We led and coordinated a complex stakeholder group through an inclusive and collaborative architectural design process, using participatory workshops to bring diverse perspectives together and build consensus around the project.

We developed an architectural concept that reimagines the Family & Community Centre as more than a collection of services, establishing it as a social and civic hub for a new community.

The project was designed for a rapidly growing community of young and culturally diverse families, creating a welcoming environment where children, parents and neighbours can connect, share experiences and build a sense of belonging.

We began with a simple proposition: a Family & Community Centre is not simply a building that provides services. It is one of the places where a new community begins.

From this idea, we explored how the building could move beyond a functional council facility to become an important social hub, supporting the relationships that form between children, parents, families and neighbours.

The brief brought together three distinct programs: kindergarten, maternal and child health, and community facilities, each with its own operational requirements. We developed these as three interconnected streams, with their points of intersection becoming shared spaces for gathering, connection and exchange.

This branching organisation gives architectural form to the idea of a community coming together, creating spaces where people from different cultures and backgrounds can meet, recognise one another and feel a sense of belonging.

1. Unanimous Stakeholder Approval: Participatory design workshops with a diverse stakeholder group resulted in unanimous approval of the design.

2. Community-Centred Design: The project balances operational requirements, public safety and cultural considerations with the everyday experience of children, families and the wider community.

3. Delivery: Tender and Construction Documentation Packages were developed to carry the project's architectural and community values through to delivery.

Client: City of Casey

Status: Under Construction

Traditional Land Owners: Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation

Steven Chu (Director & Project Lead)
Wensen Zhang
Alina Walizade
Ryan Poppins

Designed and Delivered by Artefact Director Steven Chu as Director and Principal Architect of Programmed Building Services. Moral Rights Reserved under The Architects Act 1991 by The Architect Steven Chu. All imagery shown on this website is Copyright, All Rights Reserved, and produced by Artefact Architects.