The Victorian government has unveiled the design for the final stage of the Geelong Arts Centre redevelopment by ARM Architecture.
The $140 million project at Little Malop Street will feature a distinctive draped concrete facade that references traditional stage curtains, performance tents and circuses of Victoria’s early colonial history.
The concrete canopy over the entrance reflects the shape of a calliope – a musical circus wagon – and Geelong’s historic Lascelles wool-store will also be reflected in the moulded concrete walls.
“Each element of the external design is enriched with a story of its own, whether that be visual references relating back to performance, the historical context of the site, or to Wadawurrung culture and traditions,” said Ian McDougall, founding director of ARM Architecture.
Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street redevelopment by ARM Architecture.
Image: Courtesy Geelong Arts Centre
The practice worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation as co-designers to incorporate traditional stories of the lands, waters and skies into the design. Each of the four levels of the building will have a different Wadawurrung narrative: the colours of Moonah forests, local ochres, jarosites from Bells Beach and greenstone found at Dog Rocks in Batesford.
“The involvement in the co-design process with ARM brings to life the Wadawurrung spirit and cultural values of the Djilang (Geelong) and Bellarine landscapes,” said Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner. “This project continues to provide a gathering space for all, originally known as a place of many stories of our past generation where Wadawurrung gathered with ceremony, songs, dances, story-telling, and to now, a place for our present community, and our future Peoples in a new centre in the heart of Djilang enlivened with a platform for all to share creative narratives.”
Ian McDougall added, “The design has its own identity which feeds back into its location. It’s telling the story of Djilang (Geelong), and of the profound traditions of performance on the Wadawurrung site for thousands of years. This is what speaks to people all over the world though its design, it’s a celebration of everything Geelong is.”
Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street redevelopment by ARM Architecture.
Image: Courtesy Geelong Arts Centre
ARM also worked with Wadawurrung artist Kait James, and local First Nations artists Tarryn Love, Gerard Black and Mick Ryan to showcase First Nations stories throughout the site.
The project will incorporate a range of flexible arts, performance and general community-use spaces, including a 500-seat theatre, which can expand to accommodate 800 and a 250-seat hybrid theatre connected to an outdoor plaza. Additional spaces such as foyers, bars and alfresco dining will be adaptable for a range of events such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals and markets.
“We wanted the internal design to be flexible in encouraging creative expression from all cultural groups in Geelong, and far beyond,” McDougall said. “Its interplay of texture and colour impart a curious and dynamic atmosphere, inspiring people to express their individuality in connection to the rest of society.”
There will also be a playful and interpretive light portal connecting Little Malop Street and Ryrie Street buildings.
“This design delivers on our bold vision for this project. It embraces the cultural precinct and challenges the idea of ‘black box theatres’ that turn their back on the world,” said Joel McGuinness, CEO and creative director for the Geelong Arts Centre. “Inspired by the principles of universal design, this outcome is welcoming, inclusive and facilitates joy and creativity, encouraging people to be part of Geelong’s creative community.”
The Little Malop Street redevelopment is the largest and final stage of the Geelong Arts Centre transformation, following the completion of stage one, the refurbishment of of the Playhouse Theatre by Studio 101 Architects, completed in 2010; and the Ryrie Street redevelopment by Hassell, completed in 2019. The Little Malop Street redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2023, when it will become Australia’s largest regional arts centre. The project is a partnership between Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Victoria, Development Victoria and Lendlease.
