Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 invites eight leading Australian landscape architecture and design firms to reimagine the lands and waters of Birrarung (the Yarra River) and create an exciting vision for how communities can better access, engage with and care for this important living ecosystem.
Presented by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in association with the Birrarung Council and guided through consultation with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elders, the exhibition showcases provocative and innovative design proposals by: Aspect Studios, Bush Projects, McGregor Coxall, Office, Openwork, Realm Studios, SBLA and TCL.
Through a thought-provoking and visually-arresting exhibition featuring renders, illustrations, 3D models, interactive maps and multimedia, each studio will present their vision for a site along the river corridor in the year 2070 – spanning from the city centre, the eastern suburbs and through to its source in the Yarra Ranges.
Teams were invited to explore how emerging technologies, science and First Nations knowledge systems might influence or enhance our relationship with Birrarung over the next five decades. Teams will present both speculative and real-world solutions for the future management of our waterways, highlighting the valuable role and impact of landscape design in the protection of our waterways.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said: ‘This important exhibition of landscape architecture represents an important step in the pursuit of preserving the life, memory, and future of the Birrarung River. Through the presentation of thought-provoking and real-world possibilities, the exhibition asks audiences to consider what we want for the future of Birrarung, as well as what this river, as a living entity, wants for itself.’
The exhibition is supported by Principal Partner Bupa, who in partnership with NGV will deliver a program of activities including a symposium, opening weekend talks series and outdoor activities along Birrarung. The programs are designed to encourage audience reflection and action, and support people’s health through nature restoration, in-line with Bupa’s Healthy Cities initiative.
Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 is on display from 23 August 2024 to 2 February 2025 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square. Entry is FREE. For further information, please visit the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
