Sheila McHale
Thu 09 June, 2005
Enter CentreStage - design competition for WA's new state-of-the-art theatre
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
9/6/05 Architects from around the world are invited to enter their designs for Western Australia’ s new $42million performance venue.Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced the start of the international design competition for the theatre to be built in Northbridge.“The competition has two objectives - to create a fantastic space for the audience and to create a functional and inspiring space for the performers,” Ms McHale said.“This venue will be at the cutting edge of architectural innovation and design excellence and reflect the value of performing arts to our society.“State-of-the-art technical equipment in two performance spaces means this amazing venue will advance WA’s production standards and artistic innovation.”The Minister said an expert jury, chaired by the State Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London, would judge the entries.Other jury members will include eminent national and international architects and a representative from the performing arts sector:- Professor Ad�le Naud� Santos, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
- Professor Leon Van Schaik, Innovation Professor at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology;
- Mr Gus Fergusson, director of Fergusson Architects (Perth);
- Mr Michael Lynch, chief executive of South Bank Centre (London); and
- Mr Alastair Bryant, director general of the Department of Culture and the Arts.
Ruth Durack, director of the Urban Design Centre of WA, has been appointed administrator, in accordance with Royal Australian Institute of Architects guidelines.“This is one of the few opportunities we get to be part of something that will contribute so much to Perth’s identity and our performing arts,” Ms McHale said. “The Gallop Government is improving the quality of service to Western Australians.” The winning design will be announced in November 2005, followed by an exhibition of the short-listed designs.Full details of the competition process are available on the CentreStage website at http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.auMinister's Office - 9213 6900