Finalists shortlisted

Southbank’s Grollo Equiset Garden, located between Hamer Hall and the Arts Centre, is one step closer to being transformed, with the shortlisting of architects.

Five finalists were shortlisted last month as part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) annual architecture competition.

The NGV Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture announced the five Australian architecture practices on February 4 after the NGV’s architecture commission judging panel worked through more than 90 entries.

The annual competition asks architects and designers to consider innovative ways to activate the Grollo Equiset Garden with an evocative and thought-provoking work of temporary architecture.

The competition is a two-stage design process. Stage one calls for design proposals, of which five are chosen to proceed to a paid stage two. The winning concept from that stage will be completed and constructed for October 2016.

Senior Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the NGV, Ewan McEoin, said that the competition was symbolic of the NGV’s new focus on architecture.

“There aren’t many opportunities for speculative architectural projects. The competition has developed to provide an open opportunity for emerging architecture practices to present their work to the public realm,” he said.

“Not only is architecture about the practical aspect, but it also has a cultural overlay in terms of how we utilise space and connect as people.”

The shortlisted practices are M@Studio, March Studio, Nervegna Reed Architecture, Other Architects/otherothers, and Thomas Winwood Architecture. The winning concept will be announced this month.

For more information visit

www.ngv.vic.gov.au