Evelyn Reynolds

The Hills Shire Council has proposed three high-density precincts that would see new offices, housing and public spaces built near train stations in Sydney’s north-west.
Draft precinct plans for Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill envision lively mixed-use developments that would bring more jobs to the area and provide housing close to public transit.
“By concentrating high-density developments within walking distance of a world-class train line, we can preserve our existing residential character whilst providing a mix of housing options for future generations and more places where people can set up a business, such as a retail outlet or café,” said The Hills Shire Council general manager Michael Edgar.
The Norwest plan calls for a commercial office development around Norwest Station, west of Cattai Creek and along Carrington Road that would accommodate 18,100 homes and a new park alongside Norwest Lake.

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Castle Hill Precinct concept image. Image:

Tome Visuals

The Castle Hill plan would create dedicated areas for commercial office development within and around Ring Road, including an education precinct with a new university, and would include up to 7,400 homes. It also proposes extending Main Street and Arthur Whitling Reserve and reimagining McDougall Lane as a restaurant strip with al fresco dining.
Finally, the Rouse Hill proposal would see offices built around the planned Rouse Hill Hospital, adding up to 2,750 homes and a new central open space and plaza in the undeveloped lands north of the town centre.
“This is our vision to create more opportunity for the people of the Hills, including jobs close to home, more housing, new public spaces and vital new infrastructure connections,” Edgar said.
“Under these plans, there is an estimated capacity for around 56,000 extra jobs by 2041, with a large share of this identified within the Norwest Strategic Centre. This means our residents can find jobs that match their skills, work closer to home, commute less, and spend more time with family and friends. It also improves access to a range of services these businesses will offer.”
“These plans build on the strategic corridor work done to date and aim to provide greater housing choices, including larger style apartments to accommodate families increasingly seeking alternative housing options close to the world-class Sydney Metro Northwest, our employment areas, and dining and entertainment precincts.”­
The precinct plans are on public exhibition until July 31. More

The future of Diller Scofidio and Renfro and Woods Bagot’s Aboriginal art centre in Adelaide appears uncertain, with South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas casting doubt on his government’s commitment to funding the project.
Known as Tarrkarri, which means “the future” in Kaurna, the North Terrace centre was meant to be Australia’s premier Aboriginal art and cultural centre. The previous Liberal government approved the $200 million project, but construction was put on hold last October when fears of a $50 million blowout caused the government to order a review.
The review panel, which was headed by former federal Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt, former New South Wales premier Bob Carr and Reserve Bank board member Carolyn Hewson, handed its report to state cabinet in April. Now, the premier suggests the project could cost up to three times more than the budgeted $200 million.
Malinauskas told ABC Radio he would seek money from the federal government and private philanthropists to meet the shortfall. Asked if the project would proceed without further outside funding, he said that any opportunity to mitigate state government spending would be “a good thing.”
The project’s managing contractor warned in October that building quality would be below standard for an internationally significant cultural destination if the budget wasn’t increased. ­­
“It’s got to be good enough to make someone get on a plane to come to Adelaide to see it,’’ Malinauskas told the ABC. “All I’m saying is that whatever we do has to be good enough to be able to meet that standard, because otherwise why do it at all?’’
Tarrkarri was to be built on North Terrace within the Lot 14 precinct, at the site of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital.
“Between Botanic Gardens and the Railway Station is our premier cultural precinct along North Terrace there, particularly on the northern side,” Malinauskas said.
“My firm view is whatever goes there has to be of a high enough standard to befit that precinct.”

