MPavilion, the flagship initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, opens its milestone MPavilion 10, designed by internationally renowned, Pritzker Prize-winner Tadao Ando, in Queen Victoria Gardens on 16 November. Ando’s design for MPavilion 10—his first ever project in Australia—reflects his signature use of striking geometric interventions in nature and his precise, assured use of concrete.
The opening kicks off the five-month design festival of public programming offering over 150 events. Every event is free. MPavilion, which first began in 2014, has grown to become one of Australia’s most visited and impactful festivals, attracting more than 350,000 people during its ninth season.
"There is a magic moment each season when an architectural vision becomes built reality, and when we welcome the public who gets to engage directly with the innovative space created by inspired architects,” said Naomi Milgrom AC, MPavilion Commissioner. “Tadao Ando has designed a new, iconic destination in Melbourne, one that will serve as both a contemplative spot, a temporary refuge from the bustle of the city, and as a dynamic site for creative discovery and vigorous discussion for those attending our public program.”
Positioned within Melbourne’s cultural and botanic garden precinct, MPavilion 10 offers a memorable structure that is in dialogue with the park setting to create a space in harmony with nature. MPavilion 10 features a large canopy, a 14.4-metre aluminium-clad disc resting on a central concrete column.
Two offset squares create two entrances that lead to the centre of the pavilion. Concrete walls of varying lengths partially enclose the space to create a tranquil sanctuary reminiscent of a traditional Japanese walled garden. A long (almost 17 metre x 225 metre) horizontal opening running both the length of the north and south walls frames views of downtown Melbourne and the parklands, connecting the city and lush greenery of Queen Victoria Gardens to MPavilion 10's interior. The geometric forms and symmetry are reinforced by an internal arrangement that is half paved, and half reflecting pool, which mirrors the pavilion canopy, sky, city, and surrounding nature.
“I am honoured to have completed my first project in Australia, and to have created a piece of living architecture that will have such an important role in the cultural life of Melbourne this summer,” said Tadao Ando. “I hope that as people visit, they allow this space to enter their hearts, and allow their senses to tune into the light and breeze interacting with them and this space. I hope for them an experience of harmony with nature, with themselves, and with others.”
As always, commissions lie at the heart of MPavilion’s programming. Since the first edition in 2014, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation has selected extraordinary architects, artists, creatives and designers to produce new works for each season. Using the pavilions as inspiration, MPavilion’s commissions create a cohesive designed environment, adding to the rich conversations taking place across the season.
For its tenth anniversary, MPavilion has selected ten creatives and artists to create new works marking this milestone season:
Chair Commission: Davidov Architects
Uniform Commission: DNJ Paper
Music Commission: Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO (November 2023)
Food Commission: Minako Asai (November – December 2023)
Writing Commission: Michael Gentle (November – December 2023)
Children’s Commission: Polyglot Theatre (January 2024)
Unity Lab Commission: Ilianna Ginnis (January 2024)
Craft & Design Commission 1: Qaymi Arts and Craft (February 2024)
Craft & Design Commission 2: Yoko Ozawa (March 2024)
Photography Commission: John Gollings AM (March 2024).
MPavilion 10 is free and open to the public in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens from 16 November to 28 March 2024.
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Press release and photos courtsey of MPavilion
Images by John Gollings
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