Syndey, NSW, Australia

The design collaboration between New York-based SHoP Architects and Woods Bagot has won an international competition to design Mirvac Group’s proposed landmark workplace precinct at 55 Pitt Street in Sydney.

Mirvac intends to build a 60,000sq m office tower at 55 Pitt Street under the scheme put forward by Shop and Woods Bagot.

The tower, which will span three addresses held by Mirvac since as early as 2003, will hold frontages to Pitt, Underwood and Dalley Streets.

“55 Pitt Street is an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable and future-focused premium grade workplace that respects and celebrates its place within the context of the Sydney CBD,” noted the jury that selected the design.

“The winning entry was outstanding and exceeded the jurors’ requirements, with the podium’s seamless integration into the urban landscape at ground level, as well as its ability to redefine the Sydney skyline.”

“Prior to the time of early European settlement, the site formed part of the harbour shoreline.”

SHoP Architects and Woods Bagot weaved this fascinating history into their design for the lobby and entry hall, using cascading water features, lush landscaping and indigenous narratives.

With frontages to Pitt, Underwood and Dalley Streets, 55 Pitt Street has the potential to deliver approximately 60,000 sqm of premium commercial and activated retail space as part of a vibrant new destination that will contribute towards the revitalization of the iconic Circular Quay precinct.

The design prioritizes the experience of its visitors and occupants throughout by providing flexibility, comfort and natural light, as well as the iconic views of Sydney Harbour.

It will also use leading technology and sustainability principles alongside carefully curated amenities to actively promote health and wellbeing.

The proposed development, which could reach up 232 meters in height, will now move into the detailed development application phase in close consultation with the City of Sydney Council.

It would see the demolition of a 9-storey mid-century commercial office building and significant upgrades of the adjacent Ausgrid and Telstra utility buildings.

Mirvac chief investment officer Brett Draffen said the design was selected due to the building’s podium seamlessly integrating into the urban landscape at ground level, as well as its ability to redefine the Sydney skyline at its peak.

“We are delighted to see our scheme selected for 55 Pitt Street,” said Woods Bagot CEO, Nik Karalis and SHoP NYC partner, William Sharples.

“Our proposal brings to the forefront a next-generation building centered around a sense of belonging and place dictated by guiding principles of Country, an activated sense of community connections, a workplace environment focusing on new return to work principles.”

“It will be a performative, expressive and breathable tower.”

Project: 55 Pitt Street
Architects: Woods Bagot Pty Ltd. and SHoP Architects
Developer: Mirvac