In the eloquent words of David Foster Wallace, the ordinary yet essential nature of air is often overlooked, much like the omnipresent element of design in our everyday lives. In an ambitious move, the upcoming NGV Triennial seeks to challenge this oversight by unveiling a revolutionary architectural marvel: a pavilion that breathes.
(This is) Air Technical Information
- Architects: NIC BRUNSDON
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Topics: Pavilions
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Ben Hosking
There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water?”
– David Foster Wallace 1
(This is) Air Photographs
Embodying the Essence of Air: The Living, Breathing Pavilion
This unique structure embodies a profound narrative – one that centers around air, an element so vital yet invisible in our daily existence. Its design mirrors the human act of breathing, symbolizing the universal, egalitarian essence of air that unites all life on Earth.
The pavilion, envisioned as a breathing entity, stands as a metaphor for life itself. Its dynamic, ever-changing form represents a giant sphere, approximating the annual air consumption of a human being. This sphere will rhythmically inhale and exhale throughout the day, adopting myriad cloud-like shapes and forms, thereby making the intangible tangibly fascinating.
Three distinct states define this architectural spectacle. The inhalation phase, lasting 30 minutes, is marked by a dreamy, gentle expansion of the sphere. This is followed by a 28-minute hold state, where the structure stands bold and figurative. The cycle culminates in a two-minute exhalation phase, a forceful, haptic reminder of the ease of destruction compared to creation.
In line with modern architectural values, the pavilion is a paragon of sustainability. Comprising two thin, recyclable skins, it forms a closed-loop system, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing artistic and conceptual expression.
Beyond its breathing mechanism, the pavilion’s design allows it to reflect the varying moods of nature. Sunlight, wind, storms, and rains will cast ever-changing reflections on its surface, making it a living canvas of the environment.
The pavilion stands not just as a physical entity, but as a temporal marker. It embodies the past, present, and future, serving as a constant reminder of air’s impartiality and ubiquity throughout history. This architectural piece invites viewers to ponder the collective human experience and the fragile nature of our existence.
(This is) Air Plans
(This is) Air Image Gallery
About NIC BRUNSDON
NIC BRUNSDON, led by Australian architect Nic Brunsdon, is renowned for its deep commitment to respecting the land and its traditional custodians. The studio, under Brunsdon’s guidance, has earned significant acclaim, including the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architect Award in 2015, both regionally in Western Australia and nationally. Beyond architecture, the studio engages actively in community and arts, with Brunsdon serving as the Chair of the Perth Centre for Photography and a founding Board Member of Activate Perth.
Notes & Additional Credits
- David Foster Wallace, This is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, About Living a Compassionate Life.
