Ngunnawal Country
ACT
The Australian War Memorial’s New Entrance seamlessly integrates contemporary design with its historic significance, enhancing accessibility, visitor experience, and symbolic meaning.
At its heart, the Oculus, inspired by the Hall of Memory’s dome, celebrating light and reflection. Guiding walls, aligned with Griffin’s masterplan, lead visitors into the Memorial, while the bounding wall anchors the Parade Ground with symmetry and dignity. The entrance strengthens the site’s radial planning, reinforcing its connection to the broader Canberra landscape.
The interplay of natural light and textured materials—including locally sourced sandstone, off-form concrete, and bronze detailing—creates a harmonious blend of history and modernity. This immersive experience is both welcoming and solemn.
Designed for adaptability, the entrance provides intuitive wayfinding, guest services, a flexible gallery, and a theatre for commemorative events. More than a entrance, it is a place for all, preserving memory, honouring service, and ensuring the Memorial remains relevant for future generations.
If the aim of heritage architecture is to draw from the past, read as subservient to its original form, yet strengthen the presence and experience of the original, then Studio.SC’s Australian War Memorial New Entry and Parade Ground achieves this in a breathtakingly evocative way. It respectfully stays subservient when it needs to yet exemplifies the symbolic power of memorial architecture when appropriate, yielding a deeply emotional experience overall.
From Anzac Parade, the work reads as a foundation to the original 1941 building, deliberately and visually subservient to the strength and prominence of the original. External detailing and materiality blend effortlessly between the new work and the original building without diminishing the presence of either. Stonework from the same quarry as the original building demonstrates the commitment to the work and the considered use of narrative and symbolism strengthens the cohesiveness between the site, the original building, and the new addition.
Internally, the oculus reveals itself to be a highly articulated inverted dome consisting of several beautifully detailed layers of glass and steel. Its form appears to float within the gallery space, as a hold point, evoking a sense of quietness and reflection, preparing visitors for the memorial experience.
The Main Entrance enhances the visitor experience by improving arrival orientation, wayfinding and accessibility. It integrates practical functions such as security, cloaking, and public amenities, alongside facilities like a theatre, retail space, and flexible exhibition areas. Architecturally, the underground design minimises visual impact on the Memorial’s silhouette while connecting visitors to the heritage listed Main Building visually and physically. The design fosters a reflective visitor journey and supports activities, from exhibitions to functions, both during and outside visiting hours, reinforcing the Memorial’s significance as the heart of remembrance for all Australians who have served in the defence of our nation.
Edward Salib, Director
Nicholas Bandounas, Director
Doug Southwell, Director
Ornella Bucceri, Project Leader
Emma Leckie, Project 2iC
George Hetreles, BIM Manager
Andrew Nicholas, BIM Manager / Documenter
Ian Borg, Documenter
Darren Horsfield, Documentor
Sandra Srun, Design Graduate
Acoustic Studio, Acoustic Consultant
Design Stage, AV / Theatre Consultant
Philip Chun & Associates Pty Ltd, BCA & DDA
Taylor Thomson Whitting Pty Ltd, Civil Consultant
AECOM, Comms & Security
Norman Disney & Young Pty Ltd, Electrical, ESD, Fire, Hydraulic, Mechanical Consultant
Gilfillan Soundwork, Electroacoustic
Prisim, Facade
Lucid Consulting Engineers, Fire Engineers
Broadcast Museum Design, Gallery Design
GML Heritage, Heritage Consultant
Jasper Swann Pty Limited, Heritage Masonry
Cini Little, Kitchen Design
Taylor Thomson Whitting Pty Ltd, Structural Engineer
Veris, Surveyor
Surveyor, Traffic
Büro North Design Pty Ltd, Wayfinding Consultant
Hydroplan, Irrigation