WINNING DESIGN OF NGA SCULPTURE GARDEN ANNOUNCED

The design aims to reconnect the gallery with the surrounding landscape, making the overall site more accessible and more than doubling the space for art and cultural experiences.

The NGA has named the draft design multi-disciplinary team CO-AP Holdings – comprising CO-AP, Studio JEF, TARN and Plus Minus Design – as the winner of the National Sculpture Garden Design Competition.

The NGA launched the design competition in April as part of a $60 million revitalisation of the garden, which had fallen into decline.

A key feature of the winning design is a permanent stainless-steel and glass pavilion that creates a new space for exhibitions, events and education programs. It will replace the existing marquee.

The design shows seven distinct and interconnected gardens that weave their way around the gallery in a continuous circuit.

A new promenade and multi-use campus square at the National Gallery forecourt will create a welcoming space for visitors and new display opportunities for artworks.

A core goal is embedding First Nations’ principles and perspectives into the ongoing development of the design, and continued care of the garden, ensuring stewardship and connections to Country.

The NGA said the winning team was selected for their vision of the National Sculpture Garden based on respect, care and future ambition for the iconic three-hectare site.

The National Gallery and the CO-AP Holdings team would work together on its revitalisation to create a living gallery for the 21st century, it said.

NGA Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said CO-AP Holdings won the competition with a thoughtful approach that showed a sensitivity and respect for the garden’s history and heritage and a plan for renewing, reconnecting and revitalising existing gardens and infrastructure.

“‘The jury was struck by the devotion and care CO-AP Holdings had for the National Sculpture Garden,” he said. “We are excited by their vision to renew and reconnect the gallery with the garden and more than double the amount of space for works of art. We want our visitors to feel they are in a landscape that is enveloped in art and architecture."