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The Adelaide Convention Centre now boasts 20,000 square metres of multi-purpose space thanks to an extensive redevelopment designed by Woods Bagot. The $397 million project was delivered in two stages, adding a west and east building on either side of the facility's existing central building, which was also designed by Woods Bagot in 2001. The second stage was officially unveiled by the South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, on August 30.
The two new additions to the Adelaide Riverbank skyline were designed to respond to the local environment and also become an instrumental piece of a wider place-making strategy. Woods Bagot senior associate Simon Tothill says the west building, which opened in March 2015, takes cues from the geology and colours of the nearby Flinders Ranges, while the 10,000 hand-formed zinc tiles on the east building evinces the weathered contours of the Kangaroo Island's Remarkable Rocks.
The stage two east building is highly adaptable, integrating a number of internal moving parts that allow the space to be configured according to individual needs. Operable walls, two 320-seat rotating auditoriums, and tiered seating that can be lifted to reveal a flat floor, are some of the standout features of the space. The venue's rotating seating drums, combined with hinged seating bays, dividing walls and demountable meeting rooms, are a first in the region. Each of the three buildings are connected at their upper levels by a dramatic aerial walkway.
"The operational brief for our redevelopment was very precise — to create a new “breed” of convention centre in terms of flexibility and innovation," said Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive of the Adelaide Convention Centre. "We're thrilled with the result. Not only does it pay homage to South Australia's iconic landscape, but it brings together rotating drums, hinged seating and operable walls in one building for the first time, making it one of the most flexible convention centres in the world."
The interior design also harkens back to the geography of the region with a scheme reminiscent of South Australia's outback, with hues evoking the setting sun and a starry night sky backdrop composed of over 35,000 fibre optic lights.
Gilbert adds: "We've made a point of ensuring that whatever their movement through the Centre, guests remain connected to the outdoors in the most spectacular way. Our Skyway is a fantastic illustration of this, as are the new Foyers in the East Building, which deliver sweeping views of the Riverbank Precinct to deliver a great sense of destination."
