A landmark theatre for Sydney’s Riverside
Danish firm 3XN Architects takes to Australia to design this upcoming Riverside Theatre along Sydney’s Parramatta River. Developed together with Australian practices COX Architecture, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra, the project is envisioned as a porous and welcoming civic landmark in Sydney’s growing western centre.
Sited along the water’s edge, the theater’s timber structure gently twists and modulates, responding to the river’s curvature and the movement of light across its surface. This dynamic geometry and undulating facade allow the building to act as both a cultural threshold and an extension of the surrounding parkland. Pathways and landscaped terraces draw visitors from the street to the riverfront, creating a continuous public realm that blurs the boundary between the theatre and its environment.
the upcoming Riverside Theatre will overlook Sydney’s riverfront | visualization © Aesthetica Studio
architecture by 3XN and COX in dialogue with place
For 3XN and COX, the design is informed by ideas of permeability and invitation. ‘The unique contextual response of the design lends itself to a distinct architectural expression and opportunity to create a building that is welcoming, porous, and permeable,’ explains Fred Holt, Director of 3XN Architects. This intent is carried through the project’s material palette and spatial arrangement, which frame multiple ‘gateways of invitation’ that open to both the city and the river.
Internally, the architecture unfolds as a series of volumes that vary in scale and intimacy — from a 1,500-seat lyric theatre to smaller performance and cinema spaces. The renovation of the existing playhouse into a 760-seat venue preserves a layer of continuity within the site’s long history as a cultural gathering point. Each space is acoustically and visually tailored to its purpose, yet unified by a consistent sense of warmth and openness.
the design responds to the river’s curve with a twisting form | visualization courtesy 3XN
respect for cultural and ecological context
The collaboration between COX, 3XN, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra reflects a shared vision of mutual understanding and cultural awareness. ‘Working together, our team developed a design that sought inspiration from a First Nations narrative — from concept through to detail,’ says Brooke Lloyd, Director of COX Architecture. ‘The design foregrounds this narrative in every instance — each performance space telling this story in a unique way.’
Bangawarra’s involvement ensures the site’s layers of meaning are read and expressed through both architectural and landscape gestures. Country and ecology become integral design drivers, shown through the riverbank restoration and endemic planting strategy led by Turf Design Studio. The design’s ecological ambitions extend to a 5-Star Green Star target, emphasizing reuse of materials and regeneration of biodiversity along the waterfront.
public pathways and terraces link the city to the water | visualization courtesy 3XN
materials and spatial planning emphasize permeability and a sense of invitation | visualization courtesy 3XN
new theaters expand the city’s capacity for local and international performances | visualization courtesy 3XN
project info:
name: Riverside Theatre
architect: 3XN Architects | @3xnarchitects, COX Architects | @coxarchitecture, Aileen Sage | @aileen_sage
location: Sydney, Australia
landscape: Turf Design Studio | @turfdesignstudio
consultant: Bangawarra | @bangawarra
visualizations: © Aesthetica Studio | @aesthetica_studio
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