Thinking of You: Projects by MGS Architects

About the exhibition

Thinking of You: Projects by MGS Architects explores the work of the well-known Melbourne-based practice MGS Architects. Founded by University of Melbourne alum Rob McGauran and Mun Soon, the practice seeks to realise projects which make a significant contribution to the culture of design.

This exhibition asks: ‘what happens after a project is turned over to the people who use it?’ It asks us to be in solidarity with those people; foregrounding their voices through resident interviews and other interactive displays giving visitors an insight into the collaborative, process-driven approach of the practice. 

Key projects to be showcased include innovative community housing, education and urban precinct redesign. These demonstrate the practice’s commitment to creating places that meet the demands of living well and living sustainably, coupled with the desire for individual expression and the need for community.

Exhibition open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. For any accessibility requirements contact the MSD Exhibitions team.

What's On

Throughout the exhibition a series of a free floor talks will be held in the Dulux Gallery, and join us on Sunday 30 July for a series of 'Making Home' events curated by Tania Davidge for Open House Melbourne, shining a light on social and affordable housing.

MGS Exhibition Floor Talk: Why That Colour?
Sat 29 Jul, 1pm - 2pm
Dulux Gallery (Basement), Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

Perception of colour is informed by culture, fashion and context. It is also affected by how we see colour – not the same for everyone – as well as a personal emotional resonance. So how does MGS make the colour selections in their projects? Featuring Eli Giannini and Sue Buchanan.

Making Home: It takes a Village
Sun 30 Jul, 11am - 12:15pm
Japanese Room (Level 4), Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

Focusing on Nightingale Village, this talk will look at the role of developers in the provision of social housing. Speakers will unpack Nightingale Housing’s voluntary social housing targets, look at what this means in terms of the design of the project and understand the impact of these targets from the perspectives of a community housing provider and a community housing tenant.

Making Home: More than a home, building community
Sun 30 Jul, 1pm - 2:15pm
Japanese Room, Level 4, Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

This talk with Cameron Lacy will look at how we build community around social and affordable housing in ways that supports both the residents and the broader community. Focusing on Haven Home Safe's community housing in Epping designed by MGS architects and delivered by Riverlee, this talk will unpack social and affordable housing. It will look at how Haven Home Safe worked with placemaking consultants, Village Well, and the designers to develop places, spaces and a culture that fosters community and connection to place.

Making Home: Changing the conversation, Markham Ave
Sun 30 Jul, 3pm - 4:15pm
Japanese Room, Level 4, Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

This panel discussion will look at the history of social and affordable housing and delve into the design of Markham Avenue - one of the first projects designed and delivered under the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build, a landmark $5.3 billion investment into social housing across Victoria.

MGS Exhibition Floor Talk: The Way We Practice
Wed 2 Aug, 12pm - 1pm
Dulux Gallery (Basement), Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

MGS’s model of practice is aligned to a collegiate model that includes our clients, colleagues and the communities we practice for. ‘In our world, the competing demands of living well yet sustainably are coupled with the desire for individual expression, the need for community and a longing to delight and intrigue.’ Featuring Eli Giannini and Rob McGauran.

MGS Exhibition Floor Talk: Design for Impact Panel Discussion
Thur 10 Aug, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Dulux Gallery (Basement), Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

The Victorian government has set a target of 70% of all new dwellings in existing urban areas, in response to the cost (to us all) of continuing to sprawl. But where and how does this take place? And what community benefit will come from it? A formidable panel will discuss what this means for Victoria, including Katherine Sundermann (Director, MGS Architects), Dr Catherine Brown (CEO, Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation), Dr Jonathan Spear (CEO, Infrastructure Victoria), Robert Papaleo (National Director Build-to-Rent, Colliers), and Rob McGauran (Founding Director, MGS Architects).

MGS Exhibition Floor Talk: Design with Purpose
Sun 20 Aug, 1pm - 2pm
Dulux Gallery (Basement), Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

Design goes beyond aesthetics and function; it encompasses a deeper dimension – purpose. Join us for a session where we delve into the concept of cultivating purpose through the design process at MGS Architects. Featuring Elliet Spring and Catherine Ranger.

This exhibition is part of the Melbourne School of Design's Alumni Survey Series.