Public Architecture – Moonah Arts Centre


A light box, a sound box, a treasure box and an outdoor space create a stage for users of the Moonah Arts Centre to exhibit, perform, make and relate. The centre invites participation through interaction, observation or contemplation. It is an accessible and transformational setting for community arts, personal development and community building. Bold, simple forms with a stripped-back aesthetic express the four principal spaces. Distinctive cladding materials emphasise form and function. Experiences, memories and artworks become the richly layered embellishment of the building. The principal spaces are flexible and interlinked, forming large areas or separating into intimate or specialised zones encouraging ingenuity in use. Natural light sculpts the spaces and highlights, enlivens and delights. This new landmark has a unique sense of place. Its identity will evolve over time as it intrigues, entices and stimulates curiosity, creativity and participation. A public forecourt links to and enhances Moonah Main Road. This is a civic-type space, a social destination where anyone can meet and linger. A new tree will provide a shady canopy to replace the site’s landmark tree, lost through damage by severe storms. The core values of access and sustainable design are integral throughout the architecture.

Architects
Morrison & Breytenbach Architects

Consultants
Structural consultant – Aldanmark Consulting Engineers
Civil consultant – Aldanmark Consulting Engineers
Electrical consultant – Engineering Solutions Tasmania
Mechanical consultant – Engineering Solutions Tasmania
Hydraulic consultant – Aldanmark Consulting Engineers
Landscape consultant – Lindsay Campbell Landscape Services
Acoustic consultant – Vipac Engineers & Scientists
Cost consultant – Matrix Management Group
Other Fire Consultant – SEMF
Other Access Consultant – Michael Small Consulting
Other Traffic Consultant – pitt&sherry
Other Graphic Design – Before Creative
Photographer – Ray Joyce
Building surveyor – Castellan Consulting

Contractors
Builder – VOS Construction and Joinery
Construction Manager – Josh Mulcahy