Program Themes
Memories of Place
November—December 2023
Tadao Ando searches for the key to ‘regeneration’ in the dialogues between architecture and its surroundings. A water landscape which reflects the scenery as it changes with time, brings the artificial and the natural back together and defines the whole space as a united place. From the Birrarung to the Queen Victoria Gardens, this place encourages people to encounter, experience and feel the architectural space, finding spiritual bases for memories of community.
Why are landscapes significant to our collective memory – and how might we preserve them for generations to come? We explore the intricate relationships of water, gardens and changing landscapes that are inextricably linked – and how we might benefit from understanding and nurturing their tangible presence and ethereal stories.
Craftsmanship
January—February 2024
The art of Japanese craftsmanship is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations. In Japan, craftsmanship is more than just creating beautiful objects, it is a way of life that embodies a philosophy of mindfulness, patience, and dedication. Ando’s work is informed by the natural and social worlds; he seeks the key to regeneration in the dialogue between architecture and its surroundings. “Architecture” Ando says, “has forgotten that space can be a source of inspiration.
January and February at MPavilion looks at the beauty and significance of craftsmanship, as well as the values and people that underpin it. We explore the importance of sustainable practices that benefit both the craftsman and the environment. How will technology, AI and machines change, disrupt and enhance craftsmanship? We consider the ‘craftsmanship’ approach to design – that taking one’s time to create something with care and attention is not only necessary for producing quality work but also essential for achieving happiness.
A Blank Canvas
March 2024
Ando describes this MPavilion as ‘an architecture of emptiness.’ His empty place with an indeterminate function – for coming together unexpectedly, for passing time – will invite visitors to ponder their surroundings in a profound way. It will capture events of immediate, incidental and accidental character.
‘Experiencing spaces is important, but first and foremost, life is important. Live your life. The energy to live your life comes from strength and curiosity and the future. The future is to have hope and hope, others cant make for you, you have to make it yourself so I want to make things that cultivate hope. That’s what I must do!’ – Tadao Ando, The World Around Us
In March, we will celebrate Ando’s philosophy, his use of space and materials – from his stark minimalism and masterful conception of space, to his use of light, shadow and water to create a tranquil atmosphere of stillness. The emptiness will echo and enter the gardens to spark a constellation of creativity. Let’s fill it.