Space invader: the Sydney Opera House launches its new digital lounge
Welcome to the Bat Cave. Danish architect Jørn Utzon and the superhero franchise seem unlikely bedfellows, but The Lounge, a newly appointed digital hub located in the refurbished western end of the foyer deep within his monolithic Sydney Opera House, draws uncanny parallels. Like the masked crusader’s command zone, it too is a communication conduit informing visitors (some 8.2 million per year) of the performing art centre’s extensive history and programming through interactive displays.
Designed by Tim Greer, director of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (also behind the redesign of the House’s Bennelong restaurant), it is the most recent launch in a series of future-facing projects enabled by The Opera House’s principal partner, Samsung. It forms the first stage of the building’s 'Decade of Renewal' plan to upgrade its facilities. 'With Samsung’s support, we have a wonderful opportunity to trial the latest technology while creating a more welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy day or night,' enthuses Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron, regarding its simultaneous function as a café and bar.
Pools of deep cobalt blue carpet animates the dark, low-ceilinged space tautly bound by poured horizontal concrete spokes. 'Disappearing into the ground, it is the antithesis of the white shells meeting the sky,' offers Greer. A sinuous purple Moroso sofa flecked with electric blue snakes around its perimeter, whilst custom-designed brass side tables with forked tongue grooves further reference its slick serpentine nature. Beyond, creative director Sam Doust’s kaleidoscopic explorations of the House’s stories emanate for a mesmerising LED wall amid churning robotic surround sound.
A collection of over 50 interactive online stories featuring past performances, rare archival images and drawings, plus interviews can be explored on Samsung Galaxy tablets and a free-standing brass pod housing larger screens with headphones. But it’s the virtual reality headsets that steal the immersive drama. Visitors can experience the most exclusive tour in Sydney — a giddy climb through the Opera House to the top its of its tallest sail (at 65 metres). The sensation of the gravitational pull as it plummets down to the Harbour’s water produces the ultimate climax, stomach flip and all!
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Sydney Opera House website
ADDRESS
Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Shigeru Ban’s mini Paper Log House welcomed at The Glass House
'Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House' is shown at The Glass House in New Canaan, USA as the house museum of American architect Philip Johnson plays host to the Japanese architect’s model temporary home concept
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Artist Mickalene Thomas wrestles with notions of Black beauty, female empowerment and love
'Mickalene Thomas: All About Love’, a touring exhibition, considers Black female representation
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Burnt Earth Beach House is an experimental retreat crafted in terracotta
The experimental Australian Burnt Earth Beach House by John Wardle breaks new ground in material composition, using baked earth for warmth, texture and tonality
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Lavender Bay house opens towards the water, overlooking Sydney harbour
Lavender Bay house by Tobias Partners is an expansive family home overlooking Sydney harbour
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Mori House is an Australian beach escape fusing international design influences
Mornington Peninsula's Mori House by architect Manuel Aires Mateus is a striking fusion of Australian, Portuguese and Japanese design influences
By Stephen Crafti Published
-
Victorian cottage transformed by radical extension into a light-filled living space
Glasshouse Projects has opened up the heart of this Victorian cottage in Adelaide, Australia, with a contemporary garden extension and pool
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Sydney’s Wharf Apartment is a heritage maritime space that evokes a coastal holiday home
Lawless & Meyerson’s Wharf Apartment is a careful, contemporary residential transformation in Sydney’s Finger Wharf that taps into the property's historic character
By Grace Bernard Published
-
Eclat rethinks 21st-century workspace with a hospitality offering in Melbourne
With new Melbourne co-working space Eclat, Australian designers Forme defy the conventional shared office model through sensitive craftsmanship and hidden high-tech
By Carli Philips Published
-
This Melbourne aquatic recreation centre’s crafted timber ceiling hints at its sustainability ambitions
The Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre by Warren and Mahoney opens in Melbourne, blending sleek aesthetics with environmental responsibility
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Treetops House brings softness to contemporary concrete volumes in Sydney
Treetops House by Tobias Partners is an Australian home that juxtaposes crisp concrete volumes with soft curves, playful colours and lush nature
By Ellie Stathaki Published