Integrated Public Art Facades – An Exemplar of Public Art

Traditionally overlooked as inherently utilitarian, carparks are emerging from the shadows. As numerous examples over recent times have shown, well-designed structures of this kind have much to offer in terms of aesthetic appeal, with the potential to become significant urban artworks.

Beyond their functional requirements, they present architects with real opportunities to express themselves and reflect the identity of an area or specific project. They can improve the urban environment, enhance user experience, increase property values, and more.

In most of these examples, the façade is the key. The various materials and product types now available make bespoke carpark design a viable architectural option.

At the same time, as with all work of this scale, such projects require planning. They require consideration of a range of factors like the effects of wind on the façade and bracing requirements. And they require effective collaboration between client, builder, consultant and architects.

This CPD Live session examines these issues and more. Drawing on real life examples, our speakers outline the keys to the successful design and delivery of bespoke carpark façades.

By the end of this session, you should be able to:

• Identify what is required to makes public art façades a viable option
• Outline the steps involved in transforming an artistic concept into a functional architectural façade
• Explain the design challenges associated with car park façades and balancing design intent with practical requirements
• Outline the various functional requirements of carpark façades and the ways that various product types help meet them

Speakers

Vernon Wright – Design Director, Louvreclad

Vernon is a design led thinker who is well known for his natural ability to translate concepts into practical solutions with hand sketches and illustrations. His natural drawing talent combined with a passion for innovation makes him a great problem solver and visual communicator when it comes to unique and complex designs. Coming into the business at a young age, Vernon brings 28 years of experience in design, fabrication, site installation and project management.

Natalie Boston – National Mixed Use Design Manager, Vicinity Centres

I seek to identify and support collaborative solutions both internally and externally to maximise innovation and design-led solutions for Mixed Use development opportunities for Vicinity Centres’ national portfolio.
Drawing upon my extensive design experience as an architect, and with a keen interest in sustainable place-making for communities, I provide a cohesive interface between Vicinity Centres and external consultants. I am motivated by achieving optimal results for the people living within our cities and neighbourhoods.

I draw on a background in Architecture and Interior Design, with extensive project experience spanning education, residential, workplace, commercial and hospitality projects. A strong leader and collaborator, I bring a highly strategic, holistic and analytical approach to my role, and am skilled in developing design strategies for success with a proven track record of results.

Matthew Johnson – Artist

Matthew Johnson is an artist who is renowned for his use of colour and painterly abstraction. His works are well represented by collections both nationally and internationally. As an artist he has travelled extensively throughout the world both living and working in many countries and undertaking artist residencies programs throughout his career. His practice primarily consists of oil based painting and works on paper. His recent work has addressed the atmosphere of light within the natural world and this has been ongoing thematic. His language of colour and abstract form has also lead Johnson to interdisciplinary collaborations with award winning architects and designers. Johnson’s philosophy towards his architectural projects is to bring a sense of originality and clarity to the built environment whether it is in the public or private sector. His translation of colour into the built form engages and enlivens the viewer to an informed environment that reflects the human condition. Johnson views his artistic approach to built structures as sculptural entities that remain embedded within the fabric of the building plane. His most recent undertaking is to create and design a colour palette for the external façade for the 18 story Icon building in St.Kilda Melbourne, And has recently engaged computer generated LED lighting elements within the Harry Siedler site of the MLC Centre at Martin Place, Sydney.

Luan Trinh – Director, Cera Stribley

As a director at Cera Stribley, Luan is a highly skilled architect with over 15 years experience in delivering large-scale commercial and multi-residential.