referenced in the façade with dramatic shapes that show evidence of the supporting structure. The form of the building is chiselled down, warped, and weathered; analogous with the ancient landscapes of its region. The interior architecture continues these design devices in a more delicate manner to build on the unique visitor experience. The centre incorporates an array of technological innovations to assist operational efficiency, including a world-first motorised 3D modular ceiling that can change the height and shape of 4200sqm of multifunction halls whilst fully occupied. Further enhancing the flexibility of the centre are rooms that swing from foyer to ballroom use, and a loading dock that converts seamlessly into the exhibition space. Dedicated relocatable seating systems allow the same exhibition halls to function as an auditorium with raked seating for up to 3500 persons, or two individual auditoria; each with a seating capacity of 900 seats. In addition to the switchable halls, 14 fully serviced meeting rooms can be further divided to support multi-mode functionality. The expanded facility has built on the existing centre’s reputation for environmental sustainability, further reducing potable water consumption by 70% through the use of recycled wastewater and low-flow sanitary fixtures. By increasing the efficiency of the building fabric and implementing smart and low energy systems throughout the new building, the building has grown by 32% without the need to expand its existing electrical infrastructure. A system of segregation of clean water catchments contributes to reducing sediment and bacterial concentration inflows from the adjacent lake. State of the art mechanical systems manage 10,000L/s of airflow through 29 possible modes of operation to cater for the flexibility required in the expanded centre. A central district cooling plant is housed on the 8000sqm roof, a key part of improving the precinct’s civic environment. The selection of indigenous and low water plants blend the public realm into the architecture, resulting in a centre that will become part of the local landscape and a key component of the redevelopment of the wider Adelaide Riverbank precinct. Also with design by Woods Bagot, Stage 2 of the centre is currently under construction and is due for completion by mid-2017. The dramatic shape of the Stage 2 building will complete the postcard view of the city and reinvigorate key public plazas creating new meeting spaces for city workers and the wider public.
“BY INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING FABRIC AND IMPLEMENTING SMART AND LOW ENERGY SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT THE NEW BUILDING, THE BUILDING HAS GROWN BY 32% WITHOUT THE NEED TO EXPAND ITS EXISTING ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.”
TOP: The East, Central and West buildings showcase the “postcard view of Adelaide” and provide three separate venues or a single, combined facility.
BOTTOM: All loading, infrastructure and logistics have been concealed inside the building to ensure an unmatched integration with the city.