Jury citation
In its fiftieth-anniversary year, the Sydney Opera House is arguably one of Australia’s most recognizable pieces of architecture and our only modern building on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To undertake a major renovation and update of its world-famous Concert Hall was no small endeavour. ARM Architecture has completed this seminal work with a confident and considered hand. The combination of painstakingly recrafted timbers and new fuchsia colouring, which nods to the original interiors designed by Peter Hall, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The design team spared no time or effort in their exploration of the right method for every surface. Working extensively through onsite exploration, and with exhaustive modelling to trial, test and retest, they have given the Concert Hall and its adjoining spaces new life within a vastly improved functional framework. Switching easily and speedily between modes, from symphony orchestra to rock concert, the hall makes music and performance of all kinds available to more people than ever before. The adjoining tunnel and accessibility changes also improve equity, with the lift offering a breathtaking journey between floors.
Existing timbers, gently cut by hand to ensure protection, are complemented by new materials that avoid mimicry, ensuring a seamless experience. Every detail – from the user journey to instrument movement and acoustic performance – has been investigated at length, and the final result is a piece of architecture that the country can be proud to call our own. This is truly a space worthy of international recognition.
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal is located in Sydney, New South Wales on Gadigal Country and was reviewed by Andrew Andersons in Architecture Australia January/February 2023.
Project credits
Architect: ARM Architecture; Project team: Mark Raggatt, Howard Raggatt, Andrew Hayne, Peter Bickle, Stuart Webber, Justin Fagnani, Andrea Wilson, Paul Buckley, Aaron Robinson, Leo Carson, Rocio Batlle, Mario Posala, Daniel Lazarow; Builder: Taylor Construction; Town planner: Keylan Consulting; Quantity surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall ; Mechanical and electrical services engineer: Steensen Varming; Fire services and hydraulic engineer: Warren Smith Consulting Engineers; Structural and fire engineer: Arup; Building surveyor: Group DLA; Acoustic engineer: Muller-BBM; Heritage consultant: Design 5 Architects; Theatre planning: Schuler Shook, Theatreplan UK; Programming: Mace; Vertical transport: Norman Disney and Young; Access consultant: Laccess.
