CIC Advisory Panel Presentation

1. CANBERRA ISLAMIC CENTRE
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ISLAMIC LIBRARY
Presented by
Kate O’Hara & Blake Chapman

2. CANBERRA ISLAMIC CENTRE PROJECT
CLIENT
Canberra Islamic Centre / Australian National Islamic Library
BACKGROUND
The project was started in 1998 and has since seen slow progress into what is established now.
There is little to no focus so far on the landscape of the site and as such the site is quite bare.
Predominately a self funded community centre with most funds raised through the local community.
The CIC has a strong and positive relationship within the community but has had issues with vandalism.
BRIEF
To develop a landscape which is functional yet aesthetically pleasing for the members of the CIC.
Create a contemporary design which incorporates traditional Islamic design with Australian impressions.
Develop a landscape design which compliments the existing building.
Design a landscape which is inviting to both the public and CIC community to enjoy.

3. CANBERRA ISLAMIC CENTRE SITE
SITE ANALYSIS & CONTEXT
Physical Site Context
Clive Steele Avenue, Monash
Overall site area size 16,050 m2
Car parking facilities and security boundary fence
New plantings
Flat site area with little undulation
Existing building / courtyard / community hall
Exposed environment
Cultural Site Context
Diversity of users
Widespread membership
Community forum = cultural aspects / values / activities
Community Site Context
Active community
Widespread services to the community
ANIL / mosque
Fluctuating volume participation Source: Google Earth

4. BROAD DESIGN CONCEPTS - BLAKE
WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY DESIGN
 Use a mix of Islamic design ideas with Australian impressions to create a unique design
 Incorporate a space which encourages the use of the area for socializing / enjoyment
 Make the landscape an attraction which can be seen from the road
 Create a landscape design which compliments the existing building
 Use landscape materials to soften the harsh environmental conditions
MATERIALS /MOOD
 Many soft materials used especially plantings
 Incorporate the use of both Australian plants with Islamic plants
 Include the use of Arabic text which is highly distinguishable throughout Islamic design
 The mood conveyed in the space will ideally be an inviting yet formal area for people to enjoy
HERO SHOT
 My hero shot is to make the landscape between the building and the car park a space for the CIC
community to enjoy yet also make it slightly visible from the road to create interest for road users
going past the community centre.

5. BROAD DESIGN CONCEPTS - KATE
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
 Spatial Structuring
 Enclosure / Water / Sanctuary / Shade
 Interpretation
 Simplicity / Purity / Harmony
 Paradise Garden
MATERIALS /MOOD
 Plantings
 Water
 Lighting
 Pots / Urns / Planters
 Arbors /Pergolas
 Seating
 Colour
 Natural Materials
HERO SHOT
 Gardens of Paradise