Design and Innovation
- 21 Jan 2019
The new theatre embodies advanced architecture and thoughtful design elements which consider the theatre’s local surroundings and heritage. It has been designed to be a part of the overall Queensland Cultural Centre, but also as a standalone space of its own.
Architects Blight Rayner and Snøhetta are the designers of the new theatre.
Curved glass facade
In a nod to the cultural significance of the nearby Brisbane River, the façade of the theatre has been designed with the river as its muse. Its eye catching exterior, made up of waves of billowing glass, is reminiscent of the undulating flow of the nearby Brisbane River. The panels are more than 7 metres high and of varying widths up to 2.6 metres.
Acoustics and structure
Informed by extensive crowd modelling, the theatre is designed for acoustic integrity as well as visual appeal. It is designed as a box within a box, suitable to accommodate a variety of performance types.
The internal spaces – foyer, amenities and bar – have been laid out thoughtfully, so that crowds can ebb and flow during performance intermissions.
State-of-the-art technology
The in-theatre experience is enhanced by state-of-the-art technology for audiences and support the delivery of high-quality live streaming and performance simulcasts to regional Queenslanders and beyond.
Sustainability features
A lot of planning has gone into ensuring the theatre’s design is as environmentally sustainable as possible. The theatre is designed to achieve a 4 Star Green star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia, and will also achieve Carbon neutral certification in accordance with the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard.
The theatre will feature:
- Contemporary energy efficient air conditioning systems
- Computerised Building Management Systems to control energy usage
- LED lighting and sensor lighting to minimise lighting energy usage
- Contemporary energy efficient vertical transport systems
- Use of sustainable materials, such as timber and low emission materials.
Heritage considerations
The design of the new theatre has been guided by the Conservation Management Plan, commissioned by Arts Queensland and developed by heritage consultants in 2017.