Architecture

The late Bulgarian-born architect Iwan Iwanoff is, according to architect and TV presenter Stuart Harrison, “to Perth what Gaudi is to Barcelona – a figure inseparable from the place [he] worked [in] and helped give identity to.”
An exhibition and book titled Catching Light by Jack Lovel is celebrating his work and seeking to solidify his place as a figure of national importance.
Architectural photographer Jack Lovel, has a long association with the architect’s work, having spent his formative years in a family home designed by Iwanoff, the Jordanoff House (1954) in Perth.

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Marsala House, or the “Dianella Disco House” (1976). Image:

Jack Lovel

Lovel said that the émigré architect’s “revolutionary work” had left an impression at a young age. Around two years ago he set out to capture the few remaining relics of the architect’s career, hoping to give Iwanoff national prominence.
The book captures more than 20 remaining works designed by Iwanoff between his arrival to Perth in 1950 and his death in 1986.
Having studied architecture in Europe, Iwanoff set up his practice, then called The Studio of Iwanoff, in 1963 and became known for its idiosyncratic use of concrete blocks in residential projects. While his work is sometimes referred to as brutalist, he did not subscribe to that school’s prioritizing of the structural and utilitarian over aesthetics.
Lovel’s photographs were previously exhibited in Perth in 2019 at This Is gallery. In a piece written for the 2019 exhibition, Stuart Harrison noted that Iwanoff understood the harsh sun and particular light of Perth.

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Architectural photographer Jack Lovel.

“His layering of concrete block screens in the later work is both artistic expression and also a way of dealing with the Perth summer sun – catching it on the outside and playing with it, shadows and reveals, giant fretwork made from simple cut concrete blocks,” he wrote.
Catching Light is on exhibition at Est Lighting until 31 March. The limited edition hard-cover book includes a foreword by Stuart Harrison and an introduction by Iwanoff’s son Nicolai. More

The Alastair Swayn Foundation has announced that the first round of its 2022 architecture and design grants program is now open for applications. The submission period will close on 11 April 2022. In an expanded program, individuals, groups and organizations may apply for the foundation’s grants, which are available in two categories: Design Strategy ($10,000) […] More

The Tasmanian government announced that it will build a new $750 million multi-purpose stadium at Hobart’s Regatta Point as part of its ten-year strategic stadium plan. The stadium is contingent on the island state achieving an AFL license, and will be designed to AFL specifications, while also accommodating the A-League (soccer). A new stadium was […] More

The Surf Coast Shire Council in Victoria’s west has approved concept plans and business case for development of a “four-in-one” cultural centre.
The proposed Surf Coast Cultural Centre will be located at 77 Beach Road in Torquay. The council owned site is currently home to Surf Coast Art Space, Torquay Visitor Information Centre and Australian National Surfing Museum with the Torquay Library in a neighbouring building.
The new building will accommodate all four community facilities in one, which will be developed over two stages.
The concept design for the project has been produced by Williams Ross Architects. A spokesperson for the council said the appointment of an architect for the detailed design phase is subject to a future tender process.

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Concept design design for Surf Coast Cultural Centre by Williams Ross Architects.

Stage one of the project will consist of new building that will house an expansion of Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay Library and Torquay Visitor Information Centre, which will adjoin the existing arts space. In the second stage, the arts space will be redeveloped into a Multi Arts Centre with a 250-seat theatre, gallery, artist-in-residence studio and backstage areas for performers.
The design of the building will incorporate elements that reflect the Wadawurrung Aboriginal cultural, visual, environmental heritage.
“Many members of the arts community, surf industry and users of the current buildings shared with us what they think are the needs for this facility and this has very much informed the concept design we have now,” said Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton.
“We will continue to seek their advice as we progress to detailed stages of planning and design.
“We are particularly excited by the prospect of creating a purpose-built space enabling us to better display the 12,000 items from our Australian National Surfing Museum. Our collection is recognised as being of national and international significance and illustrates such a vivid and important part of our story on the Surf Coast.”
The council has committed $8.06 million for the first stage and is seeking an additional $28.8 million through state and federal grants and philanthropic contributions.
Stage one of the project is anticipated to be delivered in 2024 while stage two is anticipated for 2030. More

Construction has begun on the $225 million upgrade to Docklands Stadium in Melbourne designed by Grimshaw and Smartform.
The project is set to improve connectivity between Docklands and the CBD, as well as enhance accessibility for visitors.
A primary feature of the redevelopment will be a new plaza, dubbed Town Square, on the southern side of the stadium at gates one to three, which will create a year-round, all-weather public space for sports fans to gather, as well as accommodate community events and markets.

