Project03: Precedent Study (Parti Analysis)

Kimbell Art Museum, Louis Kahn

Project02: Stage Design

In our stage design, we wanted to incorporate the juxtaposition of the 'old' and the 'new' to represent Parramatta's historical context and symbolise the conflict of the Sharks and the Jets in 'West Side Story'.

The 'runway-like' entrance that gradually opens up to the main stage, imitates the laneways created by Parramatta's old and new architecture, as well as caters for the street fight scenes between the two gangs that play out numerous times throughout the musical. The false perspective and the subtle descent to the main stage from the 'runway' brings focus to the stage centre and introduces more dynamism to the set design.

The undulating roof shape was incorporated to improve acoustics as well as create a sense of grandeur and theatricality within the architecture itself. The design was influenced by the Parramatta River.

Concept model 1

Concept model 2

Concept model 3

Final stage plan and section

Old and New stage design

Final stage design

ARCH1202 Design Studio 4

Project01: A Concertina of Paramatta

Location Plan

Figure-ground density map

Historical buildings along major pedestrian procession to site

All buildings along major pedestrian procession  to site

With the dominant imposition of 'new' architecture over the 'old', the deep historical context of Parramatta has become oblivious to the public.
The new Riverside Theatre design should aim to mend the site's present historical conflict with a design that speaks both of the past as well as to the future.

Figure-ground of lane ways between the 'old and new'

Perspectives of lane ways between the 'old and new'

Grass and water landscapes around site

The built environment of central Parramatta is divided by the Parramatta River and surrounded by large parklands. However, the current architecture of the Riverside Theatre does not interact with any of the neighbouring natural elements. 

The new Riverside Theatre should aim to take advantage of these adjoining opportunities for better public access, exposure and overall architectural experience. 

Parramatta River section labels in plan

Changing density along Parramatta River

Pedestrian disconnection

The disconnection that currently exists in the pedestrian access alongside the Parramatta River and the poor execution of the current architecture's attempt to introduce new urban links create isolated and unused spaces.
The new Riverside Theatre should aim to mend this missed opportunity by directing circulation through a weaving of required and leisure spaces spread throughout the site to maximise activity around the entire site. This will also create new and more efficient urban links between along and across the river.