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From captivating artworks to peaceful corners, here are five moments of beauty you’ll want to slow down for.
PHIVE is obviously striking upon first glance, but look a little closer and you’ll find plenty more small surprises, if you know where to look. From bold, creative works to unexpected views and peaceful nooks, each visit can deliver a delightful new aspect to discover.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or passing through daily, these five spaces invite you to pause, look up, or turn a corner you haven’t before, and maybe see PHIVE in a new light.
1. PHIVE's Facade and Roofline
Before you head inside, take a look upward. PHIVE’s facade features over 500 red panels in colours drawn from native Australian flora. Designed by award-winning French architect Manuelle Gautrand, in partnership with Australian firms Lacoste + Stevenson and DesignInc to reflect the light and follow the sun, the building’s bold, ever-changing form make it a standout in Parramatta Square.
2. Ripple Effect by Abdullah M. I. Syed
Right in the main foyer, this striking glass sculpture was inspired by the name Parramatta, which comes from the Dharug word meaning "the head of waters where the eels reside." The hanging glass sculpture and mirrored base reflect light throughout the day, creating an ever-changing shimmer throughout our ground floor. It's a quiet tribute to water, place and movement, and a beautiful hidden gem for those who remember to look up.
3. Digital Art in PHIVE's Foyer Screen
On the eight-metre digital screen as you enter PHIVE, you’ll find a rotation of vibrant animated works that celebrate Parramatta’s people, stories and imagination.
- Habit by Kalanjay Dhir (pictured below)
A vibrant, animated digital artwork filled with more than 50 plant-inspired avatars. Programmed to reflect our local community and its members, changing with the seasons to mirror our environment. The incredible pieces offer a playful and deeply local take on growth, connection and shared space.
- 101 Graham Street by Kristone Capistrano
This moving, personal work traces the stories of working-class migrants in Western Sydney. Named after the artist’s own first address, it’s an intimate visual memoir that honours memory, community and the layered history of our city.
- Lean In by Jeff McCann and Alice Peacock
This colourful new piece invites you into a world of curiosity and wonder. Inspired by PHIVE’s architecture and the biodiversity of Parramatta River, playful human and flower-like characters act on their curiosities and explore imagined spaces. With rich colours and craft-inspired textures, Lean In encourages viewers to pause and see their surroundings through fresh eyes.
4. Light, Lines and Quiet Corners
Some of PHIVE’s most beautiful spots aren’t artworks; they’re just good places to spend time. Take a seat in the Library, where soft light filters through tall windows and the view stretches across Parramatta Square. Or take the stairs between levels for skyline views and ceiling reflections that shift with the time of day. These little moments of quiet are here for everyone.
PHIVE is full of stories told through light, texture, art and architecture, just waiting to be explored. Next time you’re here, take a moment to slow down, look around and discover a space that speaks to you.
5. PHIVE's Smart, Sustainable Design
PHIVE isn’t just beautiful, it’s built for the future. As a 6-Star Green Star-rated building, PHIVE’s design works hard behind the scenes to keep the space comfortable and sustainable.
Giant louvres respond to weather changes like heat, wind and humidity, opening automatically to let in fresh air and natural light. Solar collectors on the roof power parts of the building, and rainwater harvesting helps reduce reliance on mains water. The ventilation system is even linked to the Bureau of Meteorology and local weather sensors to keep the air flowing just right.
Take a moment to notice these subtle but powerful features next time you’re here, proof that good design isn’t just about how it looks, but how it works for the planet and the people in it.