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The proposed Town Square in the redeveloped Docklands Stadium designed by Grimshaw and Smartform.

On the eastern side of the stadium, at gate five which faces the city, the existing stadium walls will be partially removed to create a new entry, dubbed City Edge, with an enhanced concourse space that will integrate ticketing, merchandising and food and beverage outlets.
The opening up of the eastern edge will create a better connection between the stadium and city.

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Upgrade to the southern entrance of Docklands Stadium designed by Grimshaw and Smartform.

Other stadium upgrades include the refurbishment of existing function rooms to make them more versatile for events, change room upgrades with increased disability access, the refurbishment of facilities fro professional women’s sport, a multi-faith room and a sensory room which will provide a quiet space for children and adults with autism, dementia, PTSD or other similar conditions.
“These upgrades will provide a vibrant hub for the Docklands community and will attract more visitors to Melbourne’s waterfront,” said minister for tourism, sports and major events Martin Pakula.
Docklands Stadium opened in 2000 and was originally designed by Populous in association with Bligh Lobb Sports Architecture and Daryl Jackson. The upgrade is due to be complete in 2023. More

The City of Swan in Perth’s north-east is seeking up to 10 design professionals to form a new Design Review Panel. The panel will provide expert advice and recommendations on the architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and sustainability of certain planning proposals. The council is looking for expressions of interest from qualified professionals in architecture, […] More

Redevelopment of 33 Alfred Street designed by JPW. The redevelopment and refurbishment of Sydney’s first skyscraper will soon begin after its owner AMP Capital appointed a contractor for the project. Designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, the redevelopment of 33 Alfred Street in Sydney’s Circular Quay will be the most comprehensive upgrade since the building was […] More

The $207 million redevelopment of Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is now complete, after Pier 2/3 has been fully transformed.
The Walsh Bay finger wharves was used as wool stores as well as a departure point for World War Two soldiers. Pier 2/3 was the last undeveloped pier in the precinct, while the others had been adapted into a hotel, apartments and homes for theatre and dance companies.
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer were appointed by the NSW government in 2016, to reimagine the Pier 2/3 as performance venues for Bell Shakespeare, the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), as well as refurbish Wharf 4/5 (completed in December 2020), which was already home to the Sydney Dance Company (SDC), Gondwanna Choirs and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer designed the new precinct to retain what director Peter Tonkin called “that raw industrial sense of the timber cathedral” – while fulfilling demanding briefs for multiple cultural institutions’ long-term homes.

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Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Pier 2/3 by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Image:

Brett Boardman

To achieve acoustic separation within the historic structures, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer inserted boxes into the spaces, to let each institution control its own acoustics. Mirrors on the outside of the boxes reflect the light from the bay and create the illusion that the boxes aren’t there. Additional changes include large sections of raised roof to accommodate lighting and sound equipment and retractable seating to create flexible performance spaces.
“It’s fabulous,” Tonkin said. “You can walk around directly on the water, and yet you’ve got these amazing high-quality performance companies doing their stuff. […] Not only is there this synergy of all these companies working, but you can get a little glimpse of it.”
New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes anticipates the precinct, which is now home to nine performing arts organizations, will reopen in time for Sydney’s 23rd Biennale in March, drawing locals and international visitors to the CBD.
“It’s [an] amazing achievement to have a public arts and cultural hub right on Sydney’s famous waterfront with new state-of-the art facilities, while still having its iconic heritage preserved,” Stokes said. More