#architecture4

Photographs: John Gollings, Peter Bennetts    

The underlying ideas behind the design come from the strength of the conflicting thematics by Roy Grounds and John Truscott. Our commission comprised a review of the master plan for the whole of the Arts Centre precinct its relationship to greater Southbank. Our mission, gradually refined through conflicts and agreements with the various client participants was to open up Hamer Hall, integrating it with the river and make it a 21st Century venue. Underlying our job was to repair its standing as a major civic building. The building represents two artistic discourses in Melbourne: the architectural story of the castle and the mine: the theatrical story of the palace and the cave of jewels. We took these two narratives, reinterpreted them and added our own voice to the story of Hamer Hall. The new riverside section is inspired by a new geometry.