Isolation as Charm – Unspoilt

In Australia we know we’re geographically isolated, does this have an impact on how and what we design?

We do not have constant physical reminders of Architectural antiquity. We have an ancient landscape to draw inspiration from, our sense of scale, colour, texture and form is different and it’s alright. It’s more than alright.

When we’re not self-conscious we can be playful, clever and curious. This idea converts to designs of form and space that while respected and understood, is not restrained by historical context but by an openness to other, difference is embraced. Certainly I think that’s how we’d like to think of ourselves. Australians’ relaxed, laconic, refreshingly open and finally unapologetically clever.

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Take Hobart Tasmania’s Mona gallery for example, Fender Katsalidis Architects has done a stunning job of designing a building that embraces the landscape, indeed has made geology part of the structure.

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The building’s interior path ways that weave in & around multiple levels has created an internal journey. So very clever as the art showing explores an interior journey of its’ own.

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While our practice is at a humbler level to our colleagues, we too embrace the challenge our Australian landscape poses and attempt to design with an open, collaborative approach.

http://www.balancearchitecture.com.au/

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