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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
The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed measures in the 2023–24 federal budget aimed at boosting housing supply, diversity and affordability. The federal government committed to boosting the housing supply by 1 million new homes from 2024. The budget included measures to halve the rate of withholding tax on build-to-rent developments from 30 percent to […] More
Thomson Adsett has designed a $50 million mental health hospital for Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The proposed eight-storey building, accommodating 80 beds, will occupy the site of a former warehouse on Tilley Lane in Frenchs Forest. The project will include a variety of living and dining spaces, a gymnasium, in- and outpatient facilities, treatment rooms and […] More
The Australian Institute of Architects has announced it has appointed a new national president-elect. Jane Cassidy, the current ACT chapter president, will take up the role following the Institute’s annual general meeting on 31 May. Cassidy is a director of GHD Woodhead, and the practice’s Asia-Pacific technical services leader for architecture and design. She is […] More
