by ArchitectureWeek

When a restaurant opens adjacent to a theater lobby, one might expect a dramatic play of lights and space. Indeed, designers with the Australian architecture firm PTW have served up a class act with their Hickson Road Bistro at Walsh Bay, Sydney. The space works equally well during the day and at night, but it's the after-dark performance of color and light that arts patrons won't want to miss.

The restaurant is adjacent to the new 850-seat Sydney Theatre, also by PTW. The restaurant opens both west to the theater lobby and north to Hickson Road. Operable glazing on the north facade can be opened up to allow outdoor seating to spill out onto a foot path.

The main entry is through the Sydney Theatre lobby. Design director Paul Brace and project leader Stefanie Loeb, of PTW Interiors, made a clear demarcation between the two spaces in several ways.   >>>

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A red glass screen separates the Hickson Road Bistro, designed by PTW, from the Sydney Theatre lobby. Photo: Sharrin Rees Woven lighting detail on the glass screen. Photo: Sharrin Rees   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.