NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY DESIGN COMPETITION WINNER

Finalists

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Vision
The concept for the National Portrait Gallery responds directly to the inspirational values of the institution, its impressive beginnings and its detailed brief.

It is expressive of the diversity, creativity and openness of the Australian character.

It is identifiably of its time and place, but respectful of its heritage. In its openness and accessibility, the building will encourage an interest in portraiture and contribute to the story of our nation. The National Portrait Gallery reinforces the Arts and Civic Precinct, adding a significant dimension to the Parliamentary Zone and reinforces the urban and landscape design ideas of Canberra’s early planners. It also accords with the current National Capital Authority planning principles for the Precinct.

The concept embraces the brief for human scale by employing the Vitruvian idea that the proportion of a building and its setting should correspond to those of a person.

The concept is simple, strong, flexible, legible and robust enough to provide an enduring direction and vision.
 

The building uses its setting, form, orientation, materials and services systems to visibly express its harmony with nature, its environmental responsibility and its value for money.

Materials and finishes have been selected that are representative of the unique natural resources of the Australian States and Territories; stone and timber are detailed to highlight the creativity and craft of Australian tradespeople.

National identity
The creation of a dedicated building and place for the National Portrait Gallery within the Parliamentary Zone is a unique opportunity for our generation, and future generations of Australians.

The design reinforces our national identity, and encourages us reflect on what it means to be Australian.

Openness
The building is open, easily accessible and inviting with a rich diversity of public spaces and thus reflects the essentials of the Australian character.

Egalitarian
The public spaces are planned on a single level with no apparent hierarchy and thus reflects the egalitarian character of Australians.

Informal
The building embraces the necessary formality of its King Edward Terrace address with a relaxed and informal relationship to the broader precinct.

Honest
The design is an honest expression of the building’s primary functions (gallery, public spaces, art storage and administration).

Part of the landscape
The unique landscape and landform of Canberra is integrated into the concept, and detail landscaping close to the building utilises species typical of all climatic regions of Australia.

Response to climate
The building responds to the Canberra climate, providing shade in summer and wind and rain protection to public outdoors spaces and approaches. The landscape and building form encourage cooling breezes from the lake. Materials, detailing and services respond to the extreme climatic range of the nation’s capital.

Response to precinct
The building takes its rightful place in the Arts and Civic Precinct of the Parliamentary Zone, enriching the Precinct with new uses and a range of outdoor pedestrian spaces and thoroughfares.

The vitality of the Museum’s public programmes and its collections are visible from outside by day and night.

Response to past
The building acknowledges its historic and contemporary context. Griffin’s original vision, Canberra’s subsequent development, and the contemporary architectural and landscape character are respected.

Contemporary relevance
By visibly embodying the National Portrait Gallery’s values, the place will quickly become a vital, living part of the cultural life of the nation. The building will encourage the collection and display of a diverse range of art forms from conventional two dimensional works to multi-media and performance art.

The National Portrait Gallery is a uniquely Australian response to the brief, site and vision.