Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2020
RMIT Capitol Theatre Banquette Seating
by Peter Rattle - CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd
- A' Design Award 2020 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Commercial Upholstery Solutions (Vic) Pty Ltd
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,129
- Verification code 82680EE935 · Verify this award
About RMIT Capitol Theatre Banquette Seating
Undergoing a transformation into a state -of the-art presentation and lecture theatre, the Capitol was fitted out to become a unique work environment hosting, conferences, student lectures as well as cinema graphic productions. The specialised Banquette seating and componentry now ensures that the Capitol remains a heritage masterpiece for the next generation of patrons.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Tender brief was to add new modern seating but with a link to the past for this 3 storey dilapidated Building, which was originally designed by renowned Architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin. Built in 1924, this Building was one of the worlds earliest examples of Art Deco / Chicago Gothic styles. Using images from the past the design team were able to create the desired "Chunky Club" style of leather seating to meet the Client, Architect and Buildings needs
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Traditionally upholstered seats are manufactured with a timber carcase, however in this instance a custom metal frame was required for additional strength and support.These frames were bolted and chemically fixed to the concrete plinths so that the seats did not interfere with the glass panels behind the upholstered seats.
- Tags
- Banquettes, Seating, Leather, Upholstery, Furniture, Custom Design, Joinery
- Production Technology
- The Design utilises both a hard foam insert with a softer outer core covered with Dacron. This is then wrapped with an Aniline pull-up leather that will age over time to give an antique look.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest challenge was to ensure that all seat cushions matched on the 90 degree corners between columns and a 45 degree mitre as well as the curved tops and bottoms. This involved hand made templates and several prototypes prior to the final manufacture.
- Project Duration
- The project required several months to manufacture in the factory and around 6 weeks to install on site in the Melbourne CBD.
- Operation Flow
- The Banquettes were designed to be oversized and along with the antique green leather the seating blended in with the large floor space, carpets, tall ceilings and columns without taking away from the Art Deco format.
- Research
- In order to understand the Clients requirements CUS researched the Buildings history along with other Cinemas from this period. From these observations the production team were able to design the Banquettes to best match the Client's brief along with the heritage format.
- Inspiration
- After winning this project at the tender stage the design team addressed the issues of how best to manufacture and install the seating against the existing concrete steps as well as the addition of new glasswork and metal balastrades behind the seats. After producing several prototypes, the design and production team were able to reach a satisfactory outcome that was both functional and fitted into the Buildings past life.
- Image Credits
- Peter Rattle for CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd
Tatjana Plitt Photography
RMIT University
Colors of RMIT Capitol Theatre Banquette Seating
Design Interview about RMIT Capitol Theatre Banquette Seating
To ensure the new Seating reflected the Art Deco heritage of this building.
Our aim was to add both function and style to the refurbishment of this Cinema with a look from the 1930's.
Hopefully we can build on this design to win future projects in the Heritage sector.
Several months which including various drawings and prototypes.
The original requirement was part of the tender process, however we changed the concept and ultimate design to fit the Buildings Décor.
We are happy to share our expertise with others.
To meet the requirements of the Heritage overlay on this Building
Yes, we were influenced by the Architects involvement.
RMIT University and the people of Melbourne.
The opportunity to work on a Building that has survived for nearly 100 years of change and be part of bringing it back to life for the next generation.
It was the name of the project and Building.
The use of templates and prototypes to ensure all the components worked and fitted together.
All aspects brought their own level of uniqueness to this project.
Our skilled Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers, helped to bring this project to life.
Yes we researched various images of the Art Deco style including the Chicago Gothic to get a feel for the type of seating used during this particular point in time.
We thought that this particular project was worthy enough to be included in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design Sector of the Award.
From our point of view we were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work on a Building that was originally designed by Husband and Wife team - Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin.