In part three in the series on architects and interior designers, Tracey Cook looks at the architectural firms behind the State’s big projects.
In part three in the series on architects and interior designers, Tracey Cook looks at the architectural firms behind the State’s big projects.
GREAT architecture can astound, intimidate and inspire, but ultimately it shapes the face of a city. So which architectural firms are behind WA’s big projects?
Not surprisingly, some familiar names are among those making a mark on the skyline of Perth.
The architectural minds behind Perth’s most sought after projects in recent years, the WA Maritime Museum and the Perth Convention Centre, were Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland.
As the biggest development in inner Fremantle since the construction of the Fremantle harbour in the 1890s, and as the first stage of the Victoria Quay redevelopment, the $27 million WA Maritime Museum had the location and finance to become one of Perth’s iconic buildings.
The Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland museum design, reminiscent of WA’s rich maritime history, has been embraced by the community and is expected to attract half a million visitors a year within five years of opening.
The Perth Convention Centre, to be completed in mid-2004, will be WA’s largest and only purpose-built convention centre. It will feature 16,500 square metres of exhibition space and parking for 1500 vehicles.
Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland also designed Fremantle Justice Centre, Perth’s first privately delivered court facility, Central Park, 30 The Esplanade, 1100 Hay Street and Perth Concert Hall.
Big projects designed by Woodhead International include David Jones Perth, Exchange Plaza, Curtin University’s $32 million commercial facilities, Rydges Perth Hotel and Floreat Forum.
Cameron Chisholm and Nicol is responsible for many well known Perth buildings, including the award winning Allendale Square building, BankWest Tower, Alexander Library and Westralia Square Building.
Recent big projects for CCN include the $5.5 million Pheonix Shopping Centre refurbishment in Spearwood and the $12 million Computer Science Corporation building. CCN also was one of the joint designers of the $40 million Harbour Town Brand Direct Outlet Shopping development, which is under construction and due for completion by November 2003.
Major projects for Jones Coulter and Young tend to be in the public sector and include the City of Stirling Civic Centre, Curtin University Business School and School of Physiotherapy, Edith Cowan University Science and Health Building, and the Learmonth International Airport in Exmouth.
The firm is presently engaged in the design of the $16 million Fisheries Department Research and Education Centre, the $40 million Geraldton Hospital and the $25 million Mount Lawley High School project.
