Hi All,
Here are a few snippets of my ideas. Nothing set in stone yet, I need to work more more more.
First vision is the need for a sanctum (sunken sanctum as proposed in w2). A retreat place, a place of peace admist the busyness of Melbourne and all the hustle and bustle of the city. Hence this intervention would be about slowness, stillness, echoing the atmosphere inside the cathedral. This sanctum would act as a mediator between the church and public, perhaps as a reintroduction of the church. My de facto would therefore be an attempt to s l o w things down. s l o w down pedestrian traffic with obstructing objects. These objects would be placed by order of framing (diagram). These objects would be a 1:1 replica of the cathedrals windows, translucent/ transparent glass that reflects oneself and yet framing the church beyond. The glass planes would also act as 'whiteboards' where the public is free to express prayers and notes etc on them (I have an imagination where these would be cleaned everyday to welcome fresh ones). At night these are lit up to be sculptures along the sidewalk... (need to think of a money earner here, could be underground cafes)
Second vision is the need for a platform for the church to participate in arts and culture, to be in the forefront of media and to support the arts precinct (and acmi, etc) with the growth of melbourne city. Hence the close could be a flexible place for exhibitions, galleries, charity functions, functions for hire. The church would then be able to propose an indoor-outdoor program (in the church and outside in the close). My de facto would be an advert or a hint of the event that is taking place beyond. I am currently thinking of display platforms sensitive to amount of footfall or movement along the sidewalk, next to the grassy area. Need to re-work this de facto, it is not strong enough.
Third vision is for the church to embrace melbourne city TOday. The church used to be the tallest building in melbourne, used to be the symbol house of power but now its been flipped around, or rather, the impression has been lost. Hence, to reference laneways as a result of built-up, melbourne being a city of delightful discoveries around the corner... my de facto would draw inspiration from the beautiful stain-glass windows of the church (diagram), hanging them upside down like fabric across sun-filled laneways, (drawing reference to the cathedral skyline),mimicking the rose window at the end of the church where sun shines through it like a beacon of hope. I am still thinking of programs at the cathedral close for this one. Models to come soon, working on them.
My fourth vision calls for a play element. I really want to do something subtle and yet playful, attracting the youths and the younger generation. A vision to counter the 'church is boring, dull, old and traditional' somehow. Still in progress. Need to squeeze more brain juice.
Tim did mention yesterday that my ideas are pretty delicate hence I'd decided to keep it under the umbrella of 'delicate but ambitious' hmm... still trying to tie things together.
Feedback welcome please!
p/s: how do i post pictures in between text from gmail?
