Arts South Australia has launched an international design competition for the creation of Adelaide Contemporary, a new gallery and sculpture park to be located in Adelaide’s cultural hub of North Terrace.
Multi-disciplinary teams of architects, landscape architects, wayfinding specialists, access consultants, and other creative contributors are being sought for the design of a stand-alone art destination in an “exceptional public realm”. The winning design will need to incorporate gallery spaces, education and research facilities, and public engagement spaces that can accommodate “internationally significant installations”. The total estimated cost of the project has been designated as $250 million, subject to final funding approval from the South Australian government. A core scheme of 15,000sqm has been allocated to the project, although designs will need to demonstrate scalability.
“Adelaide Contemporary represents an investment in the future of Australian art and faith in Adelaide’s ability to capture the intense energy and activity of its creative industries – so apparent in the festival season – and sustain this year-round,” reads a statement on the competition website.
“Adelaide Contemporary will need to be of outstanding architectural quality combined with assured and sophisticated place-making so that it can flourish as a new presence in the city, appealing to locals, regional visitors, and national and international tourists.”
The competition will be conducted in two stages, and be open to both local and international practices. Collaborations are encouraged between a mixture of emerging and established practices working across a broad range of design disciplines.
“To realise this ambitious project, Arts South Australia is looking for a team that can create a unique and exemplary art destination that is memorable and inviting, as well as being both physically and emotionally woven into the place and community,” says Arts South Australia. “Adelaide Contemporary should exemplify sustainable principles and demonstrate environmentally aware and future-facing design.”
After the initial expression of interest stage, six teams – which will need to include at least one member registered with the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) – will be selected to further develop their design concepts. At this stage, an honorarium of $90,000 will be offered to each successful team.
Competition requirements have been submitted to the AIA for review and final endorsement. Although the full competition jury has yet to be announced, the jury will be chaired by Michael Lynch AO CBE. A full jury will be announced during the first competition stage.
The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 24 November 2017. All relevant downloads and submission information can be found here.
