Victoria
Community Hall was one of the flagship spaces within the NGV’s 2023 Melbourne Now exhibition.
It needed to have flexibility for various event types whilst maintaining a strong sense of presence and identity. The resulting design broke down the formality of the rectilinear exhibition space by introducing a sweeping curved structure that acted as a backdrop to the space.
Opening up to the wider exhibition the curve drew the visitor into the space, like a big open armed hug, a welcoming and inclusive formal gesture. Its positioning and colour made the space feel activated and enriched when no event was occurring.
Commendation for Small Project Architecture
For the 10th edition of Melbourne Now, BoardGrove Architects re-established Community Hall as the central performing and gathering space of the exhibition. Bold modular yellow bleachers both welcomed participants through their open curved form and enclosed the performers in an intimate theatre setting. The flexibility of the space created comfortably matched the flexibility of the program, befitting various performances, workshops and talks. The simplicity of the design allowed the space to fully celebrate the art and artists of Melbourne Now.
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.