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The proposed Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre by Diller Scofidio and Renfro and Woods Bagot. Image:

Diller Scofidio and Renfro and Woods Bagot

The National Gallery of Victoria received a $100 million donation from trucking magnate Lindsay Fox for the NGV Contemporary last year, and the NSW Art Gallery attracted the same amount of donations for its $344 million Sydney Modern.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to the project but has not promised additional funding, according to The Advertiser.
Woods Bagot and Diller Scofidio and Renfro originally won a competition to design Adelaide a contemporary art gallery. The Marshall government subsequently changed the brief, requesting an Aboriginal art centre.
The architects developed their design for Tarrkarri in consultation with an Aboriginal Reference Group, while landscape architect Oculus collaborated with Aboriginal landscape architect and artist Paul Herzich.
The South Australian government has indicated that the review panel’s report to cabinet will be made public. More

A council-run community centre in Preston in Melbourne’s north has been named the Australian Grand Prix winner in the Dulux Colour Awards, while a theatre restoration project in Wellington has taken out the top New Zealand prize.
Darebin Intercultural Centre, designed by Sibling Architecture, pushes boundaries with its bold use of colour within an 1895 building. The jury said the project was an immediate stand out for its ambitious brief and contribution to its locale, with the colour contributing to a welcoming space for a diverse community.
“The deliberate avoidance of any recognizable cultural representation placed greater importance on the form and material palette, and we applaud the strong tie to the brief, achieved through the push and pull of colour and texture,” the judges said.

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Darebin Intercultural Centre by Sibling Architecture. Image:

Peter Bennetts

“Although the use of colour to define spaces is a tangible device, in this project, colour is also highly emotive, encouraging interaction and inclusion. The idea is brilliant, and the delivery is impressive, with contrasting colours representing the diverse community, balanced to achieve a cohesive, restrained result.”
The Grand Prix New Zealand winner is St James Theatre, by Shand Shelton, which recognized the restoration of what has been Wellington’s premier lyric theatre for 100 years. “The revitalization of the St James Theatre in Wellington is a celebration of craftsmanship and a gift to the community,” the judges said.

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St James Theatre by Shand Shelton. Image:

Paul McCredie

“The significance of the undertaking was potentially daunting and there were undoubtedly ‘safer’ strategies, but the architects have embraced the challenge, specifying a complex palette, inspired by early drawings of the heritage-listed building.
Prioritizing an investment in artisans to execute the intricate colour scheme has paid off, for this attention to detail has achieved optimal authenticity and light balance for theatre conditions.”
The winners were selected from 113 finalists across Australia and New Zealand. “Across the board, the high calibre of projects is to be celebrated for they represent a mastery in colour usage, which can only serve to improve our built environment, and ultimately our collective and individual experience of it,” said the judges.
Grand Prix Australia Winner
Darebin Intercultural Centre – Sibling Architecture
Grand Prix New Zealand Winner
St James Theatre – Shand Shelton
Single Residential Exterior
Winner
Nightlight – Fabric

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Nightlight by Fabric. Image:

Nancy Zhou

Residential Interior
Winner
Alma Road Residence – Studiofour
Commendations
Studio Elroy – Lintel Studio for Architecture
Mount Mac – Williams Burton Leopardi
Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail
Winner
Postal Hall – Trower Falvo Architects with Alessio Fini

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Postal Hall by Trower Falvo Architects with Alessio Fini Image:

Benjamin Hosking

Commendation
Insight Body and Mind – Biasol Studio
Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality
Winner
Darebin Intercultural Centre – Sibling Architecture
Commendations
S’wich Bondi – Studio Shandi
St James Theatre – Shand Shelton
Commercial & Multi Residential Exterior
Winner
PHIVE Community, Cultural and Civic Hub – Designinc

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PHIVE Community, Cultural and Civic Hub by Designinc. Image:

Brett Boardman

Student Winner – Australia
Hues of Mount Kunanyi – Ruby Shields, RMIT University
Student Winner – New Zealand
The Canopy Bench – Augustina Binyamin, Victoria University More

With tones of mint, grey, cochineal red and deep green, these four homes have impressed the judges of the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards. In the Single Residential Interior category, Alma Road Residence by Studiofour came out on top with its “theatrical yet calm, moody interior [that] exudes timeless old-world sophistication,” said judge Lisa Lee, senior […] More

Does architecture have a diversity problem? That’s the question the Australian Institute of Architects is looking to answer with its national diversity and inclusion survey, which is open until 26 May. The aim of the survey is to collect anonymous diversity data, beyond the scope of the standard data collected in the Institute’s membership database. […] More

