Victoria
James Makin Gallery is designed as a contemporary gallery space, but with the addition of small but impactful ancillary spaces. It seeks to deformalize the often ‘institutional’ gallery typified by white only, square set walls and in Makin’s words ‘reframe the viewing of art’. At the heart of this design counterpoint is a series of blackened, and curving, timber objects, walls and cutaways.
Visitors are drawn in and through a belly like space: dramatic, textural and tactile. Only glimpses of the art beyond are given as one journeys through the social and ceremonial spaces of reception, bar, viewing room and library, before arriving at the main space.
The gallery celebrates its old factory roots and talks to notions of regeneration, whilst at the same time providing a specialised and functionally fit space for the viewing of art.
“This project has vastly improved my client, staff and artist experience for the gallery. Not only does it ‘deformalise’ the typical gallery feel and make it more accessible, but it has significantly enhanced our enjoyment of the space both for visitors and more importantly for the staff.
The project’s design and functionality has created intrigue and interest from the public for our small scale, but well established brand. The counterplay between ‘formal’ gallery space and its peripheral spaces with bold gestures and hidden rooms creates an enriched environment for all. It successfully reimagines the gallery typology.”
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
