Shrine of Remembrance Redevelopment

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The Shrine of Remembrance is Melbourne's most visible and poignant war memorial. ARM's redevelopment expanded it from purely a monument to an exhibition space and education facility. Additions were designed for the existing structure in the form of four sunken zigzag-shaped courtyards, linking an undercroft housing the Galleries of Remembrance, Visitor's Centre, offices, theatre and associated back-of-house spaces. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: ARM's redevelopment is masterful addition to a culturally sensitive urban setting. The design allows for a greater appreciation of the original building while contributing significantly in itself. The new external built form when viewed on axis is non-existent, deferring to the language of the existing monument. When viewed from above and from within however, it creates a new and rich experience that is intrinsically linked while transcending the original built form. "What's impressive about this work is that ARM, not exactly known for showing restraint in their designs, have tempered their hand to produce one of their best and most satisfying works." (Joe Rollo, The Age, 11 November 2014) RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: ARM's redevelopment won the Sir Zelman Cowen Award - Public Architecture at the 2015 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards. At the 2015 VIC Chapter Awards, it received: the prestigious Melbourne Prize; Commendation - Sustainable Architecture; Architecture Award - Urban Design; William Wardell Award - Public Architecture; John George Knight Award - Heritage Architecture; and the Victorian Architecture Medal. The project featured in Architecture Australia, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, amongst others. This project demonstrates the significance of ARM's practice which, in 2016, was awarded the Gold Medal - the highest award of the AIA to recognise distinguished service by Australian architects.