Crown architect says Sydney is ‘Venice on steroids’
Crown Sydney designer Chris Wilkinson also likened Sydney to a “21st century Venice on steroids” but warned we cannot simply rely on the harbour’s natural assets to keep tourists happy.
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The architect responsible for what will soon be Sydney’s second-tallest building wants it to be as Instagram and selfie worthy as the Opera House.
Crown Sydney designer Chris Wilkinson also likened Sydney to a “21st century Venice on steroids” but warned we cannot simply rely on the harbour’s natural assets to keep tourists happy.
His firm WilkinsonEyre has worked on the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, Rio’s Olympic stadiums and the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
The Crown Sydney at Barangaroo will be a landmark tower and feature Sydney’s most luxurious hotel.
Mr Wilkinson hopes it will be a hit with tourists taking selfies. “The Opera House was very important for its day and still is one of the world’s most popular destinations,” he said.
“With the rise in popularity of selfies and Instagram moments these architectural landmarks are becoming more and more an important representation of the city.
“The trend is being seen across the developing world and Pacific Rim in particular, including many places where WilkinsonEyre has worked.”
Mr Wilkinson said it was important architects working in Sydney continued “to evolve and not be complacent”.
“We can’t just rely on the Harbour and its significant landmarks to position Sydney as a leading architectural city,” he said. “We need to push the envelope when it comes to the architecture and design of our buildings in the CBD and surrounding areas.”
The architect said he felt “blessed” with the opportunity to build Crown Sydney on “such a spectacular waterfront site” and hoped it would be “a beautiful landmark addition to the City of Sydney” that would make people happy.