It seems entirely appropriate that inside the stunning Brisbane building that is GoMA (the Gallery of Modern Art) is an exhibition about contemporary Queensland architects. In fact the GoMA’s architects, Lindsay and Kerry Clare are part of the Place Makers exhibition.
This exhibition, on until 23 November, looks at 22 of Queensland’s architectural firms and displays some of their exciting and innovative designs.
Place Makers features diverse design responses by Queensland architects to climate, changing lifestyles and population growth. Our style is open, light and connected to the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to see decks, louvres, timber battens and more used in Queensland buildings.
The exhibition displays some designs for wonderful public buildings but I always love to peek inside the private homes created by architects. I can imagine living in the lightweight beach shack by Gabriel Poole (Castaways Beach House 2006), of being tucked into the forests near Mt Coot-tha inside Rex Addison’s creation (Taringa House 1999) and the louvred indoor-outdoor rooms created by Owen and Vokes, which hide behind a suburban art-deco delight (Newmarket House 2004).
You don’t have to be an architectural expert to enjoy this exhibition. If you’ve got a love for houses, for looking at how people use space and for seeing the buildings of Brisbane and Queensland in a new light, then you’ll take something away from Place Makers.
My daughter and I always commented on the strobing external wall of the Brisbane Girls Grammar School which we could see driving east along the Inner city bypass. After seeing Place Makers we know that m3archtiecture are the brains behind the effect and the photos show the vibrant spaces behind that façade.
For those of us who visualise best in three dimensions, there are a number of detailed building models on display. Plus there is a short film, wonderful photography, concept sketches and architectural plans within the exhibition.
True lovers of design might like to splurge on the accompanying publication which profiles the featured architects as well as 55 of their individual projects.
Place Makers is well worth a visit to inspire creative living and appreciate the unique look and feel of some of our homes.
Entry to the exhibition is free and you’ll find it on the third floor of GoMA.
