The Marion Cultural Centre will represent South Australia at national awards after receiving its third recognition for architectural design this year. It has joined the Adelaide Convention Centre and the National Wine Centre as winners in the best ‘New Building’ category at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects 2002 Awards in South Australia.
The centre’s innovative design was also recognised by the Landscape Association of SA Inc that presented awards for commercial landscaping and a project using stone. Architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall designed the building which was opened in November 2001. Judges described it as a landmark structure and a new focus for community life.
Featuring a library, art gallery, multi function performance space, café and modern meeting rooms, the community can socialise, interact and enjoy arts and culture within the region, Marion Mayor, Felicity-Ann Lewis said.
“The entire community had a vision for the Marion Cultural Centre and part of this was to challenge the norm,” Councillor Lewis said. “This was certainly achieved by the architects when the concept was first developed and presented to Council, which embraced the design and agreed to move forward with the challenge.”
Huge lettering spelling ‘MARION’ has been incorporated into the building and landscape. A range of innovative and energy efficient design features have been used such as verandahs, sun shading and thermally efficient glass to control the amount of heat and light entering the building.
For more information contact Julia Angove, City of Marion, on (08) 8375 6605.
