Data
Project Name: Cultural Center Adelaide Australia
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Size: 30 113 sqm
Client: Goverment of South Australia
Info
Become a landmark and an exciting jewel in Adelaide’s crown!
Proposed at a prime location in the heart of the City of Adelaide, the complex is planned to house multiple types of performances including a mix of day and night attractions for all ages; catering for both local residents and tourists.
Conceived as a place to rehearse, discuss, teach, study and perform, the complex is to become the premier venue for theatre, music and dance performances and education - a vital element of the cultural life and identity of Adelaide and of all Australia. The goal of the design is to conceive an open building that is effective as an inviting and yet powerful symbol in all directions while being permeated by generosity and openness.
Being bold, yet not ostentatious, the complex reflects the very specific urban planning features of the site and bundles these into a striking centre-piece. At one with its surroundings, the complex will invite historical buildings into an exciting contemporary new Adelaide Precinct. With direct access and flow, public thoroughfares from the Botanical Garden, the University, the CBD and the North Terrace Cultural Precinct give life to the re-birth of this location and deliver an iconic cultural site for Adelaide, creating a new milestone for Australia.
The building embodies a living statement for the music and people of Adelaide. Communication and openness, concentration and calmness are united beneath the “roof of music and dance”, becoming guiding themes for designs, and leading to the creation of an inspiring place for the new generation.
The differentiated but interconnected spatial sequences of public spaces and entertainment spaces create a lively, discussion-rich setting for conversations, performances and societal interaction and at the same time permit the creation of a site that can offer the peace and concentration that is desirable for enjoyment.
Movement, views and relations in the site manifest themselves clearly as essential parameters to develop the architectural production. The entrance into the building is characterized by continuous spatial concentration and directed visual relations. Spatial development and materiality define the path that leads from the public area into the heart of the building.
The new landmark building will deliver a mix of cultural uses; an attraction for residents, artists and performers, as well as domestic and international guests which will enhance and cement Adelaide as the Performing arts centre and cultural hub of Australia. Pedestrian access from all aspects open into welcome plazas which invite the visitor to venture further into the heart of the cultural area whilst connecting with others and the surroundings; designed to be a cultural oasis, from the hustle-and-bustle of the Adelaide streetscape.
This urban area comprises various plazas with individual characters to create high pedestrian flow throughout the site. From the most public to the most private of spaces, the area allows for a spectacular view of the main building.
The main building is conceived as a bold and dynamic geometric solid. A pair of longitudinal buildings evoke the feeling of two dancers. The light is reflected in multiple ways by smooth, crystalline surfaces thus subjecting the building’s appearance to dramatic optical changes during the course of the day.
Sustainable design is the core of this project; according to the terrain and analysis of the physical environment, the shape of the building is designed as a spatial polyhedron in order to reduce the impact of wind. The building structure, façade and position make efficient use of natural light and ventilation to reduce building energy consumption. In addition, the design also incorporates passive energy-saving practices, such as exterior insulation, hollow Low-E glass and automatic shading systems. The building construction and passive energy-saving technology used for this plan are currently the most advanced energy-saving standards.
Movement, spaces and light manifest themselves clearly as important and essential players in the overall production. Providing extroverted urban features and reserved minimalist lines, the site invites the traditional heritage buildings from a time gone by to participate in providing the visitor a visually exciting environment, and a transition to the future.
The site extends the boundaries of the urban grid of Adelaide City and the Botanic Gardens into a transition zone where old meets new, metropolis meets wilderness and structure meets beauty, to create an experience the visitor will remember.
Overall this project makes a statement, unapologetically announcing that the city of Adelaide with her world class cultural events can boast not only a venue that will host and welcome dramatic performance; but will be, in its own right a work of art.