Engaging communities with politics

To promote transparency and build trust, the doors of NSW Parliament have always been open. With the new media precinct and education centre, we’re helping to open them even wider.

Politics has always been about trust. By welcoming media outlets and broadcasters to have a semi permanent base at Parliament House, politicians can be held more accountable, while the latest developments can be quickly and easily shared with the nation.

We were tasked with designing a new media precinct that juggled the challenges of creating a contemporary workspace for media teams, while preserving the integrity of the heritage-listed building designed by Andrew Anderson in 1981.

Our solution was to make use of an existing 6th floor atrium garden, turning it into a naturally-lit central hub to connected workspaces, multiple recording studios, office accommodation, broadcast and presentation facilities as well as the Parliament House Theatre.

It’s not just the media we helped feel more at home. To support and extend NSW Parliament’s school’s program, we transformed a redundant printing area into a dedicated centre of excellence. The new learning space will help students of all ages develop a deeper understanding of the government’s role in the state, and first-hand experience of democracy at work.

With the ability to accommodate 60-80 students, the U-shape teaching space takes inspiration from the heritage listed Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council chambers.

On both projects, security was paramount, with works around the chambers carefully orchestrated around dates parliament was sitting, and a complex mix of stakeholders were kept engaged and informed every step of the way.