Sonia VAN DER HAAR

ARTS LAB PROVOCATEUR 2013

Sonia van de Haar is creative director of Lymesmith, an architectural colour and design practice. Lymesmith works predominantly with cross disciplinary teams to produce high quality interventions/artworks and regeneration projects in the built environment.

Sonia studied painting and printmaking, and subsequently completed a degree in architecture. An extended period in India learning fresco painting techniques lead to a deep desire to develop greater integration of colour and architectural form in the Australian context. Her diverse CV includes experience in community arts, public art commissions, architectural design, botanical illustration and urban design. She has worked as a design tutor, archivist, research assistant and artist.

Recent projects include the design of 12 chimneys for a Tri-generation Substation at Prince Alfred Park Pool, for the City of Sydney, and the upgrade/painting of 7 consecutive buildings in Parramatta CBD for Parramatta City Council. Both projects involve extensive collaboration with a broad range of professions, trades and stakeholders.

Through sensitive engagement with private clients, Lymesmith develops bespoke colour palettes and painted interventions. Colour is presented as a material capable of framing and enhancing dwelling, reinforcing architectural character, or sometimes subverting it.

Through Lymesmith, Sonia works to develop opportunities for people to rethink the place and use of colour in the built environment. She lives and works in Castlecrag, NSW.