Projects
Powerhouse Ultimo Renewal
Catalyst Project
‘A bold, defined approach to Country-centred design’
Competition jury Chair Wendy Lewin
A compelling and coherent vision
The public domain strategy connects the museum to its wider context through a deep understanding of the geology and hydrology of greater Sydney. Our landform-based approach gives the building a sense of being embedded in the natural systems of its place. Spaces respond to the underlying pathways of water, from sandstone ridge to tidal mudflats. Plants, sunlight, textures and colours will remind visitors of where they are, grounded in Gadigal Country.
Visualisation of the grassland terrace: People are invited to dwell within a field of planting.
Visualisation of the grassland terrace: a new outdoor exhibition space for the city.
This diagram shows the footprint of the Powerhouse Museum, former tidal flats and ancient movement patterns along the ridges (yellow).
Three topographic levels help to orient visitors: the ridge of Harris Street, the terrace linking key entries and exhibition halls and the valley floor, once the tidal flats of Tumbalong. The urban design strategy creates improved active transport connections on all edges as well as through the block.
Three topographic levels help to orient visitors: the ridge of Harris Street, the terrace linking key entries and exhibition halls and the valley floor, once the tidal flats of Tumbalong. The urban design strategy creates improved active transport connections on all edges as well as through the block.
Our proposal returns the sound of the breeze through grasses, the sight of sculptural Angophora trees and the flicker of fire.
Plants are selected from species present in the Sydney sandstone environment, developed in consultation with the Powerhouse First Nations Directorate, Yerrabingin and cultural burn specialists.
Our Terrace design is an extensive grassland from corner to corner, creating an enormous and immersive planted field in a heavily built up part of the CBD.
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