March Studio’s proposal for the Outback Museum of Australia has been unanimously chosen the winner of a design competition to create a tourism destination in a remote southwestern Queensland town.
The winning scheme aims to “capture the heart and soul of the outback.” Five circular pavilions, made from rammed red earth will house a variety of gallery spaces, ranging from 95 to 145 square metres. An additional three pavilions will house ticketing and information services, restrooms and a gift shop and snack bar.
The pavilions will be arranged around a central native garden which in turn will have a central circular meeting area for smoking ceremonies. A large-spanning Aramax roof will hover over the pavilions, unifying and shading the entire facility. The roof will also act as water collecting device during rain events, funnelling rainwater to catchments around the native garden. The waterfall effect that it would create references the springs and gorges found throughout the outback.
The winning design for Outback Museum of Australia by March Studio.
Image:
Courtesy Griffith University
The jury said “the character, functionality and chosen materials [of this scheme] are considered to meet the program’s call for an exemplary building, with an innovative but simple and agile design that will stand the test of time.
“The seamless and organic forms, the honesty of the material selection and detailing in addition to the obvious physical connections to the surrounding landscape, ensure human scale and approachability of the built form. The exhibition spaces proposed are considered with development, to present a unique curatorial opportunity.”
The circular galleries range in size from 95 to 145 square metres.
Image:
Courtesy Griffith University
The jury awarded second place to a scheme by Hassell which it described as “an appropriate and achievable proposition [that would create]memorable visitor experience.” However, “concerns were also raised about the extensive use of unshaded concrete.” Third place was awarded to Adhaeream for its sinuous, ground plane of converging paths that contrast with an expressive central vertical landmark element accommodating exhibits and elevated viewing opportunities.” But the jury were concerned it would impact “the functional agility of the museum.”
The Outback Museum of Australia was first proposed in 2021, with a masterplan produced the Griffith University academic Karine Dupre, together with architecture students Majed Abuseif, Ting Ren, Miyuki Suzuki and Sebastian Smith.
The project is a collaboration between Griffith University and Murweh Shire Council. The museum will be built in Charlesville’s existing Top Secret Tourism Precincton the site of a clandestine air base where almost 4,000 US troops were stationed during World War II.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
