This large, modern lecture theatre features tiered rows of brown upholstered seating. The space is characterised by warm timber-slat wall paneling, a textured brick side wall with decorative patterns, and a prominent wooden balcony level under a ceiling with recessed spotlights.

Hobart College Theatre

Mt Nelson, Tasmania 2020

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’.

Half a century of stories.

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.

A wooden staircase with black metal stringers, on its right stands against a dark brick wall in a foyer with a reddish-brown textured floor and large windows to its left.

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.

A narrow corridor features a brown carpeted floor, a dark brick wall, and a tall glass curtain wall lined with silver spotlights. At the far end, a wooden door is set into a concrete wall beneath a timber-slat ceiling.

A bright dressing room features an orange floor, white counters, and large mirrors with integrated LED lighting that create an infinite reflection.

This large, tiered auditorium features brown upholstered seating, in the back some seats are illuminated by a purple glow. The space is defined by textured brick side walls, vertical timber-slat paneling, and a prominent wooden balcony level.

A building foyer features terracotta floor tiles, a timber-slat ceiling, and a wood-paneled reception desk against a dark brick wall. A series of glass doors on the left leads to an outdoor area.

A timber-slat reception desk with a black top sits on terracotta tiles against a dark brick wall. The space features a timber-slat ceiling with recessed black spotlights and two wooden doors.

Hobart College Theatre

Much-loved robust brick and concrete buildings.

Half a century of stories.

A 'de-ageing' process.

Andrew Grimsdale

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