The latest addition to the Sydney architecture scene

Museum of Contemporary Art by Sam Marshall opened in March 2012. Photo ©Darren Bradley

I was excited to finally see the new Museum of Contemporary Art when I passed through Sydney a couple of weeks ago. It's a beautiful building that works very well, functionally. I quite like the design. Of course, it's easier to appreciate if you don't know the story leading up to it. 

Without question, the best spot in Sydney to have breakfast. I did - twice. The food was very good, too. Photo ©Darren Bradley

It turns out, Jørn Utzon isn't the only major international architect to have been snubbed in Sydney. Back in 1997, the Japanese architecture firm, SANAA, won a the commission to design the new Contemporary Art Museum at Circular Quay on Sydney Harbor, just across the ferry terminal from the famed Opera House. 

Photo ©Darren Bradley

She caught me. Photo ©Darren Bradley

A prized location for a prized assignment. Only thing was, turns out there were some restrictions on the existing building and it couldn't be razed. So the city decided to do another contest. Not sure if they informed SANAA of this before holding the other contest. SANAA, needless to say, wasn't pleased. 

Photo ©Darren Bradley

Anyway, I'm sure the building by SANAA was an amazing thing. I love their work and it always seems to be brilliant in a subtle, refined, understated sort of way. I have only been able to find one photo of a maquette, here: 

A bit hard to tell from that. I imagine it probably also had walls, plumbing, and such. But it looks pretty cool. 

Anyway, the project that replaced it was forced to conserve the existing building, and so that meant the new project was relegated to an annex. I do have to say that despite these constraints, Sam Marshall came up with a nice project for this space. 

Photo ©Darren Bradley

It appears that most of the exhibition spaces are actually in the old building, and the new addition is mostly reserved for office space, a learning center, a library, a restaurant, and a few other things. 

Photo ©Darren Bradley

More to come on Sydney soon...