The 2023 MPavilion will be a “tranquil sanctuary” that houses a reflective pool and a large circular canopy within Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens. Japanese Pritzker Prize laureate Tadao Ando was appointed to design the pavilion by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation in March 2023. The design reflects Ando’s signature use of concrete and geometric forms. Two […] More

The ACT government has appointed Architectus, Henning Larsen and Arup to design the redevelopment of Canberra Theatre Centre.
The redevelopment and expansion will include the adaptive re-use of the existing Canberra Theatre as a multipurpose space for performances, concerts and events, as well as a new theatre building with a 2,000-seat facility, the refurbishment of the Playhouse theatre and the significant expansion of the courtyard studio. The project will be the centrepiece of a future civic and cultural district in Canberra.
In 2022, the ACT government sought submissions from Australian and international consortia for a design and technical partner for the project.
The winning consortium envisions a vibrant, multi-event, inclusive venue designed in consultation with First Nations peoples as per the ACT government’s brief, which stressed that diversity and inclusion would be a priority in the tender submissions. Architects were asked to create designs that were supportive and inclusive of people with disabilities and those of the LGBTIQ+ community.

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Preliminary designs of Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment by Architectus, Henning Larsen and Arup. Image:

Architectus, Henning Larsen and Arup

Preliminary designs submitted as part of the tender indicate a facade that reflects formal landmarks around Canberra.
“We will approach the design process through the lens of the audience and the performers,” said Architectus principal and public sector leader Stephen Long. “We will continue to work from the inside out to create a National theatre with an international reputation. We will also work from the outside-in to create a theatre that is enmeshed in the city and landscape, one that holds its place in the context of Canberra’s ensemble of National culture and arts buildings and brings vibrancy to the Canberra Civic and Cultural District. We seek to create a project that is an exemplar of elegance, function and sustainability.”
Henning Larsen partner and design director Viggo Haremst added, “Our design ambition is for the centre to become a national landmark and an international destination, drawing artists and audiences from around the world to Canberra’s new cultural heart.
“Together with Architectus and Arup, we’ve approached the design with great care considering the architecture and all other elements of design to create a vibrant and inclusive place that honours the history and beauty of the land. A cultural hub that celebrates the community, its diverse heritage and artistic expression, where people come together to share in the power of performance and storytelling.” More

A popular live music venue in Adelaide is set for an $8 million redevelopment if designs submitted to Planning SA are approved.
JPE Design Studio has proposed an addition to the eastern side of Thebarton Theatre that will accommodate a new entry foyer, a lift and stair to the upper level, and front-of-house amenities for the 2,000-seat theatre. A loading dock will also be added to the northern side of the existing building.
The original theatre was constructed in 1928 and called Thebarton Town Hall. It was designed by Kaberry and Chard, who designed more than 50 grand theatres around Australia (including the Enmore Theatre in Sydney).
According to its statement of heritage significance, Thebarton Theatre is “the most intact example of four theatres which remain in Australia […] designed by Kaberry and Chard, Theatre Architects.”
“Architecturally, the complex is of major significance for its outstanding integrity and interior. It is an excellent example of the late Edwardian/early Art Deco transition period, being sensitively designed and showing great attention to detail,” the statement reads.

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Proposed additions to Thebarton Theatre by JPE Design Studio. Image:

JPE Design Studio

Proposed additions have been designed to sit below the eaves of the original Theatre and Council Office Building, and the new entry will have an arched form.
“The curved arch form is a softer yet bolder response that also sits comfortably alongside the existing Theatre building,” the architects said in the planning application.
“There is a subtle reference to the arched parapet of the existing building, but this curved form has a unique character and sense of play that is more associated with the Theatre use. This form relates more to the curved edges proposed to the new building as a way of amplifying the contract between the new and old built form.”
The $8 million project is funded by the West Torrens Council, which owns the theatre, and the South Australian government. If approved, the project is expected to be complete by 2025. More