A MODERN EXPANSION
18 Sep 2019
The winning design for the $344 million expansion of the Gallery of New South Wales features a series of terraced pavilions that will revitalise the complex for the modern audience.
SANAA’s winning proposal comprises of a series of tiered pavilions that descend towards Sydney Harbour from the main building of the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). The practice was invited to participate in the competition back in 2015.
The project will practically double the amount of exhibition space that is currently available in the gallery, with visitation projected to increase to two million annually.
Outdoor landscaping includes a new outdoor art garden that will connect the 1897 Vernon Wing to the new pavilions in addition to a new entry plaza and rooftop art terraces, designed by McGregor Coxall.
A disused underground WWII naval fuel bunker will be repurposed into a contemporary arts space.
The project will also include an outdoor art garden, which will connect the existing 1897 Vernon wing to the new building. Other landscapes, all designed by McGregor Coxall, include a new entry plaza and rooftop art terraces.
An underground disused World War II naval oil tank will also be converted into a contemporary arts space.
“The Sydney Modern Project will offer outstanding arts and cultural experiences to the community and visitors from across the world,” stated NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian.
AGNSW director David Brand said, “We look forward to the next stage of the project that will bring physical form to SANAA’s magnificent design. We are creating an extraordinary building that will transform our institution and the way visitors engage with art.”
The construction for Sydney Modern is slated to begin by the end of 2019 and expected to be completed in 2022.
Images courtesy of AGNSW