DCWC provided quantity surveying services on the Dynamic Destination Project phase of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History complex in Winton, which introduced two main attractions: the 'March of the Titanosaurs' pavilion showcasing a 60-meter trackway of fossilised dinosaur footprints, and the 'Gondwana Stars Observatory' offering deep-time astronomy sessions.
The Dynamic Destination Project marked the third development phase of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History complex in Winton, featuring two primary attractions: the 'March of the Titanosaurs' pavilion, displaying a 60-metre trackway of fossilised dinosaur footprints, and the 'Gondwana Stars Observatory', offering deep-time astronomy sessions.
The design of these structures, by Cox Architecture and CultivAR Architecture, drew inspiration from the topography and geology of the ancient mesa, with each element appearing as a natural extension of the landscape, echoing its textures, colours, and fissures. The March of the Titanosaurs pavilion stretches horizontally from the mesa's plateau and vertically from its cliffs, encasing the fossilised trackway. Its expansive windows offer broad views of the plains below.
Conversely, the Gondwana Stars Observatory, akin to an ancient star-gazing temple with an open top, is designed to be more introspective. Its sides replicate the appearance of a meteorite crater, suggesting it emerged from the mesa's crust. The Gondwana Stars Observatory has been internationally certified as a 'Dark Sky Sanctuary', making it one of only ten such sanctuaries around the globe. This prestigious certification signifies that the skies above the outback town are extraordinarily clear and dark, providing an ideal setting for stargazing in Queensland and beyond.
The Museum, home to the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world, plays a crucial role in Outback Queensland's tourism strategy.
The DCWC team provided:
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Cost planning and support during the funding application phase
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Procurement strategy advice
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Ongoing cost planning and budget management throughout the construction phase directed by the client.
Image credits: © Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Drone footage looking out across Dinosaur Canyon, the Gondwana Stars Observatory and the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition + Image Credit: COX + CULTIVAR, co-designers of AAOD
The Dynamic Destination Project won the award for Public Architecture at the AIA's 2023 Queensland Architecture Awards, and was short-listed for AIA's 2023 National Architecture Awards. Click here to view a comprehensive gallery of images, captured by Casey Vallance of CultivAR Architects.
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