The driver of the Docks Theatre Co. is to position the role of theatre as more than simply entertainment: theatre is an act of public demonstration. Through valuing the relationship between theatrical productions and their political dimension, we may consider performance as a resource towards public agency. The project connects to Balmain's rich history of vocalised activism and an ongoing struggle to preserve class identity, providing a crucial link between Mort Park and Ballast Point Park. The architectural response aims to evoke a post-industrial occupation of the site, with imagery symbolic of both the working-class history of shipbuilding in Balmain and the possibility of a renewed future. The theatrical spaces will engage in a conversation with one another, layering inwards to gather and layering outwards to connect performance to place. The architecture will offer formal facilities in association with a proscenium theatre, an arena theatre to gather, and a public cove with the capacity for impromptu performances of public demonstration.
Concept Diagrams: a) Layering-outward considers how connection integrates this project into the harbour. b) Layering-inward considers the prospect of gathering to achieve public demonstration. c) Siting demonstrates the linking effect of this project.
Context Mapping: Placing the project in a site connected to the activist intentions of this project was crucial. This gravitated the project towards Balmain, which also offered a unique outlook of discrete layers to view Sydney Harbour.
Sectional Perspective: Through viewing the theatre's sectional qualities, the curated architectural environment is revealed. Evocative of a post-industrial occupation of Balmain, a story about gathering to work towards renewal is told.
Plans: The linking public domain that connects the parklands is shown through plan. Curating a spatial layout that efficiently creates both outward and inward theatrical layers is also demonstrated.
Model: Completed to a scale of 1:200, this model contributed to the design process and refinement both the public cove spaces and facade conditions.