Melbourne’s heritage listed Arts Centre is the largest and busiest performing arts complex in the southern hemisphere. At its centre is Hamer Hall, representing two artistic discourses – Roy Grounds’ raw architectural building verses John Truscott’s plush theatrical interior.

In repairing the hall’s standing as a major civic building, ARM’s redevelopment sustains both conflicting design histories and adds something new that signals a future that is alive and engaged. We’ve brought it into the 21st century; modernised and made it work, opened it out to the city, sharpened up its couture and given it a new face fronting the Yarra River and the city.

In the 2,564-seat auditorium, acoustics are raised to world standard, with four configurable modes for orchestral, chamber, amplified and flexible performance. While only subtly different in character from Truscott’s interior, the difference to performers and audiences is profound.

The new glass riverside facade turns the building around: a second entry from the Yarra promenade opens the hall to Southbank, where Grounds' original design had turned its back. New civic stairs connect river level to St Kilda Road. The foyers are expanded, the bars multiplied, the amenities upgraded . Bronze – Grounds' material weight, Truscott's material warmth – runs through escalators, stage surround and the grand acoustic reflector above.