Bunjil Place is a multipurpose arts, civic and community facility designed by FJMT for the City of Casey in the outer Melbourne suburb of Narre Warren. The project provides a broad range of spaces for council and community organisations and serves a number of functions. The complex holds a library, 800-seat theatre, gathering and meeting spaces, council offices, an art gallery, a flexible event space and an outdoor plaza.

The use of wood defines a warm and innovative design which emphasises the lightness of the roof through a fluid, organic geometry while reinforcing the open and welcoming nature of the complex. The architectural intent was for the timber grid shell to appear weightless as it touched the ground at two points, as a form of wings, protecting and sheltering the community.

The design was heavily influenced by the history of the land and the stories of the area’s traditional landowners, the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people. Two stories inspired the architects; ‘The meeting of many paths’ and ‘Bunjil the eagle’.

Design – FJMT; Structural engineers – TTW; Builder – Multiplex Global

Photography: John Gollings