Geological Bodies

Full description

BACKGROUND
The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) was established to oversee an ambitious infrastructural program of railworks. With an ambition to create a lasting legacy for Melbourne, the LXRP is commissioning integrated artworks and creative features into each of the projects. Studio Roland Snooks, was shortlisted for the design of an integrated artwork for the Merinda Park Station in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. The specified theme in the brief was ‘geology’, outlining a specific aim of relating to site and context through consideration of the local geology. Our submission for this competition draws on Roland Snooks’ experience in advanced fabrication techniques, and Laura Harper’s established knowledge of geological processes to propose an installation that expresses the way the landscape of south-east Melbourne was formed.

CONTRIBUTION
The research contributions of the project include the application of innovative fabrication techniques, and the development of algorithmic design processes that draw from the processes of geological formation. The project explores direct applications for 3D printed sandstone as well as exploring the potential of this printing technology to create moulds for highly intricate and complex bronze cast geometry. This research demonstrates an original tectonic and formal language created through this exploration and integration of these two approaches.

SIGNIFICANCE
The LXRP is a competitive process for well funded public art commissions and attracts a high calibre of artists and creative professionals. Others shortlisted for the project include respected artists Amy Joy Watson, Catherine Woo, and Hannah Quinlivan. Submissions to the public art offerings in the LXRP are reviewed by a panel of art, design and architectural experts as well as relevant stakeholders for each project. The panel’s role is to curate the creative works, but also to ensure integration with the landscape and architecture of the station.