Design and details have been revealed for Australia's Museum of Applied Arts & Science - Powerhouse Ultimo in Sydney, Australia. 

The concept design is led by Australian team Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup to create a visionary world-class museum for the people of NSW.

The museum is set to undergo a major transformation to celebrate the best of its past with innovative museum exhibition and educational spaces, following the announcement of the winning architectural design for its renewal.

The team’s submission for the museum was unanimously selected by an expert jury following a national design competition, which commenced earlier this year.

Powerhouse Ultimo renewal concept design  

The new design scheme contains expanded museum exhibition spaces, including international museum standard galleries for immersive exhibitions and learning programs. 

A new urban space is created to connect the museum to The Goods Line, which will create a major new public square for Sydney. This will also increase open public space for outdoor programs. 

The Harris Street frontage is set to be revitalised with creative studios to support education and industry programs and it will create new opportunities to access to the museum’s library and archive.

Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. 

Conceived as a new landmark with $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, it is spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. 

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Powerhouse Ultimo renewal will reinvigorate one of Australia’s most revered museums, offering incredible museum experiences and expanded exhibition spaces that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse collection. 

The design will enable the museum to showcase international exclusive exhibitions and programs that support the creative industries.

"I am thrilled with the jury’s unanimous decision, which will be the foundation of a dynamic and active museum precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD for communities to connect, for families to enjoy and creative industries to thrive," Ben Franklin said.

"I am particularly excited for the new Powerhouse Academy, which will offer a rooftop camp for secondary and tertiary students from regional NSW and beyond, providing an immersive learning experience in the heart of the city. This will provide a range of new opportunities for young people right across the State to engage with and explore the Powerhouse Ultimo’s internationally renowned exhibitions."

"The Powerhouse Ultimo renewal is part of the NSW Government’s record investment in cultural infrastructure, reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a global cultural destination."

"Congratulations to Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup on their winning design concept and I thank all the shortlisted teams for their bold and innovative ideas," Franklin added.

Design Director Camilla Block said the team is delighted to be selected and look forward to embarking on this career-defining project.

"The new building casts a reimagined lens on the heritage fabrics and cityscapes from multiple levels of this escarpment – from uses, circulation, terraces and gardens. Respectful and immediate, the reimagined building lives alongside the Powerhouse core, a powerful embodiment of both geography and backdrop," Block said.

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the selection of the winning design was the next step in the renewal process and marked a culmination of years of work. 

"Congratulations to the Team for their deeply considered response to the Ultimo site, honouring the history and heritage of the Powerhouse museum whilst simultaneously reimagining how we can continue to engage our communities into the future," Havilah said.

"Their internationally distinctive design will achieve a truly world-class museum that, alongside our flagship Powerhouse Parramatta, will fortify our role at the forefront of global contemporary museum practice," Havilah added.

The national Design Competition saw more than 100 registrations of interest received from across Australia. 

Schedule for construction commencement and completion of the Ultimo renewal is subject to planning, design and procurement processes.

Powerhouse Design competition jury is composed of Wendy Lewin LFRAIA (Chair), Abbie Galvin LFRAIA Government Architect, GANSW, Lisa Havilah Chief Executive, Powerhouse, Alison Page Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement), Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Annette Pitman Chief Executive, Create NSW, Peter Poulet LFRAIA Central District and Southern District Commissioner, Greater Sydney Commission and Professor of Practice, Western Sydney University School of Architecture.

Powerhouse Ultimo renewal concept design  

Top image: Powerhouse Ultimo renewal concept design. 

All images courtesy of Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup, via Powerhouse Ultimo. 

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