Manunda Place, Darwin – Sissons Architects
Designed by Sydney based architects Sissons, Manunda Place is Darwin CBD’s newest commercial precinct.
Nestled in the heart of Darwin CBD, Manunda Place is a nine-storey mixed use tower, thoughtfully designed with a striking entry lobby, a roof terrace with panoramic views of the Darwin Town Centre and Darwin Harbour, and a cozy lobby café featuring NOMI’s Jasny side chair. We sat down with Nick Sissons, partner at Sissons Architects, to talk about their design inspiration for the project and to know more about their brand.
What is Sissons design ethos?
Our design approach is all about finding the key issue that is unique to the project, and using that as the generator for the creative concept. At Manunda, it was the idea of building in the tropics that provided the catalyst for our design response. We are also very keen about clearly expressing the uses of a building such that they can be easily understood by the casual observer. For us, the sunshades were a great example of the building expression being closely tied to its solar performance – we made the shades a distinctive earthy copper tone to relate to the geology of the Northern Territory.
What do you think is the key to good design?
Asking questions! The more that is known about the site, the brief, the climate, the urban context, the better. We also spend a lot of time getting the diagram right – once the problem has been solved with a key move or element, then the rest falls into place. However, finding the key design move takes time and effort. Good clients give us the time to investigate all the options and permutations, and join us on this path of discovery, providing vital feedback at every step.
