NGV Architecture Commission 2022: Temple of Boom

11 August 2022: An evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang’s Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022, an annual series that invites Australian architects to create a work of site-specific, ephemeral architecture for the NGV Garden.

A global architectural icon, The Parthenon, an Ancient Greek temple, is an apex symbol of Western civilisation, democracy and perfection. Temple of Boom celebrates these interpretations, while simultaneously expanding our understanding of the iconic Parthenon building and the enduring beauty it emanates.

The likeness of The Parthenon will be painted with overlapping large-scale artworks by Melbourne-based artists, imbuing the ancient monument with further layers of meaning and drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and artistic embellishments that defined the original building over two-thousand years ago.

Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invite audiences to reflect on the conversations that are enabled when this ancient building is viewed in new and surprising contexts. In particular, the projects ask us to consider the effect of time on all architecture. Temple of Boom reflects the slow yet unstoppable processes of change that transform all cultural, geological and ecological systems. The geological forces that shape the world, layers that accumulate as cities grow over generations, the rise and fall of monuments set against a backdrop of social, political and cultural change.

Taking its name from the vibrations of music, Temple of Boom is envisioned as a meeting place for the community and an outdoor venue for a diverse program of NGV-curated performances, programs and live music across the summer period.

Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Creative Industries, said: ‘A subject close to my own heart, this year’s NGV Architecture Commission reimagines an ancient Greek icon while celebrating all things Melbourne – architecture, art and music. It offers a place for the whole community to meet, connect, reflect – and even dance, while showcasing Victorian design excellence.’

Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, said: ‘One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, The Parthenon in Athens is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture. This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imbue architecture with meaning, as well as how this meaning can shift across time periods and cultures.’

The NGV Architecture Commission 2022: Temple of Boom will be on display from 16 November 2022 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Free entry. Further information is available via the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE 

The 2022 NGV Architecture Commission is supported by Principal Partner Macquarie Group, Design Partner RMIT University and The Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation.

The NGV Architecture Commission Design Competition process is developed and delivered by CityLab.

ABOUT THE NGV ARCHITECTURE COMMISSION SERIES

Since its inception in 2016, the annual NGV Architecture Commission has enlivened the NGV’s Grollo Esquiset Garden, creating a place for community, programs and events, as well as respite from the summer sun. Ranging from a pink pool inspired by Australia’s inland salt lakes to a thought-provoking meditation on the architectural legacy of Traditional Owners, the 2022 Architecture Commission marks the series’ seventh iteration.

The NGV Architecture Commission has previously been designed by Taylor Knights + James Carey (2021), Yhonnie Scarce and Edition Office (2019), MUIR + OPENWORK (2018), Retallack Thompson and Other Architects (2017), M@ STUDIO Architects (2016), John Wardle Architects (2015). ​
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​In 2017 M@ Studio’s hyperreal suburban carwash Haven't you always wanted…? won the Melbourne Prize in the Victorian Architecture Awards. In 2018 Retallack Thompson and Other Architects’ Garden Wall, a maze-like series of open-air passageways, corridors and rooms was awarded a commendation in the Victorian Architecture Awards Small Projects category. In 2019 Muir + Openwork’s Doubleground was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects national award for small project architecture and the Victorian chapter’s Kevin Borland award for small project architecture. In 2020 Yhonnie Scarce and Edition Office’s In Absence won the Victorian chapter’s Kevin Borland award for small project architecture and the global award for small building of the year at the 2020 Dezeen Awards. In 2022 Pond[er] by Taylor Knights + James Carey received an architecture award in Victorian Architecture Awards Small Projects category.

ABOUT THE ARCHITECTS

Adam Newman is an architect at NWMN, a small architecture practice based in Melbourne. At NWMN, Adam’s principal focus is on adaptive building re-use and regeneration through the lens of conscious engagement with local ecologies. He has broad experience at the scales of urban master planning, social housing regeneration, civic and residential architecture, and industrial design and fabrication. Adam is a registered architect (ARBV), a member of Architeam, and a teaching associate at Monash University, Department of Architecture.

Kelvin Tsang is lead designer and technical director at NWMN. His interests lie in using narrative-driven architectural design and image production to promote conversations about architecture's role as a driver of positive change.

Along with practice-based work on residential, commercial and interior projects, Kelvin is a teaching associate at Monash University, Department of Architecture. With a Master's degree in Architecture from Monash University, Kelvin received Top Student in Master’s Studio and Top Project in Masters Studio in consecutive years.

Image credit: Render of 2022 NGV Architecture Commission Temple of Boomby Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.Render courtesy of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.