Arc, completed in 2018, is a mixed-use residential development in Sydney’s central business district, designed by Koichi Takada Architects. The project comprises two 26-storey towers, each standing 80 metres tall, encompassing 135 apartments and 86 boutique hotel rooms. The design also features cafes, restaurants, and a retail precinct, revitalising the historic Skittle Lane and re-establishing a connection between Clarence and Kent Streets.
The building’s design pays homage to Sydney’s architectural heritage by incorporating a handcrafted brick podium. Over 300,000 bricks were meticulously laid to create a façade that resonates with the scale and character of neighbouring heritage buildings, such as the Red Cross Building and the Andrew Bros Warehouse. This masonry base grounds the structure in its historical context, while the towers above present a lighter, more contemporary aesthetic.
A distinctive feature of Arc is its organic crown—a series of 59 curved arches that ascend the towers, culminating in a rooftop form that celebrates the building’s interaction with the sky. This design element not only distinguishes Arc from other high-rise structures but also provides communal rooftop spaces that offer panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.
The project was the result of winning the City of Sydney Design Excellence Competition in 2013, which aimed to elevate design quality in the city. Arc’s design was praised for its innovation, craftsmanship, and integration with the urban fabric, contributing positively to Sydney’s architectural landscape.
Arc’s design also focuses on sustainability and natural ventilation. The central atrium facilitates airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical services and promoting a healthier living environment. The glass elevator core allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building, enhancing the connection between the interior and the surrounding cityscape.
The building’s podium, constructed with over 300,000 hand-laid bricks, aligns with the delicate heritage context of the area. The use of brick arches responds to the scale and character of the adjacent heritage buildings, such as the Red Cross Building and the Andrew Bros Warehouse. The materiality evokes the image of Uluru, with the colour and texture of the brickwork echoing the oxidation of red earth found in the heart of Australia.
Arc’s design also includes a public through-site link, reactivating the historic Skittle Lane. This feature connects Clarence and Kent Streets, enhancing pedestrian flow and contributing to the vibrancy of the urban environment. The lane, which dates back to the 1980s and was once a bowling alley for sailors and soldiers, now serves as a lively public space, integrating the building into the city’s social fabric.
The rooftop of Arc offers communal spaces that encourage social interaction and provide residents and visitors with expansive views of Sydney Harbour and the city. The curved roof arches connect the building with the organic and undulating lines of Sydney Harbour, enhancing the connection between the urban environment and the natural landscape.
Arc’s design has been well-received, with positive feedback regarding the use of traditional brickwork and the integration of heritage elements into a modern context. The building’s thoughtful design and attention to detail have contributed to its success as a mixed-use development in Sydney’s CBD.
In summary, Arc by Koichi Takada Architects is a significant addition to Sydney’s architectural landscape, blending historical references with contemporary design to create a mixed-use development that respects its heritage context while providing modern amenities and communal spaces for the city.
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