FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Custom Banquette Seating Design for RMIT Capitol Theatre

Peter Rattle for CUS (Vic) Pty Ltd has unveiled a unique Banquette Seating design for the RMIT Capitol Theatre, seamlessly blending heritage and modernity. The project, which commenced after winning the tender stage, addressed the challenge of manufacturing and installing seating against existing concrete steps while incorporating new glasswork and metal balastrades behind the seats.

The design team's inspiration stemmed from the building's rich history, originally designed by renowned architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. The 1924 building, an early example of Art Deco/Chicago Gothic styles, provided the foundation for the "Chunky Club" style leather seating, meeting the client, architect, and building's needs.

Utilizing a hard foam insert with a softer outer core covered with Dacron, wrapped with Aniline pull-up leather, the design achieves a timeless and antique look. The custom metal frame, bolted and chemically fixed to the concrete plinths, provides additional strength and support without interfering with the glass panels behind the upholstered seats.

The oversized banquettes, along with the antique green leather, seamlessly blend with the large floor space, tall ceilings, and columns, preserving the Art Deco format while offering a modern touch. The project, which took several months to manufacture and around 6 weeks to install in the Melbourne CBD, involved extensive research into the building's history and heritage format.

The most significant challenge was ensuring that all seat cushions matched on the 90-degree corners between columns and a 45-degree mitre, along with the curved tops and bottoms. Handmade templates and several prototypes were instrumental in overcoming this challenge.

Undergoing a transformation into a state-of-the-art presentation and lecture theatre, the Capitol now hosts conferences, student lectures, and cinematic productions. The specialized Banquette seating and componentry ensure that the Capitol remains a heritage masterpiece for the next generation of patrons.

-END-