Six finalists shortlisted for Powerhouse Precinct at Parramatta competition in Sydney

The two-stage competition for the new Powerhouse Precinct at Parramatta in Sydney, Australia attracted 74 expressions of interest from a whopping 529 individual firms representing 20 countries. Today, New South Wales Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced the six finalist teams who were invited to create design concepts for the cultural precinct.

Selected by the Shortlisting Panel Jury, the finalists are a competitive group of established and emerging firms. They are:

• AL_A (UK) and Architectus (Australia)
• Bernardes Architecture (Brazil) and Scale Architecture (Australia)
• BVN Architecture (Australia) and Carlo Ratti Associati (Italy)
• CHROFI (Australia) with Reko Rennie (Australia)
• Moreau Kusunoki (France) and Genton (Australia)
• Steven Holl Architects (United States) and Conrad Gargett (Australia)

With a current budget of AUD$400 million (approx. USD$279.8 million), the project will comprise 18,000 sq.m. of purpose-built exhibition spaces, public spaces, and a pedestrian bridge over the Parramatta River.  The centerpiece is a world-class, 24-hour museum that will house the significant Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) collection and a program of changing exhibitions.

Next month, the finalist teams will make a site-visit and have three months to develop their concept designs. Their proposals will be publicly displayed in a physical exhibition and an online gallery before the competition jury meets. The winner is expected to be announced in late 2019.

“The Powerhouse Precinct in Parramatta will be the sixth time that the Powerhouse has moved and transformed in response to the needs of a changing city,” said MAAS Chief Executive and jury member Lisa Havilah in a statement. “This new chapter will carry forward the legacy of the 140-year-old institution by creating a place that is welcoming and inclusive of the diverse communities of Greater Sydney.”

The Shortlisting Panel featured: Jury Chair Naomi Milgrom along with competition jury members: Kim Crestani, City Architect, City of Parramatta Council; David Gianotten, Managing Partner – Architect, OMA; Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, MAAS; Wendy Lewin FRAIA, Principal, Wendy Lewin Architect; and David Riches, Head of Projects, Infrastructure NSW.