A student-designed structure in Lake Macquarie in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales will become Australia’s first permanent regional multimedia arts pavilion when it opens in spring 2021.
The design of Multi-Arts Pavilion mima is based on a concept by University of Newcastle student Samantha Bailey, who won a Lake Macquarie City Council competition in 2018. Bailey’s design was chosen from 90 student submissions.
The design has two distinctive elements: a “cube” housing the central multimedia gallery with a full-wall experience and a hydraulic awning that creates a sheltered area for live performances; and a “node” which is a trapezoidal structure that includes an indoor/outdoor projection screen.
A soundscape will also be created through a series of speakers strategically positioned around the building.
Part of the pavilion’s name comes from the Awabakal word mima which means “cause to stay.”
“MAP mima is an ideal stepping stone for emerging artists and a platform to present alternative productions to new audiences,” said Jacqui Hemsley, Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager of arts, culture and tourism.
“Our aim is to present engaging, experimental works and public programs which create a connection between location, art and audience that visitors won’t find anywhere else.”
The council has commissioned 10 new artworks for the opening, including a 360-degree immersive video installation. The exact date of the opening has not yet to been confirmed.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
