Glenn Murcutt’s Australian Islamic Centre is explored with a preceding exhibition
To celebrate the near completion of Australian architect Glenn Murcutt’s Australian Islamic Centre – located at Hobsons Bay, Melbourne – the National Gallery of Victoria has unveiled its newest exhibition, titled ‘Architecture of Faith’, which will expose the multi-layered process behind the Centre’s creation.
Throughout the build, Pritzker Prize-winner Murcutt worked closely with Hakan Elevli of Melbourne practice Elevli Plus and the Newport Islamic Council, also calling upon the consultation of Islamic architects, imams and the local community. This constant communication with the Centre’s future visitors consequently led to the creation of a highly functional, communal space which provides a new type of architectural language for Australian Islam.
Noticeably lacking a minaret or dome, the Centre is a bright and colourful creation, featuring a roof studded with multicoloured glass lanterns. Murcutt’s design hoped to push the architectural envelope, whilst simultaneously respecting the fundamental principles and requirements of traditional Islamic architecture, to envision a contemporary, accessible place of worship.
Showcasing over 200 original sketches by Murcutt, ‘Architecture of Faith’ will reveal the history of and people involved in the Centre’s ten-year conception. The exhibition will illustrate Murcutt's multilayered design via a presentation of architectural drawings, plans, photographs, scale models and documentation of the nearly completed complex.
Even though the Australian Islamic Centre is due to open later this year, ‘Architecture of Faith’ will provide its future visitors with an early inside glimpse into the project from a variety of perspectives. The exhibit hopes to highlight the various contributions the project will make to the surrounding community and its ability to foster intercultural understanding.
INFORMATION
’Architecture of Faith’ is on view until 19 February 2017. For more information, visit the National Gallery of Victoria’s website
Photography: Sean Fennessy
ADDRESS
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda Road
Melbourne VIC 3006
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024: what to see
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 sees the fair back bigger and better than ever. Navigate the highlights with our guide
By Lauren Ho Published
-
This office interior by Faye Toogood is a communal space that encourages collaboration
The new Hato Studio London offices by Faye Toogood encourage IRL collaboration through a tactile environment
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Giovanni Michelucci’s dramatic concrete church in the Italian Dolomites
Giovanni Michelucci’s concrete Church of Santa Maria Immacolata in the Italian Dolomites is a reverently uplifting memorial to the victims of a local disaster
By Jonathan Glancey Published
-
‘Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence’ at the V&A is a bold exploration
London’s V&A presents ‘Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence’, a deep dive into 1940s architectural influences within West Africa and India
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
The modernist First Christian Church celebrates its iconic tower’s restoration in Columbus
The modernist First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana, designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, has completed extensive restoration works on its iconic tower
By Audrey Henderson Published
-
'Emerging Ecologies' at MoMA explores the history of the 'green’ movement
'Emerging Ecologies' opens at MoMA in New York, curated by Ambasz Institute director Carson Chan and seeking the meaning of building 'green'
By Beatrice Galilee Published
-
London architecture exhibitions 2023: a guide to the best shows this month
Exciting, beautiful and thought-provoking London architecture exhibitions; here's our pick of the finest in town, to visit and enjoy this month
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Public by Design: Exhibit Columbus 2023 opening weekend launches
Exhibit Columbus 2023 has launched, celebrating public installations of art and architecture in Indiana, USA in its inaugural weekend
By Audrey Henderson Published
-
The World Around and Fondation Cartier join forces on series of global events
The World Around and Fondation Cartier have announced their collaboration on a series of three public programs in three different cities
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Royal Academy’s Herzog & de Meuron show in London spotlights architecture for care
The Royal Academy of Arts launches its Herzog & de Meuron exhibition in London; we speak to them about the show, their approach to healthcare architecture and caring, and their rich body of work
By Amah-Rose Mcknight Abrams Published