Despite being beaten by ARM Architecture in the race to design a new cultural precinct on the Gold Coast, Sir Peter Cook’s CRAB studio has unveiled their shortlisted proposal for the Evandale site.
The 11 hectare cultural complex, framed by the Nerang River and views of the Surfers Paradise skyline, will be filled with cafes, restaurants, production studios and showrooms and will be used to showcase the Gold Coast’s culture and creativity when the city hosts the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
CRAB studio envisioned a plethora of public and private external areas of recreation, entwined paths and ‘activity walls’ to facilitate ad-hoc events when they generated a design for the Gold Coast council run competition.
Their design is scattered with a variety of kiosks, ranging from small gallery pavilions to simple ‘soapbox’ stands.
CRAB also proposed that the complex's internal spaces continue the character of the exterior and incorporate an exuberance of ‘sitting-out’ spaces, balconies and vistas.
The London-based architecture firm partnered with Australian firm DBI and Zurich-based VOGT to deliver its concept last year.
75 entries from across the globe entered the first stage of the cultural precinct design competition. CRAB’s proposal was one of three to reach the final round of judging, but it was Melbourne-based architecture firm, ARM Architecture’s "quintessentially Gold Coast" that was ultimately selected by the panel to be brought to life.
Image: CRAB studio
Courtesy Designboom
