With fragmented health services that are difficult to navigate and a critical shortage of service providers, outcomes for children have remained stagnant in the Taree area. A group of dedicated community members recognised the need for change and First Steps Count (FSC) was created.
Due to the unique vision from FSC, initially the brief was not clearly defined and hard to articulate what functionality they needed. In these early stages FSC was introduced to the Living Building Challenge (LBC) which aligned with the philosophy of FSC and the design of the new building was undertaken with the hope of achieving LBC certification.
Early community involvement in the design concept and brief was important, this occurred through workshops, even before the first line was drawn. The community desired a space that even the most vulnerable feels valued, respected and worthy.
The form is familiar, the verandah, a large skillion roof creating shelter and housing the public spaces to the north, within and around the ‘pod’ spaces. These forms came from community, the idea of woven baskets to capture and nurture the inhabitants. The private spaces are located on the southern street side, creating a domestic scaled activated edge. The connecting circulation space is woven with integrated community art arranged and guided by local artists. The input from all demographics of the community leaves a tangible impression full of diversity, fun and inspiration.
The entrance into the heart of the centre is deliberately understated and is reminiscent of the back door, the entry for friends and family. The dual entries allows for the conference section to operate without interrupting the daily use of the centre.
Overall the design needed to be flexible to accomodate new ideas and services. The most valued spaces achieved and are filling FSC brief, are the ones with no prescribed uses apart from a place to be and be welcomed.
The design development was done as a fully collaborative design team model. Engagement of the builder to be part of the design development team, ensured the design outcomes were shared and valued. Each member of the design team embraced the LBC and were given licence to discuss and opine on aspects of the project normally outside of their particular disciple. Due to some early budget pressures, full LBC certification of the building could not be achieved but the construction continued to achieve the aspirations of the LBC. The builder was critical to ensure that every building decision and material choice made was within the LBC and the client’s aim of ‘Children first in everything we do’.
Since it has been opened, the Centre has had an immense impact to the area, particular with young families coming to First Steps Count to find community. These families experiencing the place and space say they underestimated how much a building can facilitate healing.