Studio DE/39

Zoo - The Next Museum

Wojciech Pluta, Alison Pedder, and Neal Kaldor

Studio Description

Museums shuttered during the 2020 novel-coronavirus pandemic, exposing the fragility of current institutional models and value of their reimagining. At the beginning of this new era, a new generation of museum leaders have begun working to make institutions more open, inclusive, experiential, culturally polyphonic, technologically savvy and attuned to the needs of their communities. (1)

Worldwide, the establishment is undergoing and accelerated phase of reinvention as new opportunities to engage in the defining issues of our time are being prioritised. In August last year, The International Council of Museums (ICOM), approved a significant change to the definition of the museum for the first time in 50 years. Representatives from more than 500 museums globally voted in favor of the adjustment to incorporate for the first time phrases like “inclusivity”, “accessibility”, “sustainability” and “ethics”.(2)

In the third instalment of ‘The Next Museum” series, our enquiry will continue to explore the role of the architect in framing these cultural and programmatic shifts, and possibilities for the of reinvention of established structures. Inspired by its contradictory definition (wild behaviors | restrained exhibition), the Z00 becomes a launching point to investigate the tension between shifting ethics, formats of control, and an escape.

Studio Outcomes

On a 7.2 hectare site in the heart of Fishermans Bend Employment Precinct, earmarked for The University of Melbourne’s future Engineering and Design Campus, students will be asked to collectively establish the framework for a New Museum precinct, and individually develop a pavilion suite response.  Learnings from Denton Corker Marshall’s Melbourne Museum, Shepperton Art Museum, Stonehenge Exhibition + Visitor Centre and the Australian Pavilion, Venice will serve as principal case studies to launch this departure.

Critical design research undertaken at the beginning of the semester forms the project brief that, whilst remaining somewhat devoted to its familiar roles and function, proposes strategies for a new and versatile museum model.Physical and virtual parameters will be distinguished, and an architectural response positioned with consideration toward environmental impacts and a future unknowns.

Discussions will define and exercise the role of the architect in cultural engagement and representation, and students will have the opportunity to workshop their projects with DCM practitioners experienced in collaboration with museum stakeholders, curators, educators, and facility managers.

(1). Szanto, A, 2020, The Future of the Museum – 28 Dialogues, Hatje Vantz Verlag GmbH, Berlin

(2). International Council of Museums,  2022, Museum Definition, Prague

Studio Leaders

Wojciech Pluta has outstanding knowledge of all aspects of building projects in metropolitan and regional Australia acquired through training and over 30+ years’ professional experience, undertaking leading roles on projects in the commercial, residential, health and education sectors. Since joining Denton Corker Marshall in 1997, Wojciech has been involved in a wide range of work, from individual residences to the coordination of multi-million dollar commercial developments.

Alison Pedder is an interior designer, production designer and architect, with qualifications from Monash University, The Victorian College of the Arts and the Dessau Institute of Architecture – DIA BAUHAUS. She has taught at both the DIA BAUHAUS and the University of Melbourne. Alison has experience as a practicing architect in both Germany and Australia and has also designed productions for several Performing Arts Companies and Australian Festivals.

Neal Kaldor joined Denton Corker Marshall in 2017 having completed his Bachelor of Architecture at RMIT and then undertook his Master of Architecture at RMIT. In 2019, he was a Highly Commended Finalist in the Premier’s Design Awards, Student Design Category. Amongst his responsibilities in practice, Neal has led the DCM Work Experience Program,  and was a member of the 2021 NGV competition team

Readings & References

• The Future of the Museum – 28 Dialogues, by Andras Szanto, pub. Hatje Vantz Verlag GmbH, Berlin, 2022

Schedule
Mondays and Thursdays 18:15-21:15 off-campus at DCM Studio

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