A New Space For AFTRS

Designing multiple spaces for a building is like working up variations on a theme. It’s rewarding as a designer - it means you can go deeper, explore more.

The very first brief I had from the then CEO of AFTRS, Neil Peplow, was to bring the excitement of the backstage area into the sterile, corporate-like foyer. Release the creativity and potential running through the veins of the building. I found old painted backdrops, large red letters, circus posters and huge soundstage lights in storage and bought them out to be seen by everyone. Purchased generous vintage Brazilian chairs, lush hanging plants, slightly battered wooden tables and clad the walls in hessian - all to earth the space. Give it human touch, relax it. I had rows of booth seating built - they became informal mini meeting rooms for the staff and student.

For my fourth interiors project at AFTRS, the Student Centre, it was about continuing the same concept and mood. Elements included Bauwerk Colour lime wash paints, vintage wooden furniture and carpet tiles from the Water Yuludarla Aboriginal carpet range - an interpretation of an artwork by Gumbaynggirr artist, Brentyn Lugnan.

The Student Centre faces onto the Foyer and I wanted to make the exterior look like a shopfront. Give it a welcoming, approachable look. Bringing in more texture, more natural materials - I had the façade clad in cedar shingles. The bonus was the rich scent it gave, like a forest…

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