The Hedberg in Tasmania connects old and new through culture and architecture
The Hedberg, Hobart’s sparkling new creative arts complex, celebrates its opening in Tasmania to a design by local studio Lrases and Singapore-based WOHA
After eight years of preparation, The Hedberg – Hobart’s sparkling new creative arts complex – is finally ready for a close-up. Located on the corner of Campbell and Collins Streets in the Old Town Quay Quarter, the complex is a deft fusion of old and new – the old being the 1837 Theater Royal, Australia’s oldest working theater, and the 1926 Hedberg Garage, a heritage-listed auto showroom and mechanic store, and the building The new six-storey building was jointly designed by local studio Limal and Singapore-based WOHA.
Like interlocking Jenga spaces, the disparate buildings are linked in an organic grouping of concert hall, saloon, studio theater and theater together with a program of cascading foyer. The design, says Limal co-founder, Elvio Brianese, “responds to its urban and heritage context, rather than expressing the complex as a single object.”
It also explains the skillful use of symbolism throughout the project. “Storytelling is an important design strategy,” says co-founder Peta Heffernan. For example, the irregular folds of concertina-like aluminum for the facade cladding evoke not only stage drapes and musical icons, but also the lustrous luster of Tasmanian abalone shells, a staple of the Balawa, the island’s indigenous people.
The public foyer, installed with woven rugs in warm red and yellow by Tasmanian artist Michel Maynard, represents the traditional gathering places where ceremonies were held and stories were told around the fire pits. Meanwhile, the rooftop gardens offer views of Hobart’s modern waterfront, which is teeming with restaurants, galleries, hotels, and the old Derwent River.
This subtle yet effective nod to history delves into the bones of The Hedberg, not least in the use of local Blackwood indicative of terroir, along with ancient bricks, coin shards, and pottery that were unearthed at the site during excavations and now form part of the floors and walls. As Richard Hassell, Principal Architect at WOHA points out: “Our response to heritage has been to use contemporary materials that differ from but also blend in with the historical fabric.” §
.