This is a design that is entirely in tune with the creative larrikinism of its resident: Circus Oz. Based on a concept of 'long life loose fit', and building on the inherent adaptable and creative nature of the circus, the design strategy for Arts Victoria's new home for this iconic Australian company on the site of the former Collingwood Technical College, was to selectively remove portions of the original buildings from the centre of the site and construct only what could not be accommodated by the existing.

As an organisation, Circus Oz operates in an organic and flexible way, attuned to a performer's life that is largely spent on the road, either in the high top or on stage, where inventiveness is a necessity. The design responds to these characteristics by creating a flexible series of functional spaces within the bounds of existing structures, for workshops, offices, music rooms, costume production and set storage, plus rigorously and carefully crafting high-volume rehearsal spaces within the new build — where the athletic precision and creative tension of Circus Oz is rehearsed, honed and perfected.