THE SMOKE

National Gallery of Victoria 2021 Architecture Commission Proposal

Team: Feng Xue & Helen Chan

In response to the intensifying Australian bushfires in the recent years, the proposed pavilion raises the discussion around the mental stress these events have caused. It provides a sensory secluded place for remembrance and reflection.

Inspired by the scene of the thick smoke that blankets the sky in raging bushfires, the pavilion draws light in contrasting ways to emulate the moments of relief that the light and sky provide in the midst of the turmoil. Utilising the smoke as a common medium to either bushfires or smoking ceremonies, it triggers audiences’ varying perceptions based on their personal experiences. The pavilion retraces people’s memories about the disaster and gives new meanings to their adversities by exposing them to the visible and invisible.

Smoke is often associated with an impending disaster when in the bushfire context. However, it can also signify hope. The centrepiece of the pavilion is inspired by aboriginal’s smoking ceremony which is believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits. The ceremony was often carried out to celebrate and bless newborns. Utilising the dual and juxtaposing connotations behind the element of smoke, we hope to provide a place for dialogues that allow for different experiences to occur.

Inspired by the scene of the thick smoke that blankets the sky in raging bushfires, the pavilion draws light in contrasting ways to emulate the moments of relief that the light and sky provide in the midst of the turmoil. Taking experiences of appro… — Inspired by the scene of the thick smoke that blankets the sky in raging bushfires, the pavilion draws light in contrasting ways to emulate the moments of relief that the light and sky provide in the midst of the turmoil. Taking experiences of approaching and from within the bushfire, the pavilion retraces people’s memories about the disaster and leaves perceptions of either confrontation or comfort to the audiences themselves.

Chamber - ‘Ignite’ : Lightning is often the cause of bushfire in nature. When light extends from the walls to the floor, the reversed image becomes tree roots.

Chamber - ‘Break’ : Crumbled edges are reminders of a home destroyed by fire but can also be viewed as an opportunity to rebuild.

Chamber - ‘Purify’ : Often large stretches of bushfire are ended by rain. The spots of light allude to flying embers which turns into streaks of rain.

The triangular form responds to the site features. Three entrances are carefully placed with corridors either towards the existing sculptures in the garden or concealed from sight lines. Before arriving the centre, you pass through one of three possible chambers with different daylighting qualities. They each have their own theme relating to bushfires - ‘ignite’, ‘break’, and ‘purify’. All the corridors lead to the centre, a gathering place where the sky is revealed. The smoking ceremony is hosted in the middle where the smoke rises above the roof into the sky.

The pavilion embraces recyclable materials and sustainable construction methodologies. We choose steel frame structure due to its weather resistance and the possibility to be reused. The cladding material is made of recycled hardwood timber from either burnt bushland or demolished homes. They are charred in tones and composed as panels before delivering to the site. After installation, all the materials can be repurposed.