Exploring how each architect addressed the design of MPavilion, the new book reflects a growing and much needed broader conversation about design today
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
A new book titled MPavilion: Encounters with Design and Architecture, (Thames & Hudson Australia) by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation takes a deep delve into MPavilion, an ongoing initiate and ‘cultural laboratory’, which united a community and made the project a local and global design icon ever since its inception.
Chronicling its first six years, the tome celebrates the remarkable contributions of the MPavilion architects who are at the heart of the project’s core – Sean Godsell, Amanda Levete, Bijoy Jain, Rem Koolhaas, David Gianotten, Carme Pinós and Gleen Murcutt – and what has been collectively achieved from 2014 to 2019.
Comprising a series of seven essays by the likes of Stephen Todd, Julia Peyton-Jones and Rory Hyde (among others), the book explores how each architect addressed the design of MPavilion. It highlights the importance of ‘free and flexible architecture’, as pointed out by Pinós, while also investigating the use of pavilions, parks and public spaces to create healthier cities and communities the world over.
Interviews and quotes from the architects are situated alongside striking photography of various installations and pavilions. The richly illustrated monograph, designed by global and award-winning creative agency Studio Ongarato, demonstrates the power of community and, ultimately, why modest architecture wins.
MPavilion: Encounters with Design and Architecture is published by Thames & Hudson Australia, August 2020, 80 AUD, thamesandhudson.com.au
All images courtesy of MPavilion
