Powerhouse Ultimo is set to undergo a transformation that will celebrate the best of its past within innovative exhibition and educational spaces, following the announcement of the winning architectural design for its renewal.
The concept designed by Australian team Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup were chosen to deliver a visionary world-class museum for the people of NSW.
The team’s submission for the museum was unanimously selected by an expert jury following a national Design Competition, which commenced earlier this year.
The design features expanded museum exhibition spaces for immersive programming. A highlight of the design is a 1,800 sqm new museum exhibition space that will present a program of international exhibitions, which will contribute to the cultural profile of NSW and attract national and international visitors.
A new urban square connecting the museum to the Goods Line will increase open public space with flexibility for outdoor programming, and the Harris Street frontage will be revitalised with creative studios that will support education and industry programs providing new levels of access to 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. Respectful and immediate, the reimagined building lives alongside the Powerhouse core, a powerful embodiment of both geography and backdrop,” Ms Block said.
Chair of the Design Competition Jury Wendy Lewin thanked all jury members for their work in selecting the winning design.
“The Jury are confident that the winning design team will deliver a truly exceptional building for NSW, and importantly ensure the Powerhouse Museum can showcase its much-loved collection for future generations,” Ms Lewin said.
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 sophisticated and deeply considered response to the Ultimo site, honouring the history and heritage of the Powerhouse 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.