Gweagal clan of the Dharawal people
New South Wales
The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre (formally the Sutherland Entertainment Centre) holds an important place in the collective memory of the Sutherland community. As an iconic building in a prominent location, this substantial refurbishment afforded the opportunity to create a catalyst for local placemaking. Our approach was to work with the existing building, creating a versatile, welcoming timber and glass foyer that improves connection with the neighbouring Peace Park.
The venue boasts a spacious auditorium with seating for over 680, offering every visitor an intimate and engaging experience. The Pavilion also features versatile events spaces that can accommodate a range of performances, exhibitions, conferences, and community gatherings. Visitors are immersed in a captivating atmosphere that blends elegance, innovation, and artistic vibrancy. The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre sets a benchmark for performing arts facilities in the Shire, supporting the local community, while attracting touring productions to the region.
Commendation for Sustainable Architecture
The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland embodies a thoughtful approach to sustainability, utilising adaptive reuse and innovative design strategies to minimise environmental impact. By incorporating locally sourced materials and preserving existing building fabric, the project demonstrates a commitment to reducing embodied energy. Integrating renewable energy systems and water conservation initiatives further exemplifies its dedication to sustainable practices.
The Centre is fostering community engagement while preserving the rich heritage of the Sutherland precinct.
Commendation for Public Architecture
The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland by Chrofi & NBRS transforms the former Sutherland Entertainment Centre through strategic adaptations and insertions that celebrate the character of the original 1970s building while reinforcing and reinterpreting its role as a cultural focal point for the community through a generous new entrance structure.
The old brutalist facade is quietly celebrated and subsequently softened through the use of mass timber and expansive glazed openings which create an inviting, civically scaled address to the well-articulated public domain and Peace Park to the north. The project demonstrates how the careful reuse of an existing built form and meaningful community, and First Nations engagement can create enduring social value for communities while minimising whole-of-life impacts.
The Pavilion has adapted and renewed the former Sutherland Entertainment Centre, to deliver a high calibre performing arts facility. The design significantly improves accessibility and functional capabilities, allowing The Pavilion to host a diverse range of programs, creating engaging experiences and supporting community productions, international acts, concerts and more.
The addition of a welcoming timber and glass foyer has elevated the audience experience, connected The Pavilion to the adjoining park, and cemented its role as a civic landmark.
The dramatic and impressive landmark building, in the heart of Sutherland, sets the scene for the genesis of a vibrant cultural precinct.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
