Francesca Carr - MADA NOW 2021 - Art, Design and Architecture

‘Ever Growth’ is a network of public art works bringing cultural and natural elements together to amplify biophilia within community spaces. The project was developed based on principles explored in the Public Art Strategy created earlier in the semester identifying the need for connection between the Glen Eira City Council and the Monash University Caulfield campus. With three natural elements and three sites, each artwork engages with one element creating a network to address council goals and initiatives regarding aesthetic and green open spaces connecting to the existing Elsternwick Cultural Precinct and the future Creative Arts Precinct at Monash University.

Sky Retreat

‘Sky retreat’ is a sanctuary on the university campus designed to be a shell from the surrounding hustle and bustle. The structure consists of 4 walls angled at 78 degrees to block out the surrounding buildings, creating a connection and focus between the viewer and the sky.

Sunning Reveal

‘Sunning reveal’ focuses on the sun as its primary natural element, looking at the sun’s role in the growth and erosion of mycelium. As the mycelium changes the base is revealed highlighting the sun as its natural element reflecting off the stainless-steel base popping through the mycelium.

Healing Process

‘Healing process’ focuses on the rehabilitation of land and vegetation in an existing green space providing a retreat for patients and guests at the Caulfield Hospital. The mycelium brick walls are designed to act as a cast for the growing flora, overtime breaking down as the landscaping flourishes and no longer needs a weather barrier.

Research

As part of a research lab into natural materials with the university, the works act as tools of measurement within art, design and architecture attempting to use natural elements to construct cultural works. ‘Ever Growth’ uses mycelium as its natural material exploring the various methods possible for constructing with and maintaining an ever growing and eroding material.

Systems

Principles explored in the Public Art Strategy created earlier in the semester identified the need for connection between the university and the wider community further looking at how the future creative precinct can promote public access between the two and later the role of public art within the whole network.

Ever Growth' Map

‘Ever Growth’ public art works are positioned across the council area connecting to the existing Elsternwick Cultural Precinct with the future Creative Arts Precinct at Monash University.