspire and enrich the lives of the people who will pass through it. Bunjil Place is a marvellous example of this, and how architecture can portray and promote art and creativity for future generations."

The entire precinct, including Bunjil Place, will come to life for the Open House Melbourne Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June.

Image: Bunjil Place, courtesy of the City of Casey.