CHANGING THE FACE OF MEMORIAL PARKS

Bunurong Memorial Park aims to be a leader in providing memorable settings for a wide range of celebratory, reflective and commemorative events and a valuable community asset.

Working with Aspect Studios, BVN designed a set of distinctive gardens arranged as a connected suite of intimate and public spaces bound by ‘quiet’ buildings with transparent portals that open directly to the garden setting.

Ms Jane Williams, Principal, BVN noted “This series of garden vistas and rooms are in turn linked to the existing lake, now reimagined as the ‘heart’ of a broader network that will include future stages.”

According to Ms Williams the widest possible range of reflective and celebratory events, are supported through buildings that include reflection spaces (chapels), function rooms, café, florist and service centre.

“A particularly characteristic part is the pedestrian commemoration bridge which connects the central gardens to the curvilinear outdoor chapel which opens directly to the lake,” she said.

Materials and detail throughout the complex are identifiably Australian, “There are distinctive native plants combined with rusted steel landscape walls, red earth paths and berms, reflective water pools, and rammed earth walls,” noted Ms Williams.

“The eucalypt timber joinery, interior and exterior colours extend the repertoire of the buildings being ‘reverential’ backgrounds to the colour and energy of the gardens.”

At the core of the scheme is BVN’s commitment to the capacity of architecture and place making to evoke and suggest potent experiences.

“Buildings and spaces are designed to host occasions where what is accepted, intrinsic and essential about life can be experienced with heightened awareness,” said Ms Williams.

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s ambition for Bunurong Memorial Park to be used as a destination for celebrations of all kinds and for all people is already being realised with a wedding being organised alongside funerals.