Alex Myles

The design for the NGV Contemporary is an emblematic of Melbourne’s position at the centre of modern art and design in Australia.

Southbank is a cultural destination with significant galleries and venues established over the last 50 years. However, the diversity in architectural typologies have led to a collision in the landscape. This fragmentation of the area has resulted in a disjointed architectural language and NGV Contemporary is a reflection of this collision in the landscape.

Equal parts landscape and architectural icon, the design emphasises the democratic concept that “art belongs to everybody”.

Adopting Derridean post structural theory, the design rejects binary notions of building/landscape, wall/floor, floor/roof and indoor/outdoor.

With the gallery split between 2 distinct sites, opportunity is present to explore programmatic solutions of public space, gallery space and circulation; their distinction and connection.

Emerging from the ground plane, the design is a metaphysical response to the site that connects the city, street, building, landscape and people.

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