Riverside Theatres
Our conceptual approach is seated in Country. The Riverside Theatres precinct, through its forms and spaces, pathways and connections, is informed by, and shows respect for, the Dharug land on the reaches of the Parramatta River as it flows into Sydney Harbour.
As with the architectural response, the urban design approach is grounded in a philosophy that inherently embraces sustainability, Designing with Country and supports the diversity of Western Sydney. The proposal seamlessly integrates the river foreshore with the public domain, emphasising both vertical and lower-level connections to Parramatta River for recreational, pedestrian and egress use.
Concept
Drawings
Within the foyer and gathering spaces, filtered daylight and layered timber linings create a dappled, canopy-like condition, establishing a continuous relationship between the interior and the river landscape beyond.
The Riverside Theatres is a story of three significant theatres wrapped together under one veil. The north-south access through the site connects Prince Alfred Square with Parramatta River, stitching the building into place and inviting the community to come together in the foyer.
The Lyric Theatre, Riverside Theatre and Studio Theatre together form a suite of complementary performance spaces, ranging from a technically advanced proscenium venue to an intimate refurbished theatre and a fully flexible black box, collectively supporting diverse modes of performance, audience engagement and contemporary production within a cohesive and adaptable setting.
By rethinking theatre and performance as a piece of the city that connects and services the community – for both Parramatta and beyond – the new venues enable storytelling and storymaking, and provide a place to observe and engage with cultural and innovation.
Team
Tim Greer, Peter Tonkin, Nazia Kachwalla, Kevin Lee, Adam Madigan, Isabella Reynolds, Rowan Lear, Felicity May, Billi Hayes, Jack Berry.
Consultants
Djinjama, Spackman Mossop Michaels, Atelier Ten, Sibling, Mott Macdonald Structure Services Engineering, Prism Facades, Acoustic Studio and Schuler Shook.
