Much-loved robust brick and concrete buildings.
Constructed in 1972 as the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education, Hobart College was introduced to Tasmania as an inspiring hub of design education, and was once responsible for fostering some of the state’s most respected architects. As a former winner of the Australian Institute of Architects Enduring Architecture Award and a key example of 20th century Tasmanian design, the guiding principle for our work on this project was to ‘tread lightly’.
CLIENT
Department of Education Tasmania
IMAGES
Paul Redding
LAND OF
muwinina
COLLABORATORS
AWARDS
A 'de-ageing' process.
We found inspiration in the colours of the existing terracotta floor tiles laid in the theatre foyer. The mix of bright oranges, reds and purples helped to create a distinctive palette which we were able to extend through the new alterations. Using shades derived from the floor tiles, the new colours start off light within the open spaces, then grow darker and more intense as the user moves deeper into the theatre, eventually transitioning to a soft purple within the auditorium.
While undeniably impressive, the 50-year-old Hobart College Theatre was beginning to show its age when our work began in early 2019. Many of the surfaces, materials and finishes had simply reached the end of their functional life. Facilities were failing to meet code requirements, and the ageing technical infrastructure within the auditorium was hindering opportunities for eager performers.
Half a century of stories.
