Glasshouse Theatre set to open in Brisbane

The new Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane, designed by Blight Rayner Architecture in partnership with Snøhetta, is set to officially open this week.

Seven years in the making, the rippled glass design was selected from 24 designs in an international competition held in 2019. At the time, it was praised by jury chair and former Queensland Government Architect Malcom Middleton as "creating a new contemporary image for the site whilst respecting the inherent values" of the heritage-listed, 1985 Robin-Gibson-designed performing arts precinct.

Originally due to be complete in 2022, the $184 million transformation faced delays due to Brisbane's 2022 floods and complications during construction. The project, which was delivered by the Department of Housing and Public Works with contractor Lendlease, received $159 million funding from the Queensland government and $25 million from QPAC.

Behind its glazed envelope, the new addition comprises new foyer spaces, two new studios and a 1,500-seat theatre. Its design recognises the site's cultural significance to First Nations Peoples, drawing inspiration from a poem by Aboriginal Elder and artist Aunty Lilla Watson for the idea of the waved facade, which Blight Rayner Architecture director Michael Rayner has likened to "looking at fish swimming in rippling water."

Rayner commented, "Our intention was to maximise cultural engagement with the public realm in two ways - one, by enabling people to view into the foyers, the other by positioning a pair of live performance spaces at street level where they are visible from the street and courtyard.

"The undulating glass wall acts as a translucent veil through which the solid precast walls encasing the theatre are visible - these walls align with those of the existing QPAC building as part of the heritage strategy respecting Robin Gibson's original intent."

A four-metre-high bronze sculpture by Brian Robinson, inspired by Queensland's native flora and its connection to First Nations Peoples, is situated in the external entry plaza.

Inside, the auditorium features locally sourced Queensland grey ironbark timber and green carpet that references the state's rainforests, while the foyer is lined in gold carpet and sand-coloured precast concrete that nod to its beaches.

A media release from QPAC notes that "learnings from the past 40 years and extensive consultation with local, national and international artists and arts workers informed the design brief, resulting in an enhanced artist and audience experience, increased efficiencies and safety for venue hirers and back of house staff, as well as outstanding acoustics for any kind of performance."

Managing director of Snøhetta Australasia Gumji Kang commented that the firm drew upon their international experience, employing a collaborative approach and a commitment to deep listening.

"Coupling design excellence and a culturally contextualised response, we're confident the Glasshouse Theatre will make a lasting contribution to Brisbane and the State of Queensland," she said.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek commented, "Glasshouse Theatre is a world-class venue that will make QPAC Australia's largest performing arts venue under one roof.

"From its stunning architecture and enhanced technical capabilities to its breathtaking facade, Glasshouse Theatre is a game-changer that will put Queensland on the map as a major drawcard for tourists, performers and productions."

QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy said the opening of the "Queensland's newest cultural superstar" was a momentous occasion for the arts in the state.

"This 1,500-seat theatre gives us greater capacity to attract world-class talent and Australian exclusives to Queensland … and forges our reputation as one of Australia's biggest and busiest cultural precincts as we move towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Glasshouse Theatre will open for a free community day on 7 March. Details for the open day can be accessed on QPAC's website. Performances in the theatre are scheduled from late March.