Powerhouse Parramatta

The creation of the new Powerhouse in Parramatta, the geographical heart of Sydney, marks the largest cultural addition since the Sydney Opera House. It reflects the communities and cultures of this rapidly growing region, as a facility for education, research and community events.

A two-stage competition, endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, welcomed international teams of designers to encourage creative and intellectual collaborations. In December 2019 architect Moreau Kusunoki and Genton were announced winner after a total of 529 international firms had submitted their proposals.

The lighting by L'Observatoire International for the Powerhouse Parramatta follows the very tectonic and methodical language that is revealed at different scales of the architecture. The placement of each light fitting is carefully considered to meet multiple requirements at the same time. At the urban scale, the facade lighting is layered between the exoskeleton and exterior envelope to unify the composition of the different moments within. At the building scale, the interior lighting is carefully positioned to follow the rhythm of the mullions and mesh panels, which accumulate to reveal the front of house interior as part of the overall facade. At the human scale, the duality of the facade lighting also promotes transparency when looking out through the glazed facade at night, revealing the intricate framework of the steel structure. Each performance space offers an integrated lighting approach to support the architecture as house lighting and provide a system for exhibition flexibility. As a new cultural precinct, the public realm lighting feels safe and seamless, with concealed light sources gently shaping the landscape and built edges to connect and transform the experience upon entering the new Powerhouse Parramatta.