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The task was to design a 2,000-seat theatre in Western Sydney for diverse performances while reflecting the community’s culture. Performance dynamics guided our design, seen in the flowing façade, layered atrium, and theatre.

The theater’s curves echoed in the façade, a testament to our inside-out design approach. Ribbon windows on the façade, with a rhythmic pattern, balanced light and heat, casting a mesmerizing effect on the floor.

A sweeping staircase connected multi-level atrium, offering various viewpoints before performances. Mezzanines and stairs interacted dramatically, infusing the interior with a symphonic quality. The material palette, including timber, terrazzo, and plaster, was deliberately minimal, elevating the journey into the theater. The transition from light façade and terrazzo floors to a timber-wrapped central volume, ending in a dark performance space, directed focus on stage.

An atrium chandelier, designed with Yellow Goat, emanated grandeur, capturing special moments. Overcoming acoustic challenges for various performances and client expectations was vital. The venue aimed to attract opera aficionados to newcomers, requiring adaptable acoustics and atmosphere.

Real-time acoustic analysis using software helped optimize room surfaces and acoustics while accommodating spatial constraints. The design’s power lay in fostering positive change, creating a cultural hub for a growing community. The theater’s inclusive materiality suited all performances and audiences, encapsulating its chameleon-like essence.

Images courtesy of John Gollings and Alina Gozina