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The centre’s main entrance reflects a
bold graphic signature and human scale.
P
roviding shelter for more than 10,000 animals
in the past year, the East Burwood facility is the
largest of 13 centres in Victoria. It provides for
adoption, shelter, clinical and training in addition to a
range of retail, community and inspectorate activities.
The move from agricultural to a contemporary
urban presence was seen as a vital part for the RSPCA’s
growing community relevance. Corporate identity, image
branding and practical efficiencies all operate in a facility
that represents the interests of so many people and pets.
Viridian glazing is key to much of the architectural
achievement – which meets a demanding range of
climatic and visual requirements.
Barbara Bamford, Principal of Bamford Architects
discusses the background to the bold public face
of an organisation supported almost entirely from
public donation:
What distinguishes this facility from those of the
agricultural variety often associated with animal welfare?
It’s one that really changes community expectation
and experience. The typical concrete and wire sheds
really belong to another era and, thankfully, we’ve
moved on. This really demonstrates an alternative
and humane way of dealing with animals from their
welfare through to the social and retail experience.
It’s a very high visibility project on a busy arterial.
How deliberate was the move from impoverished
and nondescript to statement structure?
A major focus of the brief was to be viewed, if not as
landmark, then as having a really major civic presence.
The building has a quite dramatic graphic element
that reinforces the RSPCA brand and also reflects the
organisation’s leadership role within animal welfare.
Where did your research take you?
We visited quite a number of animal welfare facilities
and looked at the idea of biomorphic architecture
for instance. In the end we settled on something
we believe is an honest, open expression rather
than adopting the over-sized animal sculptures, or
novelty form. Everyone agreed that the architecture
should define the centre and contribute towards its
credentials and so it is very purpose designed rather
than clever form that then shoehorned in floor-space.
High Visibility