2023-09-26

Local snapshot – Sydney

 

At Woods Bagot, we pride ourselves on local knowledge with a global outlook. We know each of our studio’s cities like the back of our hands, and we love to share what makes them special. 

 

The Sydney Studio is located on the traditional lands of Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

Based in the central city close to Wynyard train station and the Woods Bagot designed Wynyard WalkWoods Bagot Sydney is the perfect central location for clients and collaborators to visitBased around the concept of hospitality and welcomethe studio is the perfect place to meet, talk and share ideas.  

Sydney works across most of Woods Bagot’s sectors and on many of the city’s largest projects. Aviation, Rail, Education, Residential and Workplace Architecture and Interiors are key areas of specialisation. 

Here’s Sydney through the eyes of Content & Channels Coordinator, Merena Nguyen.

Merena joined Woods Bagot in 2021, bringing with her skills and a multidisciplinary background in marketing roles across the architecture, art, and design industry.

As a member of the W-B Communications team, she is passionate about storytelling, curating, and wearing multiple hats – one of them being the Sydney studio’s go-to (amateur) photographer.

1 Shirley Street by ARC Architects.

The Drip walking track, Goulburn River State.

I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land and pay my respects to the Elders both past and present.

One of the things I admire about Sydney (Eora Nation) is that, within moments, I can find myself surrounded by fascinating buildings in the heart of the city, then on the edge of the coast, and in the next moment, fully immersed in a lush rainforest.

Palm Beach Lighthouse.

“Within moments, I can find myself surrounded by fascinating buildings in the heart of the city … in the next moment, fully immersed in a lush rainforest.”

Film photographs of the Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). Having spent a significant amount of time in the art field, including working at an Artist-Run-Initiative (ARI) gallery and occasionally curating art exhibitions, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for gallery spaces, people watching, and the atmosphere – elements that are just as important as the artwork itself!

Australian Museum Project Discover designed by Neeson Murcutt and Neille and Cox Architecture.

The old wing of AGNSW by architect Walter Liberty Vernon.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring the works of artist Do Ho Suh whose work addresses the often complex relationships between the body, memory and space.

Do Ho Suh, Hub series, installation view, MCA, Sydney, 2022, polyester fabric, stainless steel.

“Some wonder if it’s a museum or train station.”

Woods Bagot Principal and project leader John Prentice

Artwork throughout Sydney Metro Central Station underground. 

The pub­lic art­work All along­side of each oth­er by Rose Nolan, was com­mis­sioned by The City of Syd­ney as part of the Syd­ney Metro’s upgrade at Cen­tral Station.

Read about the ‘clock wall’ on Art, history and people connect in new Central Station concourse.

Woods Bagot is the lead architect on the Central Station renewal, collaborating on the Northern concourse with John McAslan + Partners, while working closely with contractor Laing O’Rourke and Sydney Metro across the entire project.

Formerly known as Cleveland Paddocks, Prince Alfred Park, is a vibrant urban park in Surry Hills, Sydney.

The park’s original layout was designed by Benjamin Backhouse and has undergone numerous transformations, once serving as the host for the Royal Easter Show and now featuring a rainbow path, a public swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Captured with my Leica Minilux point-and-shoot camera.

The Calyx – Royal Botanic Gardens.

Fragments of the existing Arc Glasshouse by Ken Woolley, completed in 1987. The architecture surrounding the Victorian-esque glasshouse was designed by PTW Architects with landscape architect McGregor Coxall.

For all the Art Deco fans – a must see is the Mudgee Post and Telegraph Office.

Just 3.5 hours away from the Sydney CBD, is the charming town of Mudgee. The name Mudgee comes from a local aboriginal word meaning “nest in the hills.”

A picturesque part of the region is the pastel deco architecture that reminds me of a Wes Anderson film – check out @accidentallywesanderson for everything symmetrical and whimsical.

 

I had the opportunity to photograph site progress shots at Western Sydney International Airport, where I captured project leaders Ashlea Jenkins and Alice Cook in action. This project is among the most significant infrastructure developments currently underway in Australia. For the complete journal story, read On defining your ‘all’: New mothers leading Western Sydney Airport.

Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture won an international competition for the concept design. Developed and delivered by Woods Bagot.

At times you can find me in the workshop capturing model maker Peter Wake’s latest creations. Project pictured: QIC’s Real Estate hotel tower designed by Woods Bagot in Castle Towers, Castle Hill.

Warada on Walker by Peter Wake. The project is a striking 22-level commercial tower planned for North Sydney enveloped in a sculpted red metal façade designed to echo the tones and shades of the Waratah flower, endemic to the area.

Local Snapshots