By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The $125 millon eagle has majestically landed at Bunjil Place.
Star News had a sneak peak as tradies put the finishing touches to Casey Council’s arts-civic headquarters, just ahead of opening on 28 October.
It is an epic construction, two years in the building.
Most remarkable is the “grid-shell” – the cascading interwoven ‘legs’ of the eagle – which is the centrepiece at the building’s entrance.
The wooden form looks like one piece, but is actually 90 thin strands of Prodema timber composite invisibly joined. Project director Steve Dalton said the Bunjil project was the most complex design of German manufacturer Hess.
It’s a first of its type in the world, Mr Dalton says.
Inside the black-butt timbered atrium, it feels more like a leisure space than council offices.
Out the front is cafe dining and a reception that doubles as a bar and kiosk during arts events. The council reception is discreetly tucked behind the main atrium – that doubles as a cafe and bar area.
The City if Casey’s video introduction to Bunjil Place:
An interactive touchscreen in the foyer is expected to be a hit. It invites visitors to create their own avatars and find out more about Casey by tapping on drifting words.
Mr Dalton said the council was expecting huge attendance at the three-tiered library – equipped with gaming, multimedia and traditional books.
It boasts spectacular views of the building and out to the Narre Warren North foothills.
Animation of the building process:
Kids will love its alcove of comfortable seats, animal-themed seats and small caves and ledges to read in.
On the arts side, the 800-seat theatre with extra wide wings and dressing rooms is awesome in size. It is equipped to be the first South-East venue capable of hosting concerts of large choirs and orchestras.
Coming up are the Australian Ballet, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Deadly 60 with the Steve Irwin-like Steve Backshall.
There is also a versatile 200-seat studio theatre space, which is expected to be booked out for every hour of the day for cocktail parties, rehearsals, performances and functions.
An animated look through the interior:
The art gallery is currently hanging John Golling’s stunning photographs of the making of Bunjil Place.
The outdoors plaza has a shallow amphitheatre fronted by a giant TV screen that can revolve 180 degrees.
The screen can display live sport and news events or be the backdrop for the thoughtfully-designed Anzac memorial with relocated marble stones. The TV will be switched on all day.
Watch time lapse footage of all the building stages:
