The Heavy Metal Retaining Wall was designed and made at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania. The project was part of a larger campaign by MONA that brought together artists, architects and scientists to find creative responses to the significant heavy metal pollution of the River Derwent, a legacy of years of environmentally damaging industrial practices.

Whilst symbolising the entrapment of heavy metals in the sediment of the Derwent and forming a repository for oysters removed from the river that have accumulated heavy metals in their systems, the wall provides an armature for events and social activities on the MONA lawn.

Students worked with specialist tradespeople on all parts of the project including setout, groundwork, rammed earth walls, concrete prefabricated panels, timber framing and wall linings. The structure incorporates all of the heavy metals that are trapped in the sediment of the river including cadmium glazed tiles, zinc cladding, copper lining, a lead box and a secure display of viles of mercury.

When: Designed Semester 2, 2013, Made Summer February 2014

Staff Responsible: Ross Brewin, Alysia Bennett, Kit Wise

External Collaborators: Museum of Old and New Art, Felicetti

Level of Students: Bachelor of Architecture

Number of Students: 15

Completed Project Photographs: Jonathan Wherrett