Overview

The Art Gallery of NSW has undergone a significant transformation with the Sydney Modern Project, which has almost doubled the exhibition space of the 150-year-old institution. A new standalone building and public art garden linked to the revitalised historic building bring together art, architecture and landscape in spectacular new ways, with dynamic galleries, site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists, and extensive outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. 

Arup was involved in the project from the architectural design competition with Japanese architects SANAA until its completion with Richard Crookes Constructions. The company contributed more than ten engineering disciplines to the project.

The presentation will demonstrate how the structural engineering team collaborated with the Art Gallery, architects, and contractors to overcome the challenges of an unusual site and complex scheme to deliver an elegant and beautiful structure.

Learning outcomes 

• how a long-forgotten subterranean Navy bunker was transformed into a unique exhibition space. 
• how the building was designed to be supported on a land bridge over an expressway. 
• how advanced seismic analysis was used to optimise the stability system for an inherently complex building form.

Program 

In Person AEST: 

• 5.30 pm – Registration open
• 6.00 pm – Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.00 pm – Presentation conclude

Online AEST: 

• 6.00 pm – Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.00 pm – Presentation concludes

About the presenters 

Michaela Brown

Associate, Arup

Biography

Michaela is a structural engineer with nearly 20 years of experience at Arup. Her significant projects include Western Sydney Airport, Green Square Library, and Qatar National Museum.

Andrew Johnson

Principal, Arup

Biography

Andrew has led multi-disciplinary teams on complex projects with some of the world’s leading architects, in an Arup career of over 25 years in both Sydney and London. His notable recent projects include Salesforce Tower at Circular Quay, Greenland Centre at 115 Bathurst Street Sydney, and Ken Rosewall Arena. 

Andrew Phillips

Associate, Arup

Biography

Andrew is a structural engineer with a 20 year career at Arup in Sydney, London and Amsterdam. His key projects include Groningen Earthquakes Structural Upgrading, 478 George Street Sydney, and Qatar National Museum. He was the Project Manager of Arup’s multi-disciplinary team on Sydney Modern.