The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre
Location: 1-3 Hill View Pl, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
Designer: Withstudio
Photography: Ryan Davies
The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre: A Grand Narrative of Design and Diversity
Set amidst the verdant embrace of Bentley’s Hill View Park, the City of Canning celebrates an emblem of intercultural interaction – The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre. A harmonious blend of ancient culture, modern architecture, and the soul of a diverse community, this centre emerges as an epitome of unity in diversity.
The prodigious With Architecture Studio, renowned for its signature blend of function and aesthetics, has once again crafted a space that strikes a chord. Established in Perth in 1985, this design-led practice’s latest venture seamlessly integrates the ancient and the contemporary, setting the gold standard for community centres across Australia.
With the Hillview Intercultural Community Centre, they’ve affirmed their commitment to sustainable, carbon-neutral, and distinctive design that nurtures communities and fosters intercultural dialogues.
Envisaged as more than just a building, the Hillview Intercultural Community Centre is an ode to Canning’s rich tapestry of cultures. It celebrates the ancient connection of the Whadjuk Noongar people and embraces modern-day diversity, with over 50% of Canning’s residents born overseas and 40% speaking a language other than English.
Mayor Patrick Hall eloquently captured the essence of the centre when he described it as a place “where everyone is welcome to learn about each other’s cultures.” The centre stands tall as the inaugural intercultural edifice in Perth’s South East corridor. It offers a multifunctional space encompassing meeting rooms, commercial kitchen spaces, a main hall, and a computer lab.
The centre is a testament to their architectural prowess, balancing a meticulous refurbishment with imaginative additions. By weaving it seamlessly into the Hill View Park Precinct Master Plan, the studio has reaffirmed its vision – a harmonious blend of space, culture, and community.
Stepping into the community centre, one is immediately embraced by a symphony of luxury, comfort, and elegance. This exquisite atmosphere is attributed in no small part to the designer furniture that graces its expanse. The hub showcases not 1 but 4 iconic designer furniture pieces designed by Helen Kontouris for Len.
Leading the ensemble is the Softscape Lite Retreat Lounge. Slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, this furniture piece epitomises comfort, creating intimate cocoons. Perfectly complementing the broader Softscape Lite collection, its soft upholstered screen elements infuse privacy, marking a gentle transition from the bustling exterior to the hushed sanctum within. The Softscape Lite Retreat lounges can be found in the hub’s Multipurpose hall, nestled amongst the other pieces from LEN’s designer furniture collection.
Adding to the grandeur is the Panier Stool, mirroring the intricate art of basket weaving, made from contemporary polyethylene polymers. Its grace and balance resonate perfectly with the Hillview Centre’s ethos, providing an effortless blend of art and functionality. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, it epitomises flexibility. The Panier stool can be found in almost every part of the space but is especially highlighted in their computer lab, Kaartij Mia Room and Bardip Mia Room.
Last but not the least is the Bauhaus Grid Lounge and Bauhaus Grid ottomans. The interplay of squares, circles, and rectangles, inspired by the Bauhaus art movement, lends an unparalleled visual identity to the space. This versatile piece becomes a canvas for attendees, encouraging creativity and interaction. The two furniture pieces can be found in the Multipurpose Hall and the Danjoo Mia Room.
Together, these pieces not only accentuate the luxurious ambience of the centre but also echo its core tenets – adaptability, collaboration, and inclusivity. The ingenious use of designer furniture within the Hillview Centre not only enhances its visual appeal but also supports its mission โ fostering connections while celebrating diversity.
The City of Canning needed a space that was a true reflection of its vibrant ethos. The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre is precisely that. Designed to be the very first of its kind in Perth’s southeast corridor, it not only fosters community interaction but also champions the rich diversity that the City of Canning represents.
In a rapidly globalising world, spaces that foster intercultural dialogue and interaction become imperative. The Hillview Intercultural Community Centre, with its state-of-the-art design and an array of designer furniture, emerges as a beacon for such interactions.
Kudos to the City of Canning and With Architecture Studio for conceptualising and realising such a magnificent space. One can only anticipate the myriad of stories, interactions, and memories that will soon find a home within its walls.
To learn more about Softscape, Softscape Lite, Bauhaus, and Panier , please speak to one of our team, or contact our distribution partner for Australia at Stylecraft. For all international enquiries, please get in touch with us at info@lenfurniture.com.