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Cairns Convention Centre Expansion | Cox Architecture and CA Architects

The Cairns Convention Centre Expansion is a significant addition to an important public building first constructed in 1996.
The Project reorientates the building to face the Trinity Inlet and the mountain range beyond. The design solution was a specific response to place and provides a new address and identity and was orchestrated to face the view. The joyful façade screen is a response to the sun path, whilst allowing views and reflecting the local botanic colours.
The building is an important magnet for tourism supporting businesses as well as being an important addition to regional Queensland. The expansion allows the facility to maximise the limited seasonal window in Cairns.
The building includes a new plenary, exhibition, banquet space, meeting rooms, terraces and an undercover Garden Arrival. Additionally, a major upgrade was provided to the existing building, focusing on the Auditorium and the Arena in response to the Convention Centre market.

TL Robertson Library Refurbishment | Hames Sharley and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects in Association

Originally constructed in 1972, the brutalist TL Robertson Library is Curtin University’s largest and most historic building. Its refurbishment sought to redefine the purpose of the campus library, shifting away from preserving books towards prioritising social connection and a sense of community.

The library’s collection of books was consolidated and relocated to a high-density compactus system, freeing up space to accommodate a spectrum of learning settings; from social learning on the lower floors to silent study areas on the upper floors. The relocation of services enabled the addition of a new seventh level, with an event space that allows the library to host functions with up to 200 guests.

The previously enclosed building has been redefined to enhance its permeability and accessibility, with more legible entries, open floor plates and light-filled spaces, positioning the library as a beacon at the heart of the campus.

Salesforce Tower at Sydney Place | Foster + Partners and Architectus

Salesforce Tower at Sydney Place, located between George and Pitt Streets. has reinvigorated Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay with a network of pedestrian laneways that criss-cross the site at different levels. Closely integrated with the tower above, the laneways are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars.

The tower makes a distinctive contribution to Sydney’s skyline with its innovative facade a series of external cross-braces derived from structural stress diagrams. The entire elevation is vertically articulated to modulate its visual impact on the skyline. The expressed structure also allows flexibility in interior layouts with the core offset to one side. Salesforce Tower was designed to support new ways of working in the 21st century, suitable for a whole range of organisations, from new start-ups to large companies.

The offset core and column free workspaces maximise views of Sydney Harbour, and create a workspace that optimises community, collaboration, wellbeing, and productivity for workers.

Geelong Arts Centre (Stage 3) | ARM Architecture

Geelong Arts Centre Stage 3 is a $150m centrepiece for the arts and entertainment community of Greater Geelong. It serves as the final component in the revitalisation of the former Geelong Performing Arts Centre, a transformation envisioned in the 2003 Master Plan. ARM Architecture commenced design work on this significant addition in 2019, with the completed project unveiled during a grand gala event on 18 August 2023.

Stage 3 comprises two new state–of–the–art venues (a 550–seat multi–functional theatre, named the Story House, a 250 seat ‘warehouse’ style performance space, named the Open House), café, and a full array of backstage amenities and support spaces. All this adding to the existing 875–seat Playhouse Theatre and Stage 2 studios, making it the largest regional performing arts centre in the nation.

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The Institute

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.

© Australian Institute of Architects

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