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Aren’t they rather strange bedfellows—a community
boating harbor and family services operating out of
the same building?
It is, but it provides a strong community focus.
Its intensity is about community.
What were the key ambitions of your client and practice?
To provide an intense community focus on the intersection
of Collins and Bourke Streets. Therein lies a question how it
addresses that intersection on dock square. It's a pioneer for
the narrow, wharf-like part of Victoria Harbor. It's really built
on the wharf and marks a transition in scale. It’s meant to be
used extensively around the clock to activate the park and
present itself as an accessible, inviting community building.
This lightweight form along with the new library you
designed with the Clares, rather than the monumental
type transplanted from the CBD, appears so much more
successful and appropriate.
It is a shed that speaks of the Mechanics Institute and
Country Women’s Association. It's the type you find in small
towns or around Melbourne such as scout halls where
people gather. It comes from humble origins.
It's the type you find in small
towns or around Melbourne
such as scout halls where
people gather. It comes from
humble origins.
ROBERT STENT, ARCHITECT