Australian Capital Territory
The Parents Room in the new North Quarter renovation Canberra Centre is a carefully planned and highly functional space, designed to be a fully inclusive space for all users, from parents and carers to children, of all genders, identities, and abilities. Colour is used in sophisticated yet unexpected ways to define zones, while curved elements soften and unify the spaces, creating an immersive and memorable experience for users. The inviting tones of the parents room facilities provide both spatial definition as well as a welcome contrast to the stimulating shopping mall environment.
Award for Interior Architecture
The Canberra Centre Parents Room exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality and innovative design, aiming to entertain and accommodate both parents and children.
The design begins with a continuous paved pathway and textured corridor wall leading from the Canberra Centre to the Parents’ Room, creating a seamless yet distinct transition from public to private spaces. Upon entering the room, visitors are greeted with a vibrant burst of colour, texture, and materials, leaving no surface untouched, marking the official transition into the dedicated space.
Local artist Nikki Butlin’s custom artwork engages children within the nappy changing area, employing a rich palette of colours, shapes, and textures that tie the space together cohesively.
The parents’ room is thoughtfully designed and detailed to be fully inclusive, with cleverly integrated services. Spatial zoning, playful elements, feature ceilings and sophisticated use of colour and shapes define spaces throughout. Curved elements soften and unify the environment, offering a welcome contrast to the bustling shopping mall surroundings.
The Canberra Centre Parents Room stands as a testament to intentional design, meticulous attention to detail, and creativity within a limited footprint, successfully meeting all functional requirements while creating a memorable and inviting space for all users.
The Pamille Berg Award for Art in Architecture
The Mural in the Canberra Centre Parents Room showcases a seamless fusion of architecture, interior design, and art, exemplifying the power of integration in enhancing user experience. Designed and commissioned by local Canberra architect, interior designer, and artist Nikki Butlin, the custom artwork serves as a pivotal element that defines and enlivens the space.
The artwork’s rich colour palette and textural qualities not only captivate but also engage users, particularly children, by inviting them to search for animals and shapes within the cloud-like formations. This playful concept resonates with the childhood pastime of gazing at clouds to identify familiar shapes, offering a delightful distraction in the nappy changing area.
From soft pinks and greens to deep blues and reds, the artwork’s colours harmoniously interact with other materials and hues present in the room, creating a visually stimulating environment.
The mural, specifically designed by Butlin serves as a unifying element that ties the entire space together, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and functionality while adding depth and spatial drama. It exemplifies how thoughtful integration of art can elevate the design of a space, making it both visually appealing and engaging for users of all ages.
Holy Smokes, forget the new street food precinct. Check out the Canberra centre’s new parents room!!! All people want to know about is where the beautiful parents room is. So it’s next to Taki, kind of hidden underneath the escalators that go up to kingpin. your welcome, I’ll meet you there. from a new parent on her instagram blog
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
