2012 National Architecture Awards: Emil Sodersten Award

The John Kaldor Family Gallery – Art Gallery of New South Wales by PTW Architects Interior Architecture: Emil Sodersten Award Australian Institute of Architects

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.

Credits

Project
The John Kaldor Family Gallery — Art Gallery of New South Wales
Architect
PTW Architects
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Consultants
Acoustic consultant Acoustic Studio
BCA Trevor R Howse
Fire engineer Arup
Hydraulic consultant Warren Smith Consulting Engineers
Lifts consultant Norman Disney Young
Mechanical and electrical engineers Steensen Varming
Project manager De Bruin Projects
Quantity surveyor Chris Bylett and Associate
Structural engineer Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW)
Site Details
Location Sydney,  NSW,  Australia
Project Details
Status Built
Type Public / civic
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