Ponder the Future – NGV’s 2021 Architecture Commission
Melbourne-based architecture and interior design firm Taylor Knights has designed the 2021 National Gallery of Victoria Architecture Commission, in collaboration with artist James Carey. Situated within the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International, the installation pond[er] invites visitors to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.
Revelling in the connection between architecture and landscape, pond[er] consists of a pink pond reminiscent of Australia’s inland salt lakes. Envisioned as an interconnected space of reflection, exchange and immersion, pond[er] allows audiences to wade through the water via a series of walkways and accessible platforms. The winner of the annual commission is selected by a two-stage national competition, developed and delivered by CityLab, where multi-disciplinary teams and architects submit designs for an engaging temporary installation.
The 2021 installation references the open-air courtyards of Sir Roy Grounds in the original design of NGV International. Beds of Victorian wildflowers, designed in association with Ben Scott Garden Design, will be featured throughout the installation. The plants will bloom at various times, with the intention of showcasing local indigenous flora, as well as supporting and inspiring the restoration of local ecologies. Coloured pink, the body of water highlights the political implications, scarcity and importance of water as a natural resource and is inspired by a pink lake in Dimboola, Victoria. Imbued with a sophisticated interplay of architectural and landscape elements, pond[er] “draws our attention to the challenges facing Australia’s many catchments and river systems,” explains Tony Ellwood AM, NGV Director, “whilst also ensuring that the design itself has minimal environmental impact by considering the future lifecycle of the materials used.”
The materials selected for the architecture and landscape installation are both locally sourced and manufactured. Additionally, upon de-installation, most of the materials will be distributed and used again by various Landcare, Indigenous and community groups, including the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, the Koorie Heritage Trust and These Are The Projects We Do Together.
The materials selected for the architecture and landscape installation are both locally sourced and manufactured.
Beginning in 2015, NGV developed the annual series to offer a unique opportunity for Australian architects and designers, with the first project crafted by John Wardle Architects. Since then, a number of exceptional designs have been showcased in the Grollo Equiset Garden. The 2021 installation was selected from a strong shortlist, which consisted of works proposed by Aileen Sage Architects with Michaela Gleave; Common + Enlocus; MDF / Manus Leung + Duncan Chang + Fu Yun; as well as SIMULAA with Finding Infinity.
Presented in partnership with Macquarie Group and RMIT University, the 2021 NGV Architecture Commission is supported by The Hugh D. T. Williamson Foundation. Taylor Knights and James Carey’s pond[er] will be on display from 29 October 2021 until August 2022 at NGV International.
