‘Operatic Archipelagos’ is a project based on the guiding principle of ‘Architecture as Play’. An expression of the theatrical, and organic – in contrast to the rigid, and industrial. Situated on the existing site of the Clifton Hill Shot Tower, the investigation into what can make architecture playful, was established through moments of curiosities and subversions, taken from the perspective of a child. Established through a series of archipelagic formations, an organic ‘anti-grid’ overlay was installed to codify the programmes of the theatre. A system of disordering, that would respond to the many modes of play. Play should be fun. Play should be free. Play should be unexpected.
Industrial Playscapes
Vast floating pods rise above the industrial skeleton of the old Clifton Hill Shot Tower site. Ethereal and organic in direct contradiction to the rigidity of the steel structure intertwined within the new. Rolling knolls and slopes guide you towards the entryway, underneath the shadow of the central pod. The ticket booth protrudes out in front of the entry doors, signaled by the magnified porthole windows extruded out from the serpentine wall of reclaimed bricks from the since demolished Shot Tower.
Walk in the Clouds
Between the gaps in the clouds, the orange walkway stretches beyond the heights of the Opera Theatre. Zig-zagging and piercing through the floating masses that balloon out from underneath. Entryways appear as portals into the pods, allowing passage through past the glazed door that pirouettes on a single pin. Once inside, daylight bleeds through the polycarbonate skin of the pods, illuminating the offices, and recording studios that float above the theatre.
Operatic Archipelagos - Ground Floor Plan
The sporadic zoning of programmes and functions lends itself to the archipelagic framework derived from a study of spatial movements from the existing site. Spaces are categorised into three key programmes which underline the operations within the theatre. Industrial Workshops operate as an ancillary function to the Back-of-House productions. Educational Workshops engage with the wider community of kids and adults to promote theatrical studies and performances. Lastly, the Theatre Bar and Lounge’s look at how ‘Play’ isn’t entirely restricted to kids, allowing for adults to engage in the spontaneous.
Operatic Archipelagos - Section
Operatic Archipelagos - Detail Model
Aidan Hoyne, Industrial Playscapes
Aidan Hoyne, Walk in the Clouds
Aidan Hoyne, Operatic Archipelagos - Ground Floor Plan
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
