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In focus: Sydney architecture

The 11th edition of Sydney Open, Australia’s premier open building event returns on Sunday 1 November 2015.

Presented by Sydney Living Museums, this signature event will unlock the doors to more than 50 of the city’s most historic and architecturally inspiring buildings, giving Sydney-siders and visitors alike an excellent opportunity to enjoy behind-the-scenes access to some of the best loved or hidden architectural gems.

According to Mark Goggin, Executive Director of Sydney Living Museums, over 55,000 visitors have accessed more than 400 buildings across the city since the first Sydney Open in 1997. This iconic event will henceforth be held annually.

Representing a celebration of the city’s architectural heritage, Sydney Open also showcases contemporary architecture and innovative urban design. This year’s event will focus on buildings across the CBD as well as the thriving Ultimo and Chippendale precincts, with some of the latest award-winning architecture on the program.

Mark Goggin explains that the diverse program will include commercial towers and cultural places, underground tunnels and sacred spaces across Sydney. While providing an opportunity to people to explore some of the city’s iconic heritage buildings, Sydney Open will also enable art and photography enthusiasts to enjoy behind-the-scenes access to unique art collections.

First time buildings on the program include some of University of Technology Sydney’s award-winning sites such as the new Science Faculty building designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in association with BVN Architecture, and the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, with the ABC Ultimo Centre, headquarters of the Australian national broadcaster also in the vicinity.

The Chippendale segment will take visitors to the iconic old Clare Hotel and former Carlton & United Breweries administration building, reimagined by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects into a brand new contemporary hotel. The Kensington Street precinct where a collaboration between architects and artists transformed classic heritage architecture into a vibrant urban village, is also on the program.

CBD landmark buildings on the program include Australia Square, AMP Building, 50 Martin Place, 8 Chifley, MLC Centre, Reserve Bank of Australia and Sydney Opera House. The event also features the colonial architecture lining Macquarie Street including Hyde Park Barracks, St James’ Church, Sydney Hospital, Parliament House and State Library of NSW; as well as the St Mary’s Cathedral and Bell Tower, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Grammar School, Sydney Masonic Centre, the tunnels under St James Station and the Central Station Clock Tower.

Sydney Open tickets will go on sale on 23 September.