A design that envisions a “democratic gathering space under a landscape canopy” has won the NSW government’s design competition for a new public pavilion at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo.
Behind the winning design in the national Pier Pavilion competition is architect Jessica Spresser, of the eponymous Brisbane studio Spresser, who worked in conjunction with fellow architect Peter Besley and Arup. The teams’s design was selected out of 170 entrants and five shortlisted designs announced in September.
“Personally, this means a great deal as a young Australian architect and I thank Infrastructure NSW for putting together this competition,” Spresser said.
The competition jury praised the design for its timeless appeal and a symbiotic relationship to the surroundings. The pavilion design includes a green rooftop garden and 123 columns built using white “oyster concrete” from local Sydney rock oyster shells.
“The pavilion is designed as a democratic gathering space under a landscape canopy and will act as a meeting place, a site for events, a memorable part of the city and an oasis of tranquillity.”
The Pier Pavilion winning design by Jessica Spresser in conjunction with Peter Besley and Arup.
With the winner selected, the design will undergo refinement before Infrastructure NSW lodges a development application for construction. Once built, the pavilion will be open year-round and will be used for a broad range of programmed events.
“Jessica’s design is sophisticated and iconic, celebrating the natural elements of land, sea and sky that compose the site,” said planning minister Ron Stokes.
“Our vision for Barangaroo has been to ensure that more than half of the area was dedicated public space. Seeing the potential of how the area will look, through the eyes of talented architects, is a thrill for me as minister for public spaces.”
