The organizers behind the 2017 MPavilion in Melbourne have extended their program by a week, with the installation and event series now ending on 11 February. ArchitectureAU rounds up the architecture and design highlights of the extended program below. (A round-up of the full program can be found here.)
Live screening: Rem Koolhaas: A kind of architect
11 February, 8.30–10pm
The finale of MPavilion’s 2018 program will be marked with a screening of Rem Koolhaas: A kind of architect, directed by Markus Heidingsfelder and Min Tesch which was originally released in 2008.
The film features extended interviews with MPavilion’s co-architect and his collaborators, and offers a look at Koolhaas’s processes, influences and perspectives on architectural practice. “It’s the only film about me I’ve ever liked,” he said.
The Sound of Dementia
8 February, 12–4pm
The last in a series of events held by Sibling Architecture that explore designing the age-friendly city will see the Melbourne practice collaborate with Arup and BLOXAS Architects on an soundscape installation that explores sensorial experiences of dementia sufferers. The installation is intended to generate empathy in and conversation around life with dementia. It was previously presented at the 17th Alzheimer’s Australia Biennial national Dementia Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Walking with Jane
10 February, 11am–1pm
Open House Melbourne will host a local edition of Jane’s Walk, which are held around the world. First taking place in Toronto in 2007, Jane’s Walks are guided tours that aim to celebrate good principles for city making by closely examining the urban fabric of a city
The walk is named after Jane Jacobs, a New York journalist who is perhaps best known for her writing on city planning and for her infamous battle with New York City’s “master builder” Robert Moses over his plans to redevelop her home neighbourhood of Greenwich Village and his Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) project. Her book, The Death and Life of American Cities, has become an influential tome for urban designers and architects around the world.
MPavilion: Behind the scenes
5 February, 6–7pm
While much attention has been heaped on the MPavilion’s designers – Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA – this session offers attendees a chance to hear from others involved in bringing the architect’s vision into the world.
Tony Isaacson (Kane Constructions), Ben Cobham (Bluebottle), John Noel (Arup) and Helen Wellman (Tract Consultants) will be present to share their perspectives on the collaboration that resulted in the temporary amphitheatre set in the Queen Victoria Gardens.
