circlesix is conceived as a dynamic, ever-evolving space, the social heart of fjcstudio. Throughout the day, it operates as a central hub for informal meetings, presentations, and collective exchange, supporting the studio’s culture of collaboration and dialogue. Once a month, the space transforms into an open public forum that welcomes peers from across architecture and design to engage in conversation, share knowledge, and debate ideas and theory.

Accommodating up to 120 people, the venue’s flexibility allows it to shift from studio café to amphitheatre. The space reconfigures to host and cater intimate gatherings where critical voices and diverse perspectives are shared.

fjcstudio designed this extraordinary heritage space as an open, adaptive environment that supports and enhances the studio’s collaborative way of working, while celebrating the iconic architecture of Australia Square.

Four studio quadrants are formed within the circular floor plate, improving orientation, spatial clarity, and legibility across the workplace. This organizational move allows the studio to function as a cohesive whole while supporting a variety of work modes, from focused individual tasks to large communal gatherings.

At the heart of the studio is ‘Circlesix’, a generous communal gathering space occupying the western George Street quadrant. Conceived as the social and cultural centre of the workplace, this multifunctional area supports cultural events and presentations, studio reviews, informal meetings, and everyday informal collaboration, shared coffee or lunch.

A series of curvilinear volumes defines three studio quadrants. The sculptural forms accommodate meeting rooms, a sample library, workshop and printing, while acting as spatial anchors within the open plan. Each studio quadrant incorporates multiple collaboration spaces to support impromptu discussions and project reviews. At the junctions where the circular geometry meets the squared corridors, pin-up spaces are for project reviews, knowledge sharing, and collective learning.

The expressive Nervi ceiling is carefully acknowledged and celebrated. The geometry of the new volumes echoes the curves of Seidler’s architecture, while their interiors adopt a contrasting diamond geometry that responds precisely to the radial pattern of the ceiling ribs. A complementary material palette reinforces this dialogue: crisp white curved forms are paired with rich walnut timber and moments of dramatic burl veneer, bringing warmth and tactility to the workplace.

Arrival at the studio is characterized through the artwork ‘Eora’ by the first nations Artist, and frequent fjcstudio collaborator, Jake Nash.

Eora is conceived as a symbolic gesture of unity and acknowledgement, grounded in a vision of our shared and continuing history in this country.

For more than 40,000 years, mark making across this land has reflected the ever-changing forms of country, its landscapes, its life, and its stories. These expressions are fluid and organic, shaped by movement and connection; straight lines and flat surfaces do not define them.

In Eora, this visual language is honored and celebrated. Surfaces, marks, and line work are imbued with the spirit of the many thousands of people who came before, ensuring that no surface remains untouched by hand or meaning.

Rather than opposing the architectural forms of the Australia Square building, Eora embraces them. Celebrating a remarkable fusion of two worlds and design ideologies. It is within this meeting point that a dialogue emerges, where histories, cultures, and forms come together in mutual respect.

circlesix is founded by Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director of fjcstudio and author of Truth and Lies in Architecture. A leading voice in contemporary architectural thought, Francis-Jones is widely recognised for his commitment to the cultural and ethical dimensions of design, and for exploring how architecture can meaningfully respond to the complex conditions of our time.

Through circlesix, Francis-Jones sought to extend the studio beyond the realm of practice, transforming it into a place of shared thought and exchange. It is a space dedicated to the critical issues, ideas, and stories that shape architecture today, where architects, designers, and thinkers are invited to contribute their own experiences and perspectives.

“Architecture, at its most profound, is not simply the production of buildings but a cultural practice, one that reflects, critiques, and shapes society. circlesix is dedicated to nurturing this deeper discourse: inviting the design community to gather, listen, question, and pursue the larger conversations that inform and rethink our built world.”

If you would like to submit an expression of interest to speak at an upcoming monthly talk at circlesix, please email events@circlesix.com.au with your proposal. Our events team will review all submissions, assess their suitability, and be in touch to discuss next steps.

We warmly encourage peers from across the fields of architecture, design, and the wider community to participate. Whether you are proposing a critical discussion, a thought-provoking topic, or a conversation exploring the intersections of architecture, culture, and community, we invite you to share your ideas and be part of this ongoing dialogue.