'A new benchmark': 200 George Street tops architecture awards

The 37-level tower with floorplates ranging from 1146sq m to 1462sq m sits on the edge of, and is the first part of the wider $3.7 billion-worth of development being undertaken in and around Circular Quay. For that reason, it will be an example and set the lead for the swathe of other projects taking place in close proximity.

“We think it sets a new benchmark for how to deal with urban towers and is one which adds to the public experience of the city, as opposed to separating themselves from that,” jury chairman Ken Maher told The Australian Financial Review.

The building on the corner of George Street stands out from its grey neighbours due to the wooden louvres contained within its triple-glazed curtain walls.

“Other office buildings look like security guards wearing sunglasses, very intimidating,” architect Richard Francis-Jones said last year.

Mr Maher also praised the facade.

“There was a lot of research done on the performance of the facade,” he said. “The environmental performance was very thoughtfully considered.”

Looking to future

But the architects also had to anticipate future changes coming to the immediate precinct after their building was complete.

The neighbouring tower at 180 George Street is due to be demolished and the site turned into a new public plaza, and at ground level the building creates the start of a public plaza, with landscaped steps that contain historical artefacts from the early days of pre- and post-settlement Sydney and allow passersby to find out more information on each display through their mobile phones.

“It anticipates and acknowledges that there is an intention for a public space immediately to its north, which was part of master plan for that part of the city,” Mr Maher said.

“It very cleverly interprets some issues related to the heritage of the site. The shoreline of the harbour, the art work that focuses on indigenous issues.”