Quarry

Our site of investigation for the studio is a 86,000sqm disused arkose sandstone quarry. The site is located approximately 200km from Melbourne, just outside the township of Beech Forest, along a ridge-line within the Otway Ranges.

The ‘Quarry’ is a site for the development of experiments in building and architecture, creative practices, education and technology.

Studio structure

Minor Projects:

The first five weeks of the studio semester are designed to be fast paced and rigorous, with a range of small-scaled design outputs, realised through material explorations and a field trip to the Quarry.

The ambition for the Minor Projects is that students will develop an understanding of a range of issues that are of interest to them.

Major Project:

By week six, students will have an opportunity to reflect upon their body of projects and issues, and determine a direction for their major project.

The second half of the semester is focused on realising a detailed major project that responds directly to a key issue, is developed through a detailed conceptual framework, and responds to a specific design brief.

Studio themes

Each student is to develop and will be assessed on their own interpretation of the following themes:

1. Cultural

Define and design spaces for cultural activity, theatre, performance, seminar / workshop, storage for everyday needs, residency, accommodation and amenity. Where can you intensify and make more strategic use of existing community / recreation facilities, particularly as these form vital connections in rural communities?

2. Emergency

Creation of an architecture / strategy / infrastructure that addresses the current Quarry use as a CFA training space, congregation point in the time of emergency and water source for fire fighting. Consider access and broader connection to Beech Forest, Gelibrand and Colac.

3. Sublime

Creation of an architecture less concerned with a practical purpose and more with a spiritual need. Think about an architecture which can amplify the aura or atmosphere of the site through strategic intervention.