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The Australian Museum’s new Crystal Hall
entrance marks the latest development phase
for this historic museum. It offers both an
important reorganisation of the institution’s
spatial sequence and an investment in public
access and expanded gallery spaces. An
excellent execution of steel, glass and colour,
this new entry pavilion confidently updates
the museums’s urban presence and offers a
fine addition to the museum’s northern facade.
The delicate, steel-framed box of glass
perches at the end of a ramp that gently
draws the public domain up into the museum’s
new threshold, reinstating its original entry
point. This well considered space allows for
improved access and egress requirements,
whilst also providing a beautiful new space
for functions and events. Drawing inspiration
from the museum’s crystal collection, the
facade’s finely tuned coloured glass panels
work to both control and refract sunlight
into the space, resulting in a lightness and
transparency that contrasts effectively with
the solid mass of the original museum and its
defined spatial sequences that follow.
Photo: Brett Boardman
PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Australian Museum Crystal Hall
Neeson Murcutt Architects /
Joseph Grech Architect
This bold yet careful overlay to an existing
amenities block provides both a heightened
human experience and a new found public
presence. Salvaged hardwood is used to
create a new envelope that gives the building
a strong and welcome presence on the
headland, whilst framing the park behind.
The repetitive vertical timber elements frame
entries, external wash areas and views, and are
deliberately detailed to encourage a patina on
the concrete base.
The project successfully lifts and adapts an
earlier engineering solution into a generous
pavilion that seems new, carefully placed and
considered. It is a true demonstration of the
value of good architecture in creating a quality
public domain.
Photo: Brett Boardman
Marks Park Amenities
Sam Crawford Architects
A beautifully organised plan and spatial
configuration brings clarity and dignity to this
residential care facility. Materials and details
are necessarily restrained, yet carefully and
confidently considered to bring a simplicity
and humility to the building. The quality
of natural light and space is exceptional,
demonstrating the potential of what can be
achieved with careful attention and a good
client relationship.
A modest yet important contribution to this
building typology.
Photo: Brett Boardman
St Andrews House
Candalepas Associates
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