Queen Adelaide Room, Adelaide Town Hall

For over 100 years the Queen Adelaide Room at the Adelaide Town Hall has been the City of Adelaide’s major civic reception space. Informed by its past, the room has been transformed into a befittingly grand space that reflects its significance.

Dark and dowdy, the room was considered an embarrassment overdue for redevelopment but there was much debate about what form this would take. After extensive research and consultation, it was agreed to refurbish the space based on the original 150 year old unexecuted design and finished to reflect the feminine elegance implied by its name. The brief also required it to function for a range of uses, integrate the latest technology and be undertaken within a narrow timeframe.

Careful study of original drawings was undertaken to inform the detailing of the new configuration. Descriptions of historic treatments inspired the new decorative scheme, involving extensive trialing of especially commissioned wallpaper and carpet designs to ensure the correct balance of colour and pattern. Unobtrusive integration of building services included lighting, audio and information technology. The project was completed by working closely with specialist tradesmen practicing what are becoming infrequently used skills.

The Council love the completed room. It is now a source of considerable pride and has become one of the highlights of the building, being used for a broader range of civic events. It demonstrates how understanding the story of a place can inform decisions and provide thoughtful and successful outcomes.