Parliament Square Hobart awarded the Colin Philp Award for Commercial Architecture, the Roy Sharrington Smith Award for Heritage Architecture and the Urban Design Award at the Tasmanian Chapter of the 2023 AIA Awards

Parliament Square is located directly behind the Tasmanian State Parliament building on the rising topography of Sullivan’s Cove. Bounded by Murray, Davey Streets, and Salamanca Place, the site includes heritage buildings from the 1840’s through to the inter-war period of the 1930’s. The Parliament Square project removes invasive structures and opens the heart of the site to new public domain linking Salamanca Place to Murray Street.

We have created a central public space that works as a platform placed on the side of the hill, affording outlook over Sullivan’s Cove and offering a level space for community gathering and events. On this new platform a carefully scaled and detailed new workplace building form government agencies Department of Premier & Cabinet, public parliamentary committee rooms and a new connection to the historic Parliament House, respecting and reinforcing its importance.

V-form columns mark the double height entry to the new office building and form an iconic address to the public space from Salamanca Place. Terracotta and sandstone facades are combined with glass and timber to create a warm and elegant addition between the Parliament House and the Davey Street heritage fabric.

The interiors concept explores the expression of a contemporary Tasmanian Government building and sets out to create an inclusive sense of identity for staff and visitors. The organic and welcoming design language incorporates references to the enduring beauty of the Tasmanian landscape.