Challenge

The Australian War Memorial is an enduring, culturally significant symbol of remembrance that commemorates those that gave their lives for our nation. It is a physical representation of pride, honour, courage and sacrifice. It is our history living through the memory of our stories, a national institution, “A Place for All”.

The New Southern Entrance is the beginning and end of the journey through the Memorial proper, and a place to orientate and connect, through both the physical and the intellectual. It is a place to commemorate those who served and honour who they are; to reflect on what they experienced; and to understand the record they left behind.

Solution

The design solution required a sensitive and crafted approach and a responsibility to evolve the original vision. A new central focal nexus, the Oculus, is located to the heart of the New Southern Entrance, which visually, emotionally and physically connected to the existing Memorial. The Oculus is flanked by entrance courtyards and enabled efficient planning and program which provided a holistic and seamless experience through the memorial; and back out to the Memorials’ precinct.