Australian research studio, Monash Urban Lab presented an exhibition at the 2023 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, which was held between September 1 and October 29.
Monash Urban Lab was one of three Australian research labs to present within the Global Studios section.
The exhibition, titled Ground Melbourne, responded to the biennale theme of “Re-Ground” through a presentation of Melbourne’s present physical ground conditions and an examination of architecture, landscape and urban projects fixed within the ground.
Monash Urban Lab presented a visual essay of 10 research projects displayed across 10 screens with exhibition attendees invited to observe the transformation of Melbourne’s ground since colonial settlement, learn about the ramifications of altering the land and examine research projects seeking to remediate the land through modes of repair.
Ground Melbourne told the story of the ground’s formative role in the city’s foundation and urban form, yet also revealed the consequences of modification, extraction and destruction of land – including endangerment to lifeforms and natural systems, and ruination of significant Kulin and Gunaikurnai Nations cultural sites within and beneath the ground’s surface.
The exhibition explained that prior to colonisation, the land contained numerous variants of saltwater and freshwater ponds, swamps, marshes and lagoons but successive subdivisions, alterations and displacements made as Melbourne was being settled and expanded, have now emerged as major complexities within contemporary urban condition. On the urban fringe, remaining grasslands are under pressure to make way for low-cost housing and industries that are being pushed out of inner urban areas while extractive industries process finite materials to support urban growth. The exhibition showed how rapid pace of urban expansion, sea level rise and other climate change impacts have exposed these patterns of land use and have become a catalyst for developing new forms of urban architecture that can reset and repair our relationship with the ground.
Ground Melbourne responded to the biennale theme of “Re-Ground” through a presentation of Melbourne’s present physical ground conditions.
Image: Supplied
The Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism was first launched in 2017 to respond to urban and architecture-related challenges resulting from rapid urban growth in densely populated cities. The Biennale aims to explore issues and seek solutions for urban issues in global cities.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
