working with aspect studios, BVN designed the bunurong memorial park in australia as a set of vibrant gardens positioned as a connected suite of intimate and public spaces bound by ‘quiet’ buildings. with the aim to offer a memorable setting that can cater to celebratory, reflective and commemorative occasions, this series of garden vistas and rooms are constantly connected to the existing lake.
the building uses corten in most of its structure
image © john gollings
BVN architecture re-imagined the memorial park as a ‘heart’ of a broader network that can be further developed. a diverse and wide range of reflective and celebratory events can be hosted and are supported through buildings that include chapels, function rooms, café, a florist and service center. a particularly characteristic feature is the pedestrian commemoration bridge which connects the central gardens to the curvilinear outdoor chapel which opens and frames a panoramic view of the lake.
the outdoor chapel looks onto the lake
image © john gollings
the materials and detail throughout the complex are identifiably australian. the greenery that has been planted are native plants and complements the corten steel landscape walls, red earth paths and berms, reflective water pools, and rammed earth walls. the eucalypti timber joinery, interior and exterior colors extend the repertoire of the buildings being ‘reverential’ backgrounds to the color and energy of the gardens.
at the core of the scheme is bvn’s aim to use architecture to evoke and suggest potent experiences
image © john gollings
inside, the gardens are positioned as a connected suite of intimate and public spaces
image © john gollings
the scheme is made of corten steel landscape walls, red earth paths and berms, reflective water pools, and rammed
earth walls
image © john gollings
services include chapels, function rooms, café, a florist and service center
image © john gollings
the scheme offers a memorable setting for a wide range of celebratory, reflective and commemorative events
image © john gollings
bunurong memorial park in australia
image © robert hamer
