Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Image 2 of 22Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Windows, ChairFrank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - FacadeFrank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - FacadeFrank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - More Images+ 17

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Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Facade
© John Gollings

“It's clear that the community space …[and] library, [are] both an extension of the town of Moe, and Moe an extension of them. The Community Centre really does belong to the people of Moe.”

- Sally-Anne Watson Kane, Blogger and local resident 

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Facade
© Nick Doolan

Situated in a sweeping valley surrounded by prominent mountain ranges, the small regional town of Moe in Victoria’s Gippsland is viewed as the poor cousin of its neighbours. Unemployment is high and there has been no recent development with residents having to travel for key services. There was a real sense of expectation when the hoarding came down at the old car park site on the rail line as the new library and community building were unveiled.

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Image 2 of 22
© John Gollings

A gently curved and stepped platform of landscape and concrete follows the line of the railway, shielding the noise and impact of the trains while opening up to the town centre to create a new sunlit public square and community focus. Suspended above this curved podium and dramatically cantilevering over the pubic space are two timber clad volumes oriented directly down the main street, and forming a focus for this civic vista. 

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Image 17 of 22
Ground Floor Plan

These wooden portals that frame views to the mountains, placed carefully on a landscaped platform that form the public square have created a new civic heart and identity for the town of Moe. It is truly a place for everyone to feel welcome and included, a place that brings the community together and that marks the shared aspirations of the town.

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Shelving, Chair
© John Gollings

Moe has a new sense of place and a new way to appreciate its natural beauty. Officially named the Frank Bartlett Library and Service Centre, the project has reinvigorated a town previously bifurcated by the rail line and lacking a central community gathering space. Dubbed simply ‘the community centre’ by locals, the building provides a strong and vibrant civic heart uniting all demographics and connecting dislocated precincts of the town. 

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Table, Chair, Windows
© John Gollings

The community is embracing opportunities for markets, festival and public events. Latrobe City Council has invited residents to use the facilities to start community groups based on their personal interests, and enjoy the dynamic space designed to be led and owned by locals. During construction, locally sourced materials and trades were used encouraging sustainable outcomes and boosting the local economy. 

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Handrail
© John Gollings

Within a modest budget, the architecture seeks an inviting and open monumentality; a significance and dignity; achieved through a sensitive urban transformation and carefully crafted materials and assembly.

Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt - Facade
© Nick Doolan

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Project location

Address:Moe VIC 3825, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: "Frank Bartlett Memorial Library and Moe Service Centre / fjmt" 01 Jun 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/872624/frank-bartlett-memorial-library-and-moe-service-centre-fjmt> ISSN 0719-8884

© Nick Doolan

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