Five Finalists Named for Sydney Modern

Following the October 2014 announcement that twelve firms would submit concept designs for an expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW, the museum has announced the five finalists for the second stage of the international competition:
 

The seven-person jury* assessed the submissions anonymously, but the designs have not been released and there is no indication that they will be released before the end of the competition's second stage. Jury Chair Michael Brand said in a statement from the museum: "We were excited by the quality of design and the potential for inspiration expressed by each of the practices. It was challenging to narrow down such an impressive field to further develop their concept." Further, "these high-level concepts explored a variety of possibilities for our site and its connection to the city, the harbor and the adjacent landscape including options for visitors to experience art both indoors and outdoors."

Reporting in Sydney criticizes the lack of a local firm in the running, with two firms from other parts of Australia and the other three from overseas. Yet only one of the twelve stage-one finalists was from Sydney (Candalepas Associates), so the odds were not good that a hometown favorite would stay in the running.

The five firms will visit the site in February and submit their final concept designs in April. The winning firm will have one year to refine its design, with a target opening of the Sydney Modern set for 2021, the 150th anniversary of the Art Gallery of NSW.

*Sydney Modern Jury members: