Darebin Intercultural Centre
The Darebin Intercultural Centre, an award-winning community hub within the City of Darebin’s Civic Centre, welcomes inclusivity and diversity through its transformative space. By uniting cultures and ideas, the centre stands as a testament to thoughtful design that respects heritage while embracing a future.
The Challenge
Crafting an environment promoting meaningful inter-racial, inter-cultural, and inter-faith relations posed a unique challenge. The project, heavily influenced by community consultation, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elders, and a dedicated team of consultants, aimed to reflect the diverse community it serves. The design for the signage needed to integrate with the flexible gathering spaces and their function, as well as the rich material palette, while preserving and celebrating the historical significance of the centre within a 1895 heritage building.
Project Vision
The vision for the wayfinding strategy and design was to create moments of delight for the users of the space, using an orange colour palette and the warmth of timber. The design process focussed on the creation of a welcoming space that encourages interaction and unity, and embodies the centre’s commitment to building constructive and lasting community relationships.
The totem at the building’s entry is a bold extension of the internal signage, creating a visible landmark from the street frontage. Key destinations are identified with timber signage elements.
Studio Semaphore
Darebin Intercultural Centre provides an accessible and inclusive space for the local community, with a collage of materials and textures reflective of the diverse cultures that engage with the space.
Peter Bennetts
Design + Execution
The signage design, a collaborative effort with local craftspeople, produced bespoke icons and typography with a rounded aesthetic to echo the architectural vernacular. This approach complemented the centre’s vibrant material palette and heritage features, such as original tiling and vaulted brick ceilings that were uncovered during demolition. Bright orange moulded lettering and bespoke icons guide visitors and reflect the centre’s dynamic spirit, making the Darebin Intercultural Centre a landmark of cultural unity and a safe space for future generations.
Amenities are identified with playful bespoke pictograms.
Studio Semaphore
A bespoke pictogram family was developed for the centre.
Studio Semaphore
Timber elements support the warmth and tactility of the architectural palette.
Peter Bennetts
Room signage in bright orange moulded lettering references the bold interior color palette.
Peter Bennetts
Room signage in bright orange moulded lettering references the bold interior color palette.
Studio Semaphore
Project Details
Design Team
Studio Semaphore
Photo Credits
Peter Bennetts, Studio Semaphore
Open Date
March 1, 2023