The Nicholson Galleries, Chau Chak Wing Museum at The University of Sydney
By studioplusthree
studioplusthree were commissioned to design the Nicholson Galleries at the University of Sydney’s new Chau Chak Wing Museum, which opened to the public in November 2020. The Galleries are home to the University’s extensive collection of antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome.
The three principal cultures of the collection – Egyptian, Greek and Roman ‐ inform the design approach. Remains from Egypt are displayed in an immersive and intimate environment, whilst Roman busts are presented in the open, day‐lit atrium, echoing their original setting.
Taking inspiration from classical architecture and contemporary art, the Nicholson Galleries establish an immersive and emotive approach to the visitor experience, in which massive walls are bisected by light, and rough-textured walls are punctured by rich gold niches.
Visitors enter the Mummy Room by crossing a threshold of light, symbolic of the transition to the afterlife. Inside, ethereal CT scans float into existence from seamless black mirrors before disappearing, leaving only the reflection of the visitor.
The Egyptian Galleries reference a hypostyle or pillared hall, common in Egyptian temple design. This establishes two main axes that order circulation, views and content – providing a sequence of movement from outer to inner chambers.
Rough, textured stone finishes are contrasted against rich, glossy highlights of gold, bronze and wine‐red in the Egyptian galleries. In Greece and Rome, a smooth marble‐like finish and common details are used to create a family of plinths.
Impressions of Greece plays on the techniques of early glass plate photography, creating a double‐curved lightbox that also references the nave of Greek orthodox churches and the qualities of the light of the Mediterranean sky.
Taking inspiration from classical outdoor sculpture gardens, Roman busts are seen in the round, atop pillars of differing translucency to give them body whilst filtering light through, and positioned at varying heights to evoke their individuality.
Awards
- 2021 - Commendation: NSW Architecture Award - Small Project Architecture
- 2021 - Highly Commended: Museum and Galleries National Awards: Permanent Exhibition
- 2021 - Shortlisted: Australian Interior Design Award (AIDA) - Installation Design
- 2021 - Finalist: Dulux Colour Awards - Commercial Interior, Public and Hospitality
Photography: Brett Boardman
Professionals used in
The Nicholson Galleries, Chau Chak Wing Museum at The University of Sydney
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About the
Professional
studioplusthree is an award-winning architecture practice based in Sydney. We are focused on the design of bespoke residential and cultural projects, following our three core values.
Nature
Access to light, air, views and landscape are key features of our work. We value the inherent beauty of natural materials and light. We are committed to designing in a way that is sustainable, specific to place, and built to last.
Craft
We believe in the use of skill and craftmanship to make enduring buildings. We design thoughtfully and deliberately, respecting the experience and knowledge of those we work with.
We are specific about details, the qualities of materials, and how buildings are assembled.
People
At the centre of our work is how spaces feel. We aim to create something special for each of our projects that reflects who it is designed for, and the place it is in. We seek to collaborate with clients that share this ambition, working closely together to create buildings and spaces that are welcoming, generous, calm and comfortable.
The studio was established in 2014 by directors and co-founders Simon Rochowski and Julin Ang, who lead a team of skilled creative designers.
studioplusthree has been recognised in national and international awards for its work, receiving the national Houses Award for Cremorne Point Apartment, and in 2021 being nominated for the Dezeen Awards 'Emerging Architect of the Year'.
The studio has received the national Australian Interior Design Award for Installation Design, a NSW Architecture Award for Small Project Architecture, and in 2023 the studio was shortlisted the NSW Architecture Awards Emerging Architect Prize. The work of the studio has been published widely in Australian and international design media.
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