The Building Design "The building establishes its significance through its difference and its visibility while at the same time creating an environment that projects the positive results that are possible through the blending of technology, information culture and civil service."

The Architects

Award winning, Melbourne architects, Ashton, Raggatt, McDougall Pty Ltd teamed with Adelaide architectural firm, Phillips/Pilkington as the entity PP+ARM to design Marion’s Cultural Centre.

ARM’s Principle, Ian McDougall was the current President of the Victorian Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

PP+ARM were linked with project managers, sub-consultants and the Marion Council via the Internet ensuring tight and responsive management during the Centre’s critical construction phase.

This aspect of the project placed the construction of the Marion Cultural Centre at the leading edge of project management.

Design Issues

The architects saw the diverse and changing nature of the Marion area as both an obstacle and an inspiration in settling on the final design. The absence of a singular identifying element or icon for the area meant the only connecting theme for both residents and visitors was the name of the district itself-MARION.

The architects saw this as the most appropriate means of applying a design which would best provide a ‘cultural ‘heart’ for the Marion community.

Another issue was establishing identity and significance for the Cultural Centre given its close proximity to Westfield.

Incorporating the ‘MAR’ on the Centre’s Diagonal Road facade was seen as a way of giving the building both an identity and a presence and provides a point of interest given the building’s single-level, elongated form.

Other design issues were associated with specific elements of the locale. These included the natural and cultural aspects of the nearby Sturt River, the elevated presence offered by the Warracowie hillock and the traditional forms of retail typography represented by ‘strip shopping’.

Interpretations and Rationale

The ‘MAR’ façade addresses issues of presence and initial impact. The design is bold and unfamiliar when first viewed but up close features like the verandah edge make the building familiar.

Design features of the Centre also replicate the meander flow of the Sturt River, which flows nearby. These features are evident in the curved profile of the building’s northern verandah and in the patterning and layout of external paving

The river signifies life to the Kaurna people, the area’s indigenous custodians as well as suggesting the meeting and merging of western and indigenous cultures and the flow of information and ideas that symbolise learning and community.

The elongated form of the building follows the ‘strip shop’ topology of the traditional ‘High Street’ and encourages the use of The Plaza space.

As the zone of primary circulation, The Plaza allows the shop, café, gallery and library to all be independently accessible. It means each facility will be able to offer independent opening hours while still being linked externally.

The Marion Cultural Centre Library is a major internal feature and occupies an elevated position offered by Warracowie hillock providing the building with a sense of prominence and an interconnection with Westfield.

Design Summary

The Marion Cultural Centre has been designed as a contemporary, public building, which allows for the flexible distribution of workspaces and service areas that can be readily updated as needs dictate.

This has resulted in an open, airy building which follows the traditional building styles associated with shed and warehouse construction.

The architects have been mindful of this cultural link in the selection of materials and finishes and the external features of the Plaza.

Other Features

The incorporation of the ‘I’, ‘O’ and ‘N’ to complete the building’s ‘signature’ represent an exciting opportunity for sculptors and artists.

The ‘I-con’ in particular is a dramatic highlight on the Centre’s, northeast corner. The 8-metre twin-vertical, metal structure is an eye-catching feature.

The ‘O’ is formed from the garden border by large rocks set in the northern lawn and an upright, steel-framed ‘N’ provides a lattice support for vines and climbers next to the Plaza entrance.

These features emphasise the Centre’s special identity with Marion and its community.

For further information please contact Events Manager on 8375 6855 or by email mcc@marion.sa.gov.au