La luz como fuerza narrativa en los espacios públicos

In 2013, Sydney based architect JPW won an international design competition for the first stage of development of the precinct. Over the next decade, JPW's Project Director, Mathew Howard, would lead the firm's engagement with the City of Parramatta Council and Walker Corporation to refine and deliver the precinct masterplan; integrating public transport infrastructure, public spaces, civic buildings and workplaces to redefine the civic heart of Greater Sydney.
Key to the realisation of the architectural vision was the implementation of a lighting concept that did more than just illuminate — it helped define the identity of the precinct. Michel Goupy, Principal of LightStudioMG, explained that his company’s task went beyond functional lighting: it was about translating the architectural narrative into a language of light with formulating an appropriate design: “Effective both day and night, illumination needed to create visual hierarchy, vertical illuminance, the perception of brightness and accentuation of public art.” The goal wasn’t purely technical. The lighting design was conceived as a tool for crafting atmosphere — guiding people through the expansive precinct while reinforcing its character and making the complex layout intuitively legible.

4, 6 & 8 Parramatta Square are the primary office towers that define the southern edge of the Parramatta Square public domain. They comprise a total of more than 200,000 square metres of premium office space above a series of civic scaled foyers and third spaces that connect and engage with the public realm. The lighting design for each of these spaces was planned to meet base level illuminance, with enhanced lux levels in lift lobbies, and on art, furniture and reception areas to create points of focus and provide visual impact.
Each foyer features soaring travertine walls. Travertine is a natural limestone formed by mineral deposits from hot springs, known for its warm tones and porous texture. It has been used in architecture since ancient times and lends a sense of timeless elegance and material authenticity to contemporary spaces.

Distinct from the office towers, 5 Parramatta Square (known as PHIVE) serves as the new civic heart of the city. Developed by the City of Parramatta Council, it includes council chambers, a public library, and community spaces within a fluid, curving structure. Its white, sinuous facade echoes the nearby Parramatta River, and its welcoming, transparent form symbolizes accessibility and civic openness.

As public transport connectivity and population density grow, the foresight in developing a site as expansive as Parramatta Square is evident. Similarly, the team’s ability to anticipate the sustainability demands of the community and tenants has proven crucial. The office towers boast 6-star Green Star ratings (World Leadership accreditation from the Green Building Council of Australia), and the precinct was acknowledged in 2024 as Australia’s most energy efficient commercial development.

Walker Corporation’s Parramatta Square sets a new benchmark for integrated, culture-driven urban development in Australia. The success of the precinct lies not just in its world-class architecture or sustainable performance, but in its attention to the emotional and cultural life of its spaces. And the lighting design? As respected lighting designer Michel Goupy concludes, the audience should be impressed by space without noticing the lighting.
Grandeur, volume, direction, function. The architectural and lighting outcomes at Parramatta Square truly deliver for the people of Sydney, and will for many years to come.