Harry Seidler was one of Australia’s most awarded, prolific and innovative architects. Famed for his brilliance and acclaimed for his unsurpassed body of work, Seidler’s major contribution to architecture in Australia is unparalleled. The Alliance Française Centre on Clarence Street is the last commercial building designed by the master architect. Landmark buildings in the vicinity of the AF Centre include Australia Square and Grosvenor Place, both distinguished by the remarkable artworks installed in their public spaces, something which has always been a hallmark of Seidler’s architecture. 

Seidler’s classic modern design of the thirteen storey AF Centre building includes signature Seidler motifs from the curved forms of the glass façade to the spectacular circular granite stairway at the entrance. It links three floors and creates a natural flow between the Café, classrooms and the media centre. The flowing curves of the façade are animated by floor to ceiling windows on Clarence Street and vertical external louvers that minimise  the effect of morning sun.  The indentations that are created by balconies on a number of floors add to the visual texture of the building. 

The Centre features fifteen classrooms which are equipped with the latest technology for language teaching. The thirteenth floor provides an open space with a balcony and superb views of Sydney, offering an ideal setting for conferences, exhibitions and receptions. 

The street level entrance brings you into a dramatic, two storey void  which houses the Reception Centre, as well as the Alliance Française de Sydney‘s Parisian style café, operated by the renowned restaurateur, Bécasse. Click here for more information on Bécasse.