The winning architectural design for the renewal of Sydney’s Powerhouse Ultimo Museum has been announced.
The concept, designed by Australian team Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup, has been chosen to deliver a visionary museum for the people of NSW.
The team’s submission for the museum was unanimously selected by a jury following a national Design Competition, which commenced earlier this year.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Powerhouse Ultimo renewal will reinvigorate the museum, offering incredible experiences and expanded exhibition spaces that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse collection. The design will enable the museum to showcase international exclusive exhibitions and programs that support the creative industries.
“I am thrilled with the jury’s unanimous decision, which will be the foundation of a dynamic and active museum precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD for communities to connect, for families to enjoy and creative industries to thrive,” Mr Franklin said.
“I am particularly excited for the new Powerhouse Academy, which will offer a rooftop camp for secondary and tertiary students from regional NSW and beyond, providing an immersive learning experience in the heart of the city.
“This will provide a range of new opportunities for young people right across the state to engage with and explore the Powerhouse Ultimo’s internationally renowned exhibitions.”
Related stories:
- Australian architects shortlisted to renew Powerhouse Ultimo
- Powerhouse Museum’s $36M expansion approved
- Major works complete on Art Gallery of NSW expansion
The winning design contains expanded museum exhibition spaces, including international museum standard galleries for immersive exhibitions and learning programs. A new urban space connecting the museum to The Goods Line will create a major new public square for Sydney, increasing open public space that will support outdoor programs. The Harris Street frontage will be revitalised with creative studios that will support education and industry programs and will create new opportunities to access the museum’s library and archive.
Design Director Camilla Block said the team is delighted to be selected and look forward to embarking on this career-defining project.
“The new building casts a reimagined lens on the heritage fabrics and cityscapes from multiple levels of this escarpment – from uses, circulation, terraces and gardens,” Ms Block said. “Respectful and immediate, the reimagined building lives alongside the Powerhouse core, a powerful embodiment of both geography and backdrop.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the selection of the winning design was the next step in the renewal process and marked a culmination of years of work.
“Congratulations to the team for their deeply considered response to the Ultimo site, honouring the history and heritage of the Powerhouse museum whilst simultaneously reimagining how we can continue to engage our communities into the future,” Ms Havilah said.
“Their internationally distinctive design will achieve a truly world-class museum that, alongside our flagship Powerhouse Parramatta, will fortify our role at the forefront of global contemporary museum practice.”
The national Design Competition saw more than 100 registrations of interest received from across Australia. Timing for construction commencement and completion of the Ultimo renewal is subject to planning, design and procurement processes.