Victoria
The idea for this project was conceived during the global COVID’19 pandemic, when suddenly this gas that connects us all to each other, and indeed to most living things, urgently became more apparent. We were reminded that despite the power we exert on this planet, we were not in control. We were reminded of air as part of an independent biosphere; that could act with its own agency. These facts also highlighted that air is foundational to the global economic, social and ecological realities of billions of people.
Throughout the day the volume of this spherical commission inhales and exhales as though it’s breathing. (This is) Air invites visitors into its space, and if you stand close enough, it will breathe on you.
The audience is prompted to think about air as matter, air as ecology and air as precious and finite resource to be cherished.
Commendation for Small Project Architecture
A 14-metre ‘lung’ slowly breathes in the NGV garden. Stand close enough and you may feel it exhale. (This is) Air is a contemplative architecture acting as an invitation to reconsider our relationship to air, making it both visible and tangible. Watching the enormous, white sphere, mechanically breathing, swaying in the breeze and then reclining on the ground, you become acutely aware of your environment. At times disconcerting, the impressive commission is a reflective experience for its observers.
To date (1/2/2024) 535,000 people have visited the NGV Triennial. Everyone is captivated by the simplicity of the concept, the singularity of the form, and yet the richly layered possibilities for conversation that the project offers.
It is at once joyous and thought-provoking. And it has become a destination. As people come and visit; it sits here, day and night, this architectural lung, meditating in the NGV garden. It reminds us of the power of architecture to beguile us, to uplift us and at times to change the way we look at the world.
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.
