Behind the Red Velvet: Inside the Ian Potter State Theatre's Transformation
Following its highly anticipated reopening six months ahead of schedule, the Ian Potter State Theatre stands as a major achievement in modern civic design.
But how do you overhaul a heritage-listed, 2,000-seat underground theater box built into a shifting water table — while preserving its iconic 1984 John Truscott aesthetic?
On Wednesday November 11, 2026 Mecca Events is bringing together the minds behind this major engineering and architectural achievement for an exclusive panel discussion tailored specifically for Melbourne's design community.
Time: 2PM – 4.30 PM (Presentation & Panel Discussion)
Location: Online via Zoom - view the live session or watch the recording later
CPD: 2.5 points with an attendance certificate and recording of the event
Meet the Presenters:
- Hamish Lyon (Director, Architecture & Design, NH Architecture Melbourne): Balancing heritage preservation with 21st-century public domain integration.
- Peter Murenu (Engineer, Aurecon): Navigating structural loads and invisible accessibility retrofits.
- Jim Hultquist (Specialist, Schuler Shook): Acoustic, spatial, and backstage logistics required for next-gen mega-productions.
- Chris King (Project Director, Arts Centre Melbourne): Client vision, sustainability mandates, and the strategy behind delivering six months early.
Whether you are an architect, structural engineer, spatial designer, or project manager, this webinar will provide insights into the execution of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.