Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension is a Project that Required Gratitude

The Sulman Medal is a prestigious award, recognising projects that have attained an exceptionally high level of architectural endeavour and public amenity. The Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension is a fitting recipient of this award.

The original project by Dellit in the 1930s is well known and admired in its position at the head of Hyde Park, but the original vision of cascading fountains to the south of the memorial remained unrealised until this project, which was first conceived in 2007.

Neither a replica nor a pastiche of the original idea, the Centenary Extension looked beyond the brief to transform a subterranean education extension into an integrated experience. It takes the visitor on a journey from the bustling street, down through to the Hall of Service and facilities beyond, at all times connected physically, visibly and metaphorically to the Hall of Memory and Hall of Silence in the original memorial. This is very much a journey of the senses; the absence of city noise, the light and shade, and the texture through the interplay of a well-orchestrated palette of materials that, while modern in their execution, seek a respectful conversation with the original memorial.

In the truest sense this project speaks of collaboration. In an echo of the original pairing between Dellit and Rayner Hoff, the collaboration between Fiona Hall and Richard Johnson of JPW results in a single experience of art and architecture. Collaboration between JPW and Government Architect NSW made the project possible, including the artful execution of the enormous community project to gather soil from all corners of NSW and battle sites overseas in under 18 months.

The Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension has connected the people of NSW with the ANZAC story once more, respectfully interpreting Dellit’s vision and embodying the spirit of collaboration and community in a suitable living memorial to service, sacrifice and courage.

The ANZAC Memorial Centenary Extension is a project that required gratitude, thinking and achievement. The service people, their families, Australians, New Zealanders and the world were watching.

The ANZAC Memorial Centenary Extension’s public and cultural benefits are obvious – facilitating memory, respect and gathering. Paying tribute to all the intrinsic thinking that lead to the original memorial and public space, it is a subtle yet powerful design that bookends Hyde Park.

The designers have paid great respect to the historic visions of Norman Weekes, Raymond McGrath and Bruce Dellit. The thinking is illustrated by the urban response that enhances the experience and place for visitors.

The architect’s conviction is in the flawless expressionism and detailing, acknowledging the core purpose and narrative of the ANZAC Memorial-remembrance, reflection, comfort and commemoration. The architect led a large complex team through many stakeholder opinions, and the sophistication, simplicity and strength of the design helped guide the resolution and completion of this iconic memorial.

Finally, the integration of art enhanced the thinking through reflection – this project has completed what is considered to be the keystone monument of Sydney, intended always to express with dignity and simplicity in the words of Bruce Dellit, 1934.

Project Information

Architect: Johnson Pilton Walker with Government Architect NSW

Photography: Matteo Salval and Brett Boardman