Temporary Pavilion at Old Melbourne Goal
This project responds to a unique brief: to design a temporary pavilion within the historic Old Melbourne Goal in Melbourne CBD that conceptually acknowledges the pre-colonial history of the area. Recognizing the importance of lived cultural experience, I acknowledge that projects exploring pre-colonial histories are best led by Aboriginal designers or collectives. I extend my respect to the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, on whose land the Old Melbourne Goal was built, and acknowledge that the site was historically used to imprison Aboriginal people from various clans, including the Wurundjeri, furthering the impacts of colonial dispossession.
The design is highly conceptual, employing 68 individual tree silhouettes constructed from recycled plastic to outline an organic form that defines a suggestive “interior” space. Within this space, three seating arrangements invite users to interact with the pavilion. A key focus of the design is the sensory experience: the seating pods are shaped as large recycled plastic trees, featuring roof structures that channel water down their trunks. This system amplifies the sound of flowing water, creating an immersive auditory environment that reinforces the connection between the pavilion, nature, and memory.
Through this conceptual approach, the pavilion aims to evoke reflection, connection, and sensory engagement while responding thoughtfully to the cultural and historical context of the site.
