For the first time in Germany, the German Centre of Architecture DAZ presents modern Australian architecture at a glance, its tradition and diverse transformation.  “Progressive Modernism” and Housing is a genuine Australian theme that gives identity to the specific building culture in Australia. The exhibition “Living the Modern_Australian Architecture” shows the independent development of Australian Architecture by means of innovative, excellent architectural solutions that are intriguing on an international scale, and yet still widely unknown. The exhibition – curated by Dr. Claudia Perren (Sydney) and Kristien Ring (Berlin) – closes this gap.

“Living the Modern_Australian Architecture” presents examples from 25 offices who have transformed, interpreted, used, reformed and converted aspects of modernism within the past 15 years, and deliver insight to their buildings as well as to the culturally and environmentally specific development of modern architecture in Australia. Through the detailed presentation of nearly 50 housing examples, a very personal Australian way of life and building culture will be opened for public viewing. The review is supplemented by prior examples of modernism from the 1950s to the 1980s, presenting works of Glenn Murcutt, Harry Seidler, Gabriel Poole, Sydney Ancher, Neville Gruzman, Stan Symonds and Robin Boyd. Six categories, or keywords, are intended to further the discussion on various aspects of modernism: Minimal, Sculptural, Frames, Interaction, Landscape, and East/West, into which the projects have been grouped. The intriguing examples will prove that the adventuresome and enduring Australian spirit is one with a progressive modern architecture.

By focusing on residential architecture, from free standing homes to high-rise apartment housing, one is invited to have a look at personal, cultural and climate specific aspects and private spaces of life and living in Australia. Architects‘ primary concerns in the building of living spaces in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania consider the balance of public and private spaces, a site-specific architecture, and the utilization of alternative energy sources to create successful homes in the fascinating and very different regions of Australia.

The architects represented in the exhibition follow different theories and are exposed to influences from all over the world, but still remain bound to the location in which they build. No matter if right in the middle, on top, dug in, or lifted up, their houses are never closed off from the surrounding. Australian architects have developed a completely extraordinary and strong sense of their surrounding environment and its wild and urban landscape. Each house reacts and interacts differently with its specific surroundings, and would not function in another location. For this reason Australian architecture cannot be „internationalized”, but better described as „Contemporary Progressive Modernism“. However, Australian architecture provides forward thinking solutions, especially in regards to sustainable and climate specific design, which deserve wider international professional recognition.

The following projects of the architects and their offices will be presented:

Andresen O’Gorman
Casey Brown
Collins and Turner
Denton Corker Marshall
Donaldson and Warn
Elenberg Fraser
Fender Katsalidis Architects
Grose Bradley BVN
Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects
Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Kerry Hill Architects
David Langston-Jones
Lippmann Associates
David Luck Architecture
Gary Marinko
McBride Charles Ryan
Ian Moore Architects
Shelley Penn
Studio Internationale
Terroir
Kerstin Thompson Architects
Turner + Associates Architects
Stephen Varady Architecture
John Wardle Architects
Wood Marsh Architecture

Asian-Pacific-Weeks Sustainability Conference

Additionally, the DAZ is hosting a symposium within this year’s Asian-Pacific-Weeks Sustainability Conference to be held at the Berlin City Hall. Eight renowned Australian architects will present their work and discuss sustainable solutions of projects in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania. Current Issues in Australian Architecture and Urban Planning will be discussed. (see p.6 for the schedule)

In addition a catalogue will be published by Hatje Cantz publishing house in English and German language.

Curators: Dr. Claudia Perren + Kristien Ring

Exhibtion at the German Centre of Architecture DAZ, Berlin:  12th September 2007 – 11th November 2007

 

WE KINDLY WOULD LIKE TO THANK

Patron
BCI Australia

Endorsement
Australian Embassy Berlin

Sponsors
Miele
Lufthansa
Dauphin HumanDesign® Group
Markilux
Ries.es.m.b.ltd
Rosemount
Ingenieurbüro Fritz Spieth
Züco