Description of Concept– An Exhibiting Interface

The (concept) space is conceived as a highly flexible tool: the function(ality) of which is to serve the artist and his / her art project(s) – affording maximum control and flexibility over the designated exhibiting environment.

The structure consists of a subterranean infrastructure that ‘feeds’ a ground level exhibiting platform or volume that is at once multifunctional and without a predetermined architectural form. As an ever evolving and ever changing space, the concept suggests a reading or architecture that, over time, is animated and performative.

The overall size of the concept is flexible (the accompanying drawings detail a proposed site that is 32 metres in diameter). The project space is located between the existing MCA and the main Circular Quay pedestrian thoroughfare and has its own underground vehicle access.

Four flexible viewing areas surround a central exhibition space / platform(s). The entire structure is suspended on a hydraulic system; its parts are movable, removable, and interchangeable. An important feature of the design are a number of large wall-sized, structural, digital screens, each measuring 11 x 5 metres. The screens can either form a vast three-dimensional architectural broadcasting platform, which has a potential surface area over two floors totalling 440 sqm, or be individually manipulated in a number of configurations across the site. The screens can be used both to display video art and film in innovative ways, and to act as billboards to advertise present and future exhibitions / cultural events in Sydney.  Potentially, the space can be configured to allow direct access to the exhibited art from the Circular Quay pedestrian thoroughfare. Alternatively, the four enclosed theatres can be raised, allowing 1600 patrons to view four different films or videos, or to collectively view a single live performance within the confines and comforts of a traditional seated theatre. Many combinations between these two polar settings can be configured; for example, the cinemas can be used at a subterranean level – freeing the ground level site.

To further facilitate the manipulation of the site, to form a direct link to the existing MCA Maritime Building and to provide access for potential 2nd and 3rd levels of gallery space, a service tower flanks the site. (The tower is separate from the main site to further liberate the building’s movement and manipulation.) The tower houses a stairwell, lift and bridge. The tower, or the existing MCA (as a way of reinforcing the link between the two sites), could house a large satellite dish, acting not only as a tool, but also as a visual sign of the concept’s connectedness to the rest of the world.

It is important to point out that the Project Space represents a relatively minimal intervention on the Circular Quay site. Significantly the whole structure can be, literally, closed down, leaving just a flat platform, 15 metres in diameter, that can be walked across and used in much the same way it is used today as an undeveloped public site. The core exhibiting space, when raised, addresses a wide area; however, its structure is small, with a base that covers 124 sqm. The open public area around the existing MCA measures 17,200 sqm. Even when fully activated, the Project Space covers an area that is only 32 metres in circumference or 340 sqm in surface area.
Significantly for a project space, the concept allows for exhibitions to be simultaneously exhibited at ground level, and to be planned and assembled in preparation for installation in the subterranean infrastructure, allowing for the quick turnaround of exhibitions.

Applications:

A public project space / volume that can be:

• Multimedia visual arts exhibiting space
• Multimedia broadcasting and receiving centre
• Flexible pedestrian scape public gallery
• Public, night-time open air film and video centre
• Cinema / theatre /auditorium / lecture theatre / conference centre
• Commercial exhibition space
• Sports stadium