MPavilion 2014—Sean Godsell Architects
MPavilion 2014—Sean Godsell Architects
MPavilion is an ongoing initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, supported by City of Melbourne, State Government of Victoria, through Creative Victoria and ANZ. Every year the Naomi Milgrom Foundation commissions an outstanding architect to design a temporary pavilion for the Queen Victoria Gardens, in the centre of Melbourne’s Southbank Arts Precinct, which are then gifted to the state of Victoria.
MPavilion 2014, the inaugural MPavilion commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation was designed by Australia architect Sean Godsell of Sean Godsell Architects. The first major project to be delivered by the recently established Naomi Milgrom Foundation was part of a landmark public/private partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Victorian State Government. Outback sheds and verandahs, and the symmetry of classical Greek design inspire Sean Godsell’s pavilion. A simple steel structure with glazed roof, it has a fully automated outer skin. It provides shade and shelter and filters the harsh sun.
“I am thrilled to assist Naomi Milgrom in her vision to create a new arts project for Melbourne that celebrates contemporary architecture in a landscaped setting and acts as a catalyst for cultural enrichment and international connections. Naomi has the energy and integrity to make this project reality and I believe it will add enormously to Melbourne’s social and cultural life.”
Dame Julia Peyton-Jones DBE, founding co-director of London’s Serpentine Galleries, travelled to Melbourne to launch MPavilion
Image by Earl Carter
Image by Earl Carter
Image by Earl Carter
Quote Author, Company Name and Title
Image by Earl Carter
Image by Earl Carter
Outcomes
The MPavilion 2015 program ran from 7 October 2014 to 1 February 2015 at Queen Victoria Gardens, with over 317 free events with 26 talks and public lectures; 36 music performances and DJ sets involving more than 100 musicians; 26 gatherings and public workshops; 16 educational events and 15 visual artist meets and installations.
Highlights: Held daily readings of Robin Boyd’s The Australian Ugliness by more than 70 different architects and design fans—from Melbourne and beyond.
Awards: Won the DETAIL PRIZE 2016 and the Australian Institute of Architects Award in 2015. Shortlisted for the World Architecture News Award and the Australian Institute of Architect's 2015 Victorian Architecture Award—Melbourne Prize.
Second Life: In 2015 the pavilion was gifted by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation to the people of Victoria and relocated to the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne where it continues to be engaged by the community. The building has since been significantly modified by the museum.
64,000+
visitors over 117 days
200
collaborations including cultural institutions, artists and designers and contributed to the Melbourne Festival, Melbourne Music Week, and new Summersalt Festival.
12
International guests including Dame Julia Peyton-Jones (London), Pamela Golbin (Paris), MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry, Christopher Sanderson (London), London Design Festival Director Ben Evans (London), Liu Feng Director, Shijiazhuang Art Museum (Shijiazhuang) and Claire Roberts (New York).
Long Journey Boon Wurrung composition by Deborah Cheetham AO
The official opening of MPavilion was commemorated with a new composition by Deborah Cheetham AO, Yorta Yorta soprano, educator and Artistic Director of Australia's national Indigenous company Short Black Opera. Ms Cheetham composed a celebratory and welcoming new song titled "Long Journey Boon Wurrung", composed in Boon Wurrung language in consultation with elder, Aunty Carolyn. The song was specially performed by the Dhungala Children's Choir from regional Victoria at the opening, conducted by Ms Cheetham and accompanied by the Federation Bells.
MPavilion 2014 Chair
Designed by: Sean Godsell, Sean Godsell Architects Manufacturer: Workspace Commercial Furniture, Adelaide, Australia Material: Steel, laminex solid surface Description: Commissioned chair and matching stool designed for the inaugural MPavilion sponsored by Laminex Australia. Dimensions: 440D x 420W x 720H Colour: White
MPavilion 2014 Tote
Manufactured by: Locally made in Melbourne, Australia Material: Recycled vinyl Description: The MPavilion 2014 tote was made from the recycled vinyl billboard wrap that surrounded the building site.