Art Camp - Marrickville Council
THE FIRST ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Marrickville Council invited us to transform a run-down existing civic hall near Camperdown Oval, Australia Street, into a new ‘Art Camp’. Art Camp provides creative space for a young artist- in-residence, mentored by an established artist in adjacent studios.
The space was also to be flexible enough to host small openings, live events and installations and to be utilised by artists in various constellations of medium, collaboration and practice.
We managed to win council over with our bold conceptual approach… in green!
PLAN
A clear distinction is made between the the centrally located shared space in green and the artists studio areas in white. Our design approach makes a limited number of key moves, each carefully considered and each performing multiple tasks.
Firstly, we establish a flexible arrangement of private, open and common spaces allows the spatial adaptation to suit occupation by either artist or by both artists. Secondly, we work with colour and materials to curate the feel of each space and the relationship between them. A level of neutrality is maintained in each studio space providing a cleaner backdrop to the artists work. Finally, this stark whiteness is contrasted by a boldly striped green and graphically engaging common space, positioned centrally to the plan.
VIEW THROUGH THE COMMON
STUDIO A
STUDIO B
The existing interior is stripped back to basics, stabilised and painted bright white. A single, in-the-round element is then positioned in the centre. This central form provides, screening, storage, security, seating, and an overall sense of drama in the space. It is multi-purpose and operable.
The choice of robust materials [chain wire fencing] and bold colour [green] establishes a direct relationship to the sport and recreational facilities of the immediate parkland context. The non-precious nature of these materials invites a messy aty practice.
Arrival graphics and flood-lit signage engage with the landscape setting of Camperdown Park. Translucent roller doors admit an abundance of natural light to Art Camp by day. The activity of artists behind translucent roller doors draws intrigue from the public and illuminates the park at night.
Project: Marrickville ArtCamp
Type: Public art, artist space, event space
Location: Camperdown, NSW
Client: Marrickville Council
Year: 2011
Services: SK, DD, CD and CN
Team: A DRAW project - Adam Russell (DRAW), Frankie Layson
Project code: 1009