The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is set to host a groundbreaking exhibition that challenges our perception of Melbourne's iconic Yarra River, known traditionally as Birrarung. Titled "Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070," this visionary showcase brings together eight of Australia's leading landscape architecture and design firms to present their innovative concepts for the future of this vital waterway.
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A Visionary Exhibition at NGV
30 July 2024
In collaboration with the Birrarung Council and guided by consultation with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elders, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how communities might better access, engage with, and care for this living ecosystem in the decades to come. The participating studios - Aspect Studios, Bush Projects, McGregor Coxall, Office, Openwork, Realm Studios, SBLA, and TCL - have each been tasked with reimagining a specific site along the river corridor, spanning from Melbourne's city centre to the Yarra Ranges.
Visitors to the exhibition will be treated to a visually arresting experience, featuring a diverse array of renders, illustrations, 3D models, interactive maps, and multimedia presentations. Each studio's vision for 2070 incorporates emerging technologies, cutting-edge science, and First Nations knowledge systems, presenting both speculative and pragmatic solutions for the future management of our waterways.
Highlights of the exhibition include Aspect Studios' cinematic portrayal of a broadened river corridor supported by expansive parklands, made possible by the removal of the Eastern Freeway. Bush Projects transports us to a future where the Upper Yarra catchment area has become a critical biodiversity protection zone. McGregor Coxall utilises advanced data modelling to project a visual timeline of the Birrarung catchment, while Office premieres a thought-provoking video work questioning land and water use equity along the river.
In a bold reimagining, Openwork envisions the Birrarung catchment area as an autonomous territory with its own governance structure. Realm Studios presents a series of futuristic postcards depicting a Melbourne where land has been returned to Birrarung, and historic buildings serve as aquaculture sites. SBLA's composite map of the river ecosystem uncovers often-imperceptible layers, from insect life to water currents. TCL offers a geological perspective through detailed core samples, revealing the potential long-term impacts of our decisions on the landscape.
The exhibition is further enhanced by Principal Partner Bupa, who, in partnership with NGV, will deliver a program of activities, including a symposium, opening weekend talks, and outdoor events along Birrarung. These initiatives aim to empower the audience to reflect and take action, aligning with Bupa's Healthy Cities initiative to support public health through nature restoration.
As the Birrarung Council states, this exhibition provides a forum for exploring diverse perspectives and stimulating dialogue about the future of Birrarung. It marks a significant step in our journey towards shared stewardship of this vital natural resource.
"Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070" will be a thought-provoking and inspiring exhibition, offering Melburnians and visitors a glimpse into potential futures for one of the city's most cherished natural features. It serves as a timely reminder of the valuable role that innovative landscape design can play in protecting and enhancing our waterways for generations to come.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia | 23 August 2024 to 2 February 2025
