Cockatoo Island is a multiplicity of layers accumulated over time, the Island and the built structures it contains are icons of a lost functionality. In recent times the Island has held festivals, exhibitions and camping grounds. The success of these temporary events upon the Islands rich heritage layers, forces the question of whether such success can be achieved by a permanent structure.
The Brief for a Maritime Museum is located near the existing ferry terminal and turbine workshops, it is in itself a microcosm of the Islands, collage of programme. To attempt to place a permanent museum on the site could destroy the existing character, equivalent to a public square in its vastness and sense of place. The Hall of Boats – 100m long x 30m wide, 25-30m high, is built on the water adjacent to the proposed site. This further defines the public square and sense of entry from the existing ferry terminal, while leaving the site open for temporary exhibitions and displays. On the water the Architecture can create a feeling of both isolation and connection.
The flexibility in form and programme of the Architecture is designed as temporary and infinitely changeable, making Cockatoo Island its own self-curated exhibition.
