Sydney Coliseum Theatre

Designed by COX, the Sydney Coliseum Theatre is a 2,000-seat multi-mode performance venue located in burgeoning Western Sydney.

The coliseum’s form is distinctive; a flowing concrete curtain swept across the foyers and around the auditorium creating a fluid movement that intrigues, drawing patrons into the performance within.

Glimpses through the concrete curtain are accentuated through vertical glass slivers that reveal interior colour to the neighborhood beyond.

Shimmering white concrete gently glimmers by day, and as the light dims, the glow of performance illuminates the night sky.

The conceptual narrative for the COX design stems from the concept of transcendence, with the journey from the outside world to the magic of performance reflected through form, materiality and colour.

The design confidently rejects superfluous decoration and employs a purposely restrained use of three primary materials; timber, terrazzo and plaster.

The dramatic interplay between layered mezzanines and sweeping staircases creates a symphonic quality to the interior, imbuing the heart and soul of performance into every inch of its built form

A generous sweeping stair connects the multi-layered atrium, carving out multiple vantage points to take in the charged atmosphere before the quiet calm of curtains up.

The palette heightens the drama as you move into the theatre – stirring patrons’ expectancy for what lies within.

The space dramatically shifts from an ivory lined façade and dove grey terrazzo floors to a fluid ribbon of timber, enveloping the central volume into an inky dark performance space where all attention is on centre stage.

COX Director Brooke Lloyd said, “This venue is for everyone, from ballet lovers to rock enthusiasts. The honest and unpretentious materiality is almost chameleon-like in its ability to suit everyone and every occasion.”

Key stats of the project include:

2,000 seats + 1,300 retractable seating
8,000m2 in size
3 foyers
7 bars
Chandelier made up of 241 strands of thousands of crystals

“The façade delivers an imposingly majestic arrival for visitors, hinting at the thrilling performance which await inside. Interior foyers are welcoming and calm, with unique Crystal Bridge entry, timeless natural finishes and magnificent ‘chandelier atrium’”, said Executive Director, Sydney Coliseum, Craig McMaster.

The COX designed Sydney Coliseum Theatre certainly delivers beauty, but more importantly provides a cultural heart to enrich and unite a steadily growing community.

Project Details

Completion date – 2019

Project Team

Architecture

COX

COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located in every major Australian city and a history spanning 60 years.

Key to their ethos is supporting the public life of our cities. Cox does this by ensuring each project makes positive contributions to its public realm – giving more than it takes.

www.coxarchitecture.com.au

Photography

John Gollings

John has been the photographer of choice, the go-to guy for many Australian architects.

He is renowned for his ability to almost always compose the best shot, the one defining image that makes a building memorable, etches it into the psyche.

www.gollings.com.au