PHILLIMORE STREET GALLERY | FREMANTLE, western australia
Located in the West End of Fremantle, the small site is tightly packed between two heritage listed buildings. The area has a rich history of industry and seafaring and a more recent artistic personality which is embodied by this gallery. The use of rough conrete and white a white steel curtain contrast each other and the surroundings while referencing the industrial past. The Gallery stands out whilst also grounding itself as if it's been there for decades.
The Phillimore Street Gallery acts as a catalyst and seeks to rejuvenate the currently ‘dead’ alleyway behind the site. Lifting the main blocks of the building and locating the points of activation to the rear allow for this process to eventually occur.
As you move through the spaces, the architecture encourages you to focus internally and on the solely on the art. Walking up the stairs between the exhibitions gives the only relief from this perspective by a thin slit window on the Southern facade. The final release is the terrace after the final gallery in which you are given stunning views to the harbour and town centre.
UWA Masters Studio | June 2017