2012 National Architecture Awards: Emil Sodersten Award

Jury citation

The public spaces of the Art Gallery of New South Wales have been significantly expanded by the skilful conversion of former basement storage into a suite of inspiring and flexible gallery spaces seamlessly integrated into existing public circulation routes.

The project provides spaces that are suitable for contemporary art, a photography gallery and a works-on-paper study room with maximum flexibility in lighting and digital technology and an increased ceiling height.

Continuity of materials (travertine, exposed concrete and white plasterboard walls) provides harmony with the existing building, while new materials and technology demonstrate a sympathetic evolution of the architecture since the building’s construction in 1968.

This complex project involving rock excavation, underpinning and services diversions was designed to be constructed in a limited timeframe with minimal disruption to a very busy gallery program.

The outcome is an exemplar of creative collaboration between a well-informed client, an architect who has been involved with the site for the past forty-four years and a generous patron. All are to be congratulated.

The extraordinary gift of the John Kaldor Family Collection, together with funds generously donated by the Belgiorno-Nettis family, has enabled this inspired and significant addition to the Gallery.