Bridging Art and Accessibility in the Yarra Valley.
Written by: Ploy Reilly, Access Consultant
The Eva and Marc Besen Centre (EMBC) is located at the TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville in the Yarra Valley. Architecture & Access were commissioned by McCorkell Constructions to provide specialist Accessibility advice for the Eva and Marc Besen Centre.
The new building, with a project budget of approx. $28 million, has been designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) and will function as an education and performance centre, and as a storage facility for its art collection.
The project aims to blur the divide between the ‘back of house and front of house’, with over 300 works from the TarraWarra Museum of Art’s permanent collection on display. The floor to ceiling art racks behind a secure glazed wall have been engineered to control the temperature in the storage space and protect the artwork from fires without the need for sprinklers.
Visitors can view the extensive art collection through the floor to ceiling glass, which runs the full length of the storage space, or on guided tours ‘Behind the Scenes Collection’ with bookings now open.
The main areas of the EMBC for Architecture & Access to consider included:
- Performance Solutions and an access strategy to manage the full-height timber doors between the Arrival and Learning Space to ensure safe and dignified access is provided for visitors and staff whilst retaining a key architectural feature of the space
- All Gender accessible and ambulant sanitary facilities to promote inclusion whilst maintaining privacy
- The glazed wall to the art storage area which provides views into the space whilst meeting accessibility requirements for glazing
- The tiered platform seating and adjacent staircase in the Learning Space with features to enhance accessibility and safety whilst maintaining flexibility for the multipurpose space
- Accessible car parking, with access to electric vehicle charging
- Accessible external paths of travel within the hills of the Yarra Valley to connect the EMBC to the existing cellar door and sculpture walk on the grounds of TarraWarra Estate
The centre will continue to inspire art lovers (and wine lovers) and it is an ideal example of a thoughtful, accessible design and commitment to safety that will enhance the visitor’s experience.
Image descriptions:
- This image showcases key features, including a compliant path of travel with appropriate gradients and crossfalls, and a defined edge leading to the shoreline adjacent to a clearly identifiable entrance.
The entrance is fitted with glazed automated doors that exceed minimum clear opening width specified in AS1428.1:2009, allowing for smooth, simultaneous entry and exist for multiple users. - This image highlights a custom-designed handrail system with compliant extensions, alongside composite tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIS) that achieve the required 60% luminance contrast. The stair nosings are also compliant, ensuring visibility and safety.
Additionally, accessibility features include hearing loop signage and exit signage incorporating Braille and tactile components, to support inclusive wayfinding for people with vision or hearing impairments.
Photography by: Leo Showell
