Carmel Beamer

The NGV Contemporary and its large 18000 square meter promenade enables a flow from Flinders Station to Southbank Boulevard, unifying the arts precinct (Urban developer, 2020).

Peter Eisenman “a single grain of sand can trigger a landslide’, COVID-19 was that grain and caused a dramatic shift in our society.  Social distancing, isolation and exercising outdoor are defining idioms of 2020. Cities in perpetual lockdown is a reality and affects our cultural use of architectural spaces.   Susan Bassnett (1998) and Andre Lefevere (1992) define culture as a process of collision and differences requiring negotiation.  The point of intersection of these interactions is understanding. This is the concept for the NGVC - the grid.  The facade represents the discourse of society, containing and restraining society, each line of the wood represents a viewpoint, a person, a translation, a nod to society’s reliance on technology, electricity, and the routine of work.

Analysis of architectural typologies of Modernism, Habitus and Critical regionalism provide a theoretical basis to the NGVC forming a genius loci.   Unifying outdoor and interior spaces filled with contemporary sculptures ensure that even through a lockdown art can inspire and offer respite and hope.  Inspiration from Shigeru Ban (Aspen Art Gallery) Diller Scofidio + Renfer (The Broad) and Kengo Kuma ( Gc Prostho Museum, Lotus House, Museum of Wisdom, Kurogi, Pineapple Cake Shop) influence the design, inspiring the use of the elements of wood, wind, earth and water to reconnect the site with the Melbourne botanical garden and reintroduce greenery into the area.

Artwork of Clement Meadmore and Richard Serra provide inspiration with materials and form.  Serra’s contrast with curves highlights the constraints of the grid, creating a sense of awakening.  The NGV-C hopes to be a place of contemplation, translation, and inspiration.

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Site analysis
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booklet
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