Photo by Tom Ferguson.Photo by Trevor Mein.Photo by Trevor Mein. Photo by Tom Ferguson. Photo by Trevor Mein. Two of Australia’s finest, most celebrated architectural practices, John Wardle Architects and Durbach Block Jaggers, have come together to collaboratively design an arresting, high profile undulating brick building for Phoenix Central Park Gallery & Performance Space in Sydney’s Chippendale.From the street, passers-by are greeted with a shape-shifting brick façade, that in moments appears straight and angular, while in others it flows freely much like the rippled surface of water. A glass oculus punched into its side becomes a looking glass from which those within can peer out at the world.Both studios individually designed differed aspects of the interior. The bell-shaped performance space was brought to life by Durbach Block Jaggers, who modelled the interior off of Elizabethan-era theatres. Architects explain movement from the exterior into the interior as an “unexpected leap from the ordinary to a secret space of held peace.” The room curves around occupants as if it were the carved interior of a sinuous cave. Pale timber cladding lines the walls, before seamlessly continuing onto the curving ceiling – creating a shell that feels warm and protective, despite its dramatic theatricality. Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Martin Mischkulnig Yellowtrace 01 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 02 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 03 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Tom Ferguson Yellowtrace 04 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Tom Ferguson Yellowtrace 05 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Julia Charles Yellowtrace 06 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 07 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Martin Mischkulnig Yellowtrace 08 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 09 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 10 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 11 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Martin Mischkulnig Yellowtrace 12 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 13 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Martin Mischkulnig Yellowtrace 14 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Julia Charles Yellowtrace 15 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Julia Charles Yellowtrace 16 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Tom Ferguson Yellowtrace 17 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Gavin Green Yellowtrace 18 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 19 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 20 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 21 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 22 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 23 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Photo Trevor Mein Yellowtrace 24 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Basement 01 Plan Yellowtrace 25 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Basement 02 Plan Yellowtrace 26 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Basement 03 Plan Yellowtrace 27 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Ground Floor Plan Yellowtrace 28 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Level 01 Plan Yellowtrace 29 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Level 02 Plan Yellowtrace 30 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Elevation East Yellowtrace 31 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Elevation North Yellowtrace 32 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Section Aa Yellowtrace 33 Phoenix Central Park Gallery Sydney John Wardle Architects Durbach Block Jaggers Section Bb Yellowtrace 34 Connected to the auditorium is a gallery space designed by John Wardle Architects. Expansive walls of exposed concrete stand boldly, the scars of their conception becoming the backdrop for the artworks that will colour the space. The architect describes the process of installing the cast-in-situ concrete as highly challenging, explaining, “the degree of difficulty was extremely high as the footprint of this building is on a tight inner urban site.” A hanging system of tie rod holes embedded within the precast creates a surface for fixing artwork. Skylights channel diffused soft light into upper galleries, allowing for light-filled spaces that sit in direct contrast to the moody, darker atmosphere of the gallery below.A courtyard of curving concrete planters holds succulents and cacti, creating a light-filled area that feels like an extension of the gallery.Commissioned by art philanthropist Judith Neilson, Phoenix Central Park Gallery is an artistic hub where visual and performative arts are interwoven together. The strong collaborative relationship between two architectural studios has created a memorable space filled with regal personality. Consider us massive fans. Related: Could Indigo Slam be Australia’s (and The World’s) Most Slamming House Ever? Photo by Gavin Green. Photo by Trevor Mein. Photo by Julia Charles. Photo by Trevor Mein. [Photography by Trevor Mein, Martin Mischkulnig, Tom Ferguson, Julia Charles and Gavin Green.] Share the love:FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPinterest Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