Australian architect Hassell and Dutch firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) have unveiled designs for the New Museum in Western Australia.
The firms worked with Australian contractor Brookfield Multiplex and the Western Australian government on the scheme.
The museum will contain 7,000 square metres of exhibition space and will be located in the heart of Perth’s cultural precinct.
The project has been conceived as a collection of "physical and virtual stories", providing a framework for visitors to engage with the Western Australian people and places.
OMA issued a statement saying : "Our vision for the design was to create spaces that promote engagement and collaboration, responding to the needs of the museum and the community.
"We want it to create a civic place for everyone, an interesting mix of heritage and contemporary architecture that helps to revitalise the Perth Cultural Centre while celebrating the culture of Western Australia."
At the heart of the design is an "outdoor room" framed by refurbished heritage buildings and intersected by new buildings.
A large temporary gallery space will complement the permanent collection of the museum, which is best known for its blue whale skeleton.
The museum will also host a "range of cultural, retail and dining experiences" that are intended to increase visitor numbers after hours.
Early works are expected to start in late 2016 with main construction work starting in 2017. The New Museum is due to be completed in 2020.
Images via OMA
