University of Queensland Amphitheatre

The Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre sits beside the UQ lake and serves as a flexible venue for a wide range of staff, student and community events. I was part of the collaborative WSP Australia team that developed the concept lighting for it.

A venue with no single use

The amphitheatre has no fixed programme, hosting formal university occasions and informal community gatherings alike. The lighting therefore had to accommodate a range of uses rather than a single one, and to keep the space inviting when no event is running.

Landscape and ecological context

The work formed part of Penfold Projects’ initiative to create vibrant landscapes around the UQ Lake Amphitheatre using native plants and sustainable materials, itself part of a broader mission to restore the lake and its surroundings into a self-sustaining ecosystem. The objective for the outdoor space was to encourage social interaction and foster a connection with nature, and that objective shaped the character of the lighting as much as any technical requirement.

Access and everyday use

The enhancements around the amphitheatre improved both access and visual appeal, reinforcing its role as a vital and engaging community space. This work was developed to concept stage.