A REVITALISATION OF THE ARTS
08 Apr 2020
Perth’s creative heart is soon to be revitalised with the development of New Museum from Hassell and OMA, a precinct that celebrates Australia’s unique culture, history and landscape.
Hassell and OMA brought together designers from around the globe to create a place that reflects the distinct Western Australian landscape. Ahead of schedule, the museum’s building has been completed and is now receiving exhibition installations.
Located in the heart of Perth’s cultural precinct, the design was conceived as a ‘collection of stories’ that offer a multidimensional framework. Comprised of heritage and new structures, the institution intends to be a place where the local community and global visitors can gather to share their understanding of the past, thoughts of the moment, and ambitions for the future.
“Our vision for the design was to create a space that promotes engagement and collaboration, responding to the needs of the museum and the community,” said Hassell principal Mark Loughnan. “We wanted it to be a civic place for everyone; an interesting mix of heritage and contemporary architecture, that contributes to the revitalization of Perth’s cultural precinct whilst celebrating the culture of Western Australia on the world stage.”
Refurbished heritage buildings and newly built volumes house the museum exhibitions, event spaces, and public areas. Two intersecting circulation loops — one vertical and one horizontal — connect and organise the museum’s content, which includes a world-renowned meteorite collection and a blue whale skeleton. “Western Australia’s natural resources, culture and history are diverse. Instead of prescribing a singular interpretation of Western Australia, the loops enable visitors to engage with the museum’s collection in distinctive ways, and tell the manifold stories of the place,” explained OMA managing partner, David Gianotten.
A core element of the design is the ‘city room’ — a sheltered outdoor public space at the centre of the museum. The city room is an open space for everyone to stimulate their imagination and creativity and participate in a variety of activities, from large scale community events to smaller gatherings. Elsewhere, a large new temporary gallery space complements the museum’s permanent collection.
“I think this is one of the great cultural developments that we will see in this nation for many years and a great opportunity for Perth,” stated Mathew Trinca, the director of the National Museum of Australia.
“This is a bold and dynamic architectural statement that will draw locals and visitors to the cultural heart of Western Australia,” said Hon David Templeman, WA Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts.
New Museum will open to the public in November 2020.
Via designboom | Photography by Peter Bennetts