Studio Metro: Melbourne is Sacred and Profane

Here Studio: Ammon Beyerle and Phillipa Hall, and Richard Falkinger

Studio Outline:

‘Public Space’ is sort-of alive in Melbourne. Although it is disconnected, narrowly defined, commercially controlled, and strictly functional, it is still contestable. Bringing together many different people, different desires and uses, some call it workspace, some playspace, others “home”. Public Space constructs a heritage of memories – particular stories are sacred (venerated) and others profane (disrespected). In recent history, two projects have had a significant impact on the experience of Public Space in Melbourne. In 1985 the City Loop opened, then in 1992, “Postcode 3000” drastically increased residents in the CBD – but what of the snaking Yarra River and its muddy flatlands? Melbourne Metro is coming soon. A new connection point will open at the main intersection of the CBD – Flinders Street/Swanston Street, between the Town Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral. The project presents the opportunity to reimagine Public Space again. Discussion and debate about this transformation is beginning.

Studio Leaders

HERE STUDIO – is a registered architectural company and a network of community activists. We are focused on Participatory Design of community-orientated projects, and Affordable Everyday Architecture. Director AMMON BEYERLE is an architect, researcher, writer and long-time tutor. Working for five years between France, Germany, Japan and Australia he brings experience in the management of public architectural and structural design projects. He is currently undertaking a PhD regarding architecture and participation. PHILLIPA HALL is a UK architect with experience in integrating new construction into listed and historic structures. She enjoys design which responds to, and enhances, the existing situation.

RICHARD FALKINGER – is practicing cathedral architect currently ‘Surveyor of the Fabric’ at St Paul’s Cathedral since 2001, and previously St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne since 1971. He studied Conservation at York, UK. In the 1980s he was senior designer and associate with Yuncken Freeman Architects, working under Roy Simpson (Gold Medallist). He has been involved with the masterplan of La Trobe University and ANU Canberra, Civic Projects and Public Buildings, and since 1971, the conservation of heritage buildings in Australia and Overseas. He is interested in the renewal and sustainability of public buildings. Recipient of an Order of Australia in 2012.

Learning Outcomes:

We will consider the cultural, social, political and architectural history of the site, through the idea of ‘sacred and profane’ (veneration and disrespect) – to develop a position on the site’s purpose within a city which is continually shifting and changing. The outcomes will be an urban strategy and an architectural insertion – expressing a position through a building, responding to, and influencing the Public Space. The process will run as real commission, working within the requirements and desires of numerous stakeholders, and drawing out the tensions between them. Presentations from key ‘clients’ include: St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders Street Station, City of Melbourne and Metro. Studio leaders will lead a critical appraisal of heritage elements, partnering with St Paul’s Cathedral Surveyor of the Fabric and drawing on extensive experience from abroad. Student design methods will include site immersion and exploration, precedent study and critical review, mapping and analysis, group and individual work.

Reading and Reference:

This studio will draw on past studios, research into participation, and adaptive reuse projects by the studio leaders. Urban Design Theory will be critical. Key precedents include past and present projects for central metro stations in Munich, Paris, Copenhagen and Stockholm, and adaptive reuse of Cathedrals in London and San Francisco. References discussed in the preparation of this studio include: - Past MSD studios: https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/richard-falkinger-ao - Awan, Schneider and Till. www.spatialagency.net. - Carter, (2005). Mythform : the making of Nearamnew at Federation Square - Deutsche, (1996). Evictions: art and spatial politics. - Lefebvre, (1996 (1968)). Right To The City in Writings on cities - Miessen, and Basar (2006). Did someone say participate?: an atlas of spatial practice - Muf (2001). This Is What We Do - Rüedi, Wigglesworth and McCorquodale (1996). Desiring practices: architecture, gender, and the interdisciplinary - Sennett, (2007). The Open City in The endless city. Burdett, Sudjic

Field Trip

DATE: Week 1
COST: $0

ST1/6 Monday 3:15pm - 6:15pm, MSD Room 142
ST2/6 Thursday 6:15pm - 9:15pm, MSD Room 238