Acclaimed architect Kerstin Thompson and author and broadcaster Caroline Baum will be in conversation at Riversdale on Saturday 17 August.
Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) won the national design competition for Bundanon’s new $30.6M gallery and creative learning centre.
On the day audiences will hear first-hand about the design process and the concepts behind this radical architectural proposal for the site, formerly the home of the late artist Arthur Boyd.
“Bundanon Trust comprises of two sites that are rich with cultural heritage. Drawn directly from the Boyd family’s time at both Bundanon and Riversdale, the Trust’s central mission is to foster an appreciation of art and environment. I look forward to outlining some of the ways in which the architecture and landscape of the new facilities will foster this appreciation,” said Kerstin Thompson.
Kerstin will also walk the property with participants and outline how her architectural approach responds to its landscape, climatic conditions and complex heritage and cultural significance.
“Walking is one of the best ways to begin to know a place. Through walking, one is immersed in and directly connected with some of the phenomena that make up place: the sounds, the smells, the touch of foot on ground, the impact of climate and feel of air upon one’s skin, the sights too, up close or distant,” she said.
“In walking one also begins to notice signs of human occupation, of ancient paths or more recent pastoral uses. Overlaying these physical traces are cultural one. At Riversdale one of these is Arthur’s imaginary landscape rendered through his paintings, and now inseparable from the actual, physical one we will observe. This overlap between the site and the imaginary landscapes of Boyd will be revealed through our walk.”
As a former Artist-in-Residence, Caroline Baum will return to Bundanon Trust to lead the conversation.
“As a writer who has benefitted from a Bundanon residency, I always want to come back and reconnect with a place that nourishes and supports creativity in a unique setting. I can’t wait to hear what Kerstin’s ideas are as we explore the site and its potential,” said Caroline Baum.
“I’d encourage anyone interested in the creative process, and who wants a better understanding of how an architect interacts with the natural environment and a significant brief to come along. I am currently in the final stages of building a new home and the whole experience of dialogue with an architect makes you see things differently – it opens up so many possibilities.”
“The elegance of Kerstin’s designs, her sensitivity towards materials and light suggest that her plans for this project will make it a landmark must-visit building for anyone interested in contemporary art.”
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