Since its opening in 1974, the Charles Darwin University Theatre, Casuarina Campus has been central to the teaching and performance of music, dance and theatre in Darwin. The time had come for an upgrade.
DKJ projects.architecture donated their time to the CDU Foundation, and worked with CDU, user groups and stakeholders to prepare concept design options, coordinated with the campus master plan and site constraints. The design was completed and documented with CDU as the Client.

The additions included a new Foyer / Function space, humidity controlled Musical Instrument Storage facility and Sound Control room. All existing areas were refurbished, including full building services upgrades, acoustics, the Auditorium (with 216 tiered retractable seating system), Foyer, Stage, Amenities, Dressing Rooms and Office Accommodation.

Strong forms, colours, graphics, and landscape contributed to the theatres’ renewal, resulting in a strong visual address, ease of wayfinding and underpinning its position as a core facility on campus.As a valued teaching and performance space andhome to the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre will continue to play a significant role in Darwin’s cultural life.

Client: Charles Darwin University in association with Charles Darwin University Foundation