Bouquet

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BACKGROUND Interpretation design is an interdisciplinary design practice which still has few models of practice and little academic research (Woodward 2009; Weiler 2005). It encompasses a range of forms and media including site-specific artworks with interpretive intent. Commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne for the opening of the refurbished Hamer Hall, the project investigates the interpretive power of a large-scale artwork to celebrate the significance of the venue in the city's cultural heritage. CONTRIBUTION The project contributes to knowledge of design and art practice in two ways: through its imagery the work exploits associations with theatrical tradition and the iconic Dame Edna Everage to gain maximum impact and instant recognition. Scale and colour refer to the Dame's trademark usage of gladioli as symbolic of both the banal suburban garden of the 1950s and the high-camp exuberance of theatre. Second, navigating and balancing the highly technical demands of the site, scale and structure for the work with the soft, hand crafted aesthetic of a floral arrangement; the work effectively combines geometric and organic forms to strong effect. Roberts was responsible for the original concept design and proposal, the later collaborative design detailing, fabrication supervision, including selecting and working with suppliers, and client management. SIGNIFICANCE Bouquet was selected through a competitive invited proposal from the Arts Centre Melbourne, in consultation with set designer Brian Thompson AM. Opened by Sir Barry Humphries (for which he penned a new poem), the work received wide attention in local, national and international press, radio and television. Roberts was interviewed by Channels 9 and 10. Intended as a temporary installation for 3 days, the Arts Centre extended the display period and retained the work for future use because of an overwhelmingly positive public response of instant recognition and resonance.