2012 National Architecture Awards: Small Project

Jury citation

This modest project evokes a sense of surprise and delight and adds a vibrant, unexpected layer to the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct.

In designing the project, Coniglio Ainsworth Architects saw a greater design opportunity than the initial upgrade brief suggested. The architects facilitated a sense of connection with the cultural precinct through careful sculpting of views of the surrounding site and the funnelling of natural light into the internal spaces.

The seamless, faceted geometry of the wall, ceiling, bench and skylight surfaces is designed to enhance the play of natural and artificial lighting to create a luminous, crystalline interior that is reminiscent of Kurt Schwitter’s architectural/sculptural project Merzbau and the Robert Wiene film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.

Externally, the inserted windows create a new engagement with the Perth Cultural Centre plaza, converting dark spaces into usable and serene alcoves and cloisters. In addition, these apertures enhance security for users. This project enables the revitalized facility to play a more significant part in the experience of the Perth Cultural Centre.

Nicknamed the “Loovre” by the design team, the project represents an excellent collaboration between the City of Perth, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Coniglio Ainsworth Architects.