A computer render of the finished oculus installation marking the southern entrance to the Australian War Memorial. Photo: Australian War Memorial.
Work has begun on the long-awaited new southern entrance to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) with the installation of the reflective glass oculus – Latin for “eye”.
Approved in 2019, the oculus is part of the AWM’s $85 million new development program – featuring the new entrance and parade ground area – which sits beneath the heritage entrance of the iconic 83-year-old Canberra building.
The total cost for the planned redevelopment work at the AWM is $550 million.
The oculus, designed by Scott Carver, sits in the middle of the new southern entrance through which visitors will be able to see through to the Hall of Memory Dome.
The shape of the oculus is an inversion of the dome. The space below will orientate visitors, providing views up to the dome and main AWM building.
The oculus is constructed from a steel frame, manufactured in Melbourne, with the glass inserts imported from Spain. The glass was measured to fit precisely into the framing “petals” of the structure; each petal of glass weighs 350 kg.
Director of the AWM Matt Anderson said the arrival of the glass for the oculus was the culmination of five years of planning and design work.
“The inverted dome of the oculus complements the heritage value of the original building, while the southern entrance allows for accessible, weatherproof and safe access to the memorial for visitors,” Mr Anderson said.
He said the glass was unloaded on the AWM forecourt and placed into position by a crane fitted with suction cups to lift the glass. Workers will spend the next few weeks inserting each “petal” of glass into the steel oculus frame.
Installation of the oculus “eye” at the Australian War Memorial has begun at the new southern entrance. Photo: Australian War Memorial.
“Once complete, the heritage and southern entrances will lead visitors directly to the commemorative area of the memorial,” Mr Anderson said.
“The [Australian] War Memorial is not just a museum but a place for solemn commemoration and remembrance of those who have given their lives for their country,” he said.
“The new entrance brings that commemoration to the forefront of the visitor experience.”
The lower southern entry will be approached from the east and west car parks, providing easy access to the AWM. The southern entry will also house the gift shop and function spaces.
Film Places of Pride will feature war memorials from across the country to reflect the diversity of commemoration in Australia.
The familiar heritage entrance at the top of the stairs will reopen in September this year; the new southern entrance will open over summer.
The oculus installation is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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