Visions for a new theatre in Canberra have been unveiled, designed by Cox Architecture in collaboration with Yerrabingin, Charcoal Blue theatre consultants and Arcadia Landscape Architecture.
Located in the city’s Civic and Cultural District at City Hill, the proposed Lyric Theatre is the first part of a staged redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre, which includes refurbishments to the Canberra Theatre, the Playhouse and the Courtyard Studio. The ACT government had previously appointed a consortium comprising Architectus, Henning Larsen and Arup to lead the redevelopment.
The new lyric theatre planned for the northern side of the Playhouse has been newly imagined by Cox Architecture as a “world-class performing arts venue that reflects Canberra’s cultural aspirations.”
According to the architect’s communique, a 2,000-seat auditorium at the heart of the project will “establish a new benchmark for cultural inclusivity, accessibility and artistic excellence in Australia,” and expand the city’s capacity for major performances.
The design of the auditorium, which comprises stepped terraces of 1,000-seat stalls, a 500-seat circle and a 500-seat balcony, is aimed at enhancing acoustics and intimacy while reducing the building’s mass along the site’s main public frontages.
Engagement with First Nations and LGBTQIA+ community groups has been key to the design team’s approach.
Director and project design lead at Cox Joe Agius said, “We wanted the design to reinforce Canberra Lyric Theatre’s unique identity – one grounded in cultural respect, continuity and storytelling.”
“As a project of national significance, it was vital that the design harmonise with Canberra’s civic fabric while also affirming the role of cultural infrastructure in shaping a shared identity – one that’s shaped by our First Nations heritage as well as the diversity of contemporary Australia.”
Co-founder and director of Yerrabingin Christian Hampson added that the “project honours and celebrates its unique place in Country, connecting audience and performer through a shared experience of acknowledgment.”
According to the architect, the theatre’s sculpted architectural form frames views to Black Mountain and Vernon Circle, while also filtering light though a layered exterior. As the first stage in the redeveloped precinct, the proposal is intended to provide a welcoming public domain that supports intuitive circulation, with its main entry oriented to the future Theatre Plaza.
Last year, the ACT government put out a call for ideas on the transformation of City Hill Park adjacent to the theatre, which were exhibited online. They note that a forthcoming concept masterplan that builds on the proposals will guide future improvements, “incorporating stakeholder engagement, site analysis and feasibility.”
As part of the approval process, the Lyric Theatre design is on public exhibition with the National Capital Authority until 20 October.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
