Kengo Kuma proposal for the Sydney Art Gallery Expansion project . The design competition was a two-stage invitational process endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects which an international competition jury unanimously selected SANAA’s proposal as the winner entry.
Sydney Art Gallery proposal by Kengo Kuma technical information
- Architects: Kengo Kuma | Kengo Kuma Bibliography & Profile
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Typology : Cultural Architecture / Museum
- Material : Steel
- Evocative topics: cave
- Project Year: 2016
- Images : © Kengo Kuma Architects
- Source : Art gallery of new south wales
We aim at blending of architecture and ‘locus’ where you find a rich and firm link between the building and the ‘place’ it stands.
To achieve this goal, we use natural materials that are locally available in each ‘place’, such as stone or wood, and try to retrieve warmth and tenderness to the architecture.
– Kengo Kuma and Associates.
Sydney Art Gallery of New South Wales expansion proposal
Sydney Art Gallery of New South Wales expansion description by Kengo Kuma Architects
The scheme opens up the competition site by presenting a small built footprint and minimal physical contact between the new and existing buildings. The location of the internal interface between the buildings is innovative and results in clear circulation paths both vertically and horizontally.
The concept provides landscape continuity and view permeability while maximising floor space by elevating exhibition galleries above the Cultural Plaza. The large space between the new and existing buildings offers expanded opportunities for outdoor activities. The bold elevated northern façade would provide extraordinary views over Sydney Harbour.
The integration of landscape shows sensitivity and an understanding of local native Sydney sandstone and flora. This includes a link between architecture and nature through the materiality of the building facade inspired by the texture of the paperbark tree. The new entrance to the Gallery is clearly defined within the Cultural Plaza and creates a place of welcome for visitors.
The scheme offers well considered internal spaces with a diverse range of art display spaces that are spatially interesting and inviting to the visitor. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander galleries are well located at the commencement of the visitor’s journey through the museum with the space defined by a vaulted ceiling in a continuum from the Cultural Plaza.
The Jury made the following comments about Kengo Kuma’s proposal:
- A potentially iconic design with a bold 21st century form that links to the metaphor of a wave and the curve of the Harbour Bridge – Original approach responding to the challenges of the site topography
- High visibility from multiple locations around the city
- Layered entry from Art Gallery Road accessed under the Cultural Plaza
- Articulated internal spatial planning
- Detailed plans with thorough functional layout
- Well considered public access to and from Woolloomooloo
- Articulation of Cultural Plaza, located on two levels, well considered and wellmodulated
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