The Perth Concert Hall, a Brutalist marvel crafted by architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, stands as Australia’s first concert hall to emerge after World War II. Nestled in the heart of Western Australia, this architectural icon has welcomed audiences of up to 1,730 since its opening in 1973. Now, after more than five decades, plans for its transformation were unveiled in the 2020 Perth City Deal. The rejuvenation will begin in early 2025, led by WITH and OMA studios.
A New Vision for Music and Community
The design team envisions a vibrant new home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, featuring state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance spaces. The $52.4 million renovation aims to elevate the visitor experience with expanded public areas, upgraded dining options, and improved auditorium seating, offering superior sightlines and immersive views.
Blending City Pulse and Riverside Serenity
OMA and WITH have introduced a sense of grandeur at Perth Concert Hall by creating direct connections to the level-two lobby from both the north and south, crafting an entry experience that is both welcoming and iconic. A “red carpet” made from recycled brick paving, inspired by the Concert Hall’s distinctive foyer carpet, leads patrons and visitors from St. Georges Terrace—a major road in Perth’s central business district—straight into the lobby, establishing a visual link between the city’s pulse and the cultural experience inside.
On the southern side, the design incorporates a modern staircase and a lift, offering seamless, accessible entry from the Swan River and creating a beautiful relationship with the city’s serene surroundings. This thoughtful arrangement enhances the hall’s connection to both the bustling urban landscape and the tranquil riverside, elevating the entry experience for all visitors.
Crafting the In-Between
The level-one lobby is set to transform into an expansive, inviting foyer that will function as a musicians’ lounge during the day and an event space for patrons during performances. This dual-purpose design aims to foster interactions between musicians and the public, creating a dynamic, community-centred environment that enhances the cultural experience.
Meanwhile, the level-two lobby will offer enhanced food and beverage options, with a new southern terrace extending toward the river to provide scenic, additional event spaces. The two lobbies will be linked by the preserved iconic spiral staircase and a new one to improve circulation, blending tradition with modern accessibility for a seamless visitor flow.
Preserving History
Daniel Aisenson, director at WITH, shares, “Through minimal intervention, our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless integration with the existing building fabric for this much-loved piece of cultural heritage in Perth and Western Australia, renowned internationally.”
The OMA team echoes this commitment, highlighting the cultural significance of the Perth Concert Hall, both architecturally and in the performances it hosts. They emphasise that their design will honour the hall’s architectural integrity and preserve its world-class acoustics.
References:
OMA. (2014). Available at: https://www.oma.com/news/renovation-of-the-perth-concert-hall-by-oma-and-with-to-begin-in-2025 [Accessed 9 Nov. 2024].
admin (2022). With Architecture Studio and OMA appointed as lead architects for the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment – With Studio. [online] With Studio. Available at: https://www.withstudio.com.au/announcement/with-architecture-studio-and-oma-appointed-as-lead-architects-for-the-redevelopment-of-western-australias-iconic-perth-concert-hall/ [Accessed 9 Nov. 2024].
Perthconcerthall.com.au. (2024). Perth Concert Hall. [online] Available at: https://perthconcerthall.com.au/ [Accessed 9 Nov. 2024]
