#VacantGeelong project examines the links between architecture, art and community.
Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate the history and community memories of Geelong’s industrial buildings before they are adapted for new uses, is the focus of the #VacantGeelong project by Deakin University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment and School of Communication and Creative Arts.
The #VacantGeelong project commenced in 2015 with Master of Architecture student research projects which mapped and interpreted vacant industrial space in Geelong. Architect and Deakin senior lecturer Dr Mirjana Lozanovska is leading the project. She says the project focuses on Geelong’s vacant industrial buildings, such as Ford’s production plant, and presents a model for ‘creative research’ or Non-Traditional Research Output (NTRO).
‘With the departure of manufacturing from Geelong, many of the industrial buildings will be subject to adaptive re-use,’ Dr Lozanovska explains.
‘This has often been executed poorly, resulting in façadism or a renovation so complete that it leaves no trace of the original building in the renovated one.
‘Ultimately, this means that the community memories that are bound up in the building disappear.
‘The #VacantGeelong project is all about using art and artists, their visions and perspective, to guide us in understanding the value and role of the buildings and the community memories bound up with them in the transition to a post-industrial city.’
An exhibition was held in July at the Waterfront Gallery at Deakin in Geelong as completion of the first stage of the project, featuring artworks by Alexander Hamilton, including two large format paintings, small-format renditions, and sketches. Also on display were short films, creative mapping works and 3D representation of creative research works by Master of Architecture students.
Dr Lozanovska says the project is now being developed further.
‘We are developing the next stage of the project in which artists will form a collaborative studio space through a program of engagement with emerging local artists, the Geelong community, and past Ford workers.’
The #VacantGeelong program is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grants Program.
Picture: Alex Hamilton, Gate 4 Plant Facade Sign, 2016
This project is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grants Program
