Work: CenterStage: Dance & Cultural Centre

The architecture of cultural institutions like CentreStage must transcend the ordinary places we occasionally visit to become inspiring destinations that are symbolic of vision, represent diversity, and promote greater achievement through design, sustainability, and innovation. 

CentreStage unites and elevates the Perth Cultural Centre as a visible destination for the arts and the exchange of ideas. Our design creates a vibrant, addition to the city: an icon both local and regional that will enhance the identity of Perth as a destination experience. The CentreStage's multiple entries and grand multi-tiered lobbies offer linkages that activate public space at its heart and highlight its value as a year-round cultural centre.  

Environmental design strategies are used to achieve both sustainable and informational effects that are specifically calibrated to this prominent corner site. A double skin envelope incorporating an outer layer of modular (1.5m x 14.5m), translucent perforated panels act as vertical louvers (east/west facing) screening a low-e glazed façade to filter sunlight, reduce heat gain, and moderate harsh winds. The screen creates a visual rhythm that unifies the functional massing of the main elements of the program. The concept is to incorporate an affordable menu of the latest rear screen projection technology, printed scrims and LEDs (on the walls of the Studio Theatre) for information, promotion, and public art. At night CentreStage itself will be its own theatre of moving people and virtual images. 

The CentreStage major components are functionally organized to efficiently operate multiple venues and to promote interaction among the everyday users of the complex by focusing activity and visual connections throughout the building. The Main Theatre anchors the corner and hovers above a street level bar/café, allowing the streetscape to visually slip into the building creating a dynamic sense of anticipation before a performance. The landscaped roof of the parking garage approach and the shaded and wind-protected rooftop terraces create varied spaces for outdoor performances of music, dance, theatre, film, and public art. The building and landscape connect interior and exterior spaces. On all levels, terraces and rooftop surfaces harvest rainwater, planted roofs reduce heat gain, and landscaped terraces create a distinctive, green horizon visible from downtown. CentreStage is an inspiring destination symbolic of the cultural heart of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia.