The team’s concept maximised flexibility and allowed for multiple configurations, featuring mezzanines that offered different vantagepoints for the public. The sinuous and layered design was inspired by the rich physical and geological history of the site.

The form is sliced to create a division of gallery floors with the stratum of forms bending light across its shimmering, iridescent glazed surface. Ceramic screens allow dappled natural light in at key parts. The building skin is wrapped, bent and folded to draw light into the building’s interior spaces while offering unique views of the precinct, city and gardens.

The art and passenger core is located in the centre of the floor plate enabling a contiguous experience of all galleries. The arrival gallery is a vast hybrid public space suitable for international events and artworks of varied scales, featuring open sides and column-free expansiveness, complemented by mezzanines and balconies at upper levels. Public realm interfaces have fully openable façades, inviting the city in.