All images: Peter Bennetts
Innovative Design has a habit of leaving the public punch-drunk. It’s almost like good art – whether you like the result or not doesn’t matter, as long as it makes an impact, makes you think; that is generally the reaction an artist wants to get from their work. Architecture is not much different. Take note of the new Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) and Melbourne Theatre Company Theatre (MTCT) buildings.
All jagged edges and neon, MRC and MTCT stand boldly on the Melbourne skyline, demanding to be noticed. Purposefully designed to look better at night – when most of the performances are scheduled – the buildings join the ranks of many in the city that refuse to be ignored. Every night a cavalcade of coloured lights brandish the horizon, so it’s no surprise the new additions follow suit. Melbourne likes to be seen.
Located in heart of city’s arts precinct, on the Southbank, both the MRC and MTCT are the work of home-grown firm Ashton Raggatt McDougall. ARM, as they’re collectively called, are known for their innovative and ‘outspoken’ creations – evident in one of their biggest builds, The National Museum of Australia. It was for their most recent design they were awarded the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards 2009, in June this year.
ARM Director Howard Raggatt said: “We wanted to make a real contribution to Melbourne, something extraordinary. This was the hope of everyone involved with this project. We’re thrilled that it has been recognised in this way.”
“This year’s winners, including the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre, continue to raise the bar for the industry in setting new benchmarks in excellence, particularly in the area of innovative design. This beautifully crafted development is one of a kind, reflecting a passion for music, theatre and design through construction,” said Daniel Grollo, National President of the Property Council of Australia.
Completed three months ahead of schedule, the AU$128 million complex offers four new arts spaces, including, a 500-seat Sumner Theatre in the MTC and the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for chamber music, which has the capacity to seat 1,000 people. The megalomaniac tendencies towards design apparent on the exterior of the buildings continue inside, too; each room playing their part in acoustics or to heighten the theatre goer’s experience.
Tickets are reasonably priced, starting at AU$30 per person, so least nights out in either venue will suit everyone’s budget. Whether the buildings are to everyone’s taste is another question.
Catch Hugo Weaving, AKA Agent Smith, from the iconic Matrix movies, at the Melbourne Theatre Company now.
Linda is a writer and editor who gave up life in London for a life Down Under, and more sunshine. She writes for Money Choices which does