SULMAN MEDAL FOR PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY HASSELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BRETT BOARDMAN
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The combination of the Sydney Theatre Company’s vision (a place for exemplary experiences for audiences, artists, visitors and staff – under one roof) and the architects’ aspirations (remaking the wharf ‘the same but better’) has delivered an admirable outcome in the STC Wharf Renewal Project. Retention of spaces and experiences etched into the memory of Sydneysiders, from the iconic walkway running the length of the wharf to the harbourside bar, are accompanied by upgraded theatres, administration and back of house spaces, all of which allow continued appreciation of the robust structure, form and materiality of the original finger wharf.
Remaining faithful to the original adaptation, the project transformed a quotidian challenge like fire engineering into an opportunity to open up the full width of the finger wharf. This key move unlocked improved functionality for back of house while providing secondary facilities such as recording studios, technical spaces and support rooms necessary for the functioning of a contemporary theatre complex. Most significantly, the Wharf Renewal Project has delivered flexible theatre spaces, allowing more creative freedom for future productions, their creators and the audiences, extending the life and significance of this building as the home for this remarkable organisation for decades to come.
