The Darwin Convention Centre is the centrepiece of the city's new $1.1 billion Darwin Cove Redevelopment and has transformed the waterfront area to a destination drawcard for locals, business travellers and tourists.

The project consists of a 4,000 sqm series of exhibition halls which can host up to 4,700 visitors, an auditorium for 1,500 delegates
and a number of flexible meeting and function spaces. Its aesthetic
of gentle rounded geometries is inspired by Darwin's maritime heritage and is reflected in the artificial lagoon created as a part
of the project to mediate tidal movement. The tropical climate
of Darwin played a major part in the development of the design, celebrating deep shade, filtered light and anticipating the cyclonic force winds and torrential downpours that are common in the region.

Key sustainability initiatives include the use of stormwater
captured by the roof to replenish the water in the lagoon and extensive sunshading to the western facade which was carefully designed to optimise visual amenity while controlling heat gain
and solar glare.

      Awards

2008 Master Builders Association National Excellence in
Construction Awards – Public Buildings Award – over $50m,
(awarded to Sitzler Laing O'Rourke Joint Venture)

2008 Territory Construction Association Excellence
in Building & Construction Awards – President's Award
(awarded to Sitzler Laing O'Rourke Joint Venture)

2008 Territory Construction Association Excellence
in Building & Construction Awards – Joint Winner –
Commercial Construction Over $10m
(awarded to Sitzler Laing O'Rourke Joint Venture)

2008 Territory Construction Association Excellence
in Building & Construction Awards – Winner –
Electrical Contracting (awarded to Nilsen NT)

2008 Territory Construction Association Excellence
in Building & Construction Awards – Winner –
Metal Roofing & Walling Contractor of the Year
(awarded to Halikos Roofing)

      Publications

Turning imagination into reality
Architecture Bulletin, Nov / Dec 2006, pp. 20 – 21