Cobargo, Ongoing | Yuin Country
This building is imagined as a crafted home for stories and memories related to the tragic events of the 2019/2020 bushfires. It offers a journey of education, inspiration and remembrance, in a suitably calm and uplifting series of spaces.
The experiences within the building are gradually revealed. From the street, the Bushfire Resilience Centre presents an intriguing bay window of crafted, yet raw timber construction, and suggestive glimpses of a mysterious inner. The core of the structure is wrapped in a perforated outer skin to engage the senses and provide a buffer to outside conditions.
A central entry gallery, skylit from above, connects the street with the landscape to the West. Cloaking, ticketing and welcome occur here, the journey begins.
First, an exhibition space for quiet consideration of exhibits such as pre recorded stories of the even, for introduction and explanation.
A transition into the second room - an immersive yet intimate theatre offer an immersive learning experience for individuals or groups up to 30 people.
The third major space is created between the interior exhibition rooms - a reflective garden. This is the heart of the proposal. A symbolic echo of the heart of a town that was lost, yet, uplifting as a place to enjoy simple beauty - in planting, reflection, water, art, music. The calm after an engaging educational experience.
Other associated functions are accommodated within a second wing to the north - A small cafe space occupies the entry gallery, a perfect place for post visit reflection, but also a destination in itself; a retail space at the street frontage to engage with pedestrians passing by, a flexible commercial and administration space with terrace upstairs in order to cater for events, talks, gatherings and visitor groups including research teams, functions or artist programs; as well as lift access, back of house storage, amenities and parking.
The simple material palette of timber, and steel is honest, robust, low maintenance, and chosen to age gracefully.
Understanding that the building should not exacerbate the underlying climate change impact that forced its inception is key - it is planned as a sustainable green star building with ongoing support from the Green Building Council.
The building strives to provide both - making a connection to the wider landscape and engaging with its surroundings while also providing an interior space focused on itself for contemplation - just as the centre itself contains the memories of the tragic events that preceded its inception, while also looking toward our future in a changed environment.
Project team
Katharina Hendel, Brent Dunn, Daniel Rivers, Emma Gaal