We started out in studio at Uni Syd and began our regionalism discussions. We are trying to figure out what makes something Australian and then also what makes something particular to its individual region (sydney, melbourne, brisbane, ect.) Then me moved on to Sketch on elevation in studio working on how to sketch proportionally... afterwards we worked in our groups for our research topics until Paul (a local Architect) came to talk to us. He has done some amazing aboriginal work in the way of helping create a network/group that is comprised mainly of locals in the said communities to get working fixtures to the homes. Things as simple as fixing water taps, electrical work, and getting proper running water. He also has done work in Napal for a village installing toilets. This may not seem all that glorious but it improves the quality of life for thousands of people. He also has done larger projects such as a resort in China which was constructed of Bamboo and the images he showed us were Fantastic.
One of the most important things from this lecture is the importance of action over words. You can talk about something all day long but it doesn't mean much if anything if you act on it. Much of the distrust Aboriginals had was due to the fact that people would come in and talk about doing things and asking questions but they never did anything. One of the best ways gain trust is to make sure you do something real the first day. Don't just talk about fixing it fix it. There is no point in going somewhere if you aren't going to do anything tangible when you get there.
Another fantastic quote we walked away with was "...And the country will become a part of you."
After our talk we went to dinner together at a Vietnamese restaurant on King Street. We were joined by Adrian's Aunt.. Julie who is a local artist as well as a good friend of hers Janet Laurence. Janet (Janie) was one of two artist who created in the installation piece in front of the Museum of Sydney. We were also later joined by Janet's husband Bryant who is a local architect.
The dynamics of dinner were entertaining, captivating, and thought provocative. We were talking with Paul about coming to the University of Cincinnati and presenting his work to SAID. This is an opportunity for APX to join with SED possibly and bring a fantastic architect and lecture to Cincinnati. This lead to some thoughts amongst ourselves about getting lectures recorded and shown on the TV's through DAAP and or posting them as Podcasts for download.
After sharing a lovely amount of amazing food (highly recommend sugar cane if you ever get the chance) and good conversation the night came to a close.
Thursday June 25th
We had another walking tour with Eoghan ( I am pretty sure that is not spelt correctly). We went to a Renzo Piano work called Aurora Place. Among the many interesting details we learned I believe my favorite was a quote. While speaking with the main politician about the plans for Aurora Place R.P. Says to him, "We are Italians... We do things differently." We also took a look at Governor's Place and then went on to the Sydney Opera House. Jorn Utzon was the original architect on the project and many of his original ideas were executed in the final product. The Clouds are finished in ceramic tile both matte and glossy. I think my favorite part we were able to see was the bathroom. I will post pictures of it but really simply amazing and well thought out.
After our tour a few of us set off walking up George street. We decided to have dinner/lunch at a food court because everywhere here seems to shut down between 3-5:30 except for cafes. I chose subway since I knew what I was getting, it was quick, and I could have half for lunch and half for dinner lol. After this Dan and I headed back to grab our computers and go to studio. We were finishing our presentation on Climate and starting to brain storm on ideas for our studio project as well as enjoying efficient internet service. It is even hard to work on this blog at the hostel at times. After a few hours of work and catching up with those of you in the states we headed back to the hostel.
Friday June 26th
We all met up in Studio at 10 planning to meet with Laura a local ARI representative but she was called away last minute for an art project. After catching up on a few things we all went and had lunch. A couple of us grabbed a bite to eat at the student union type facility and walked around a little bit more of campus before meeting at 1 to present our research.
3 O'clock rolled around and two sisters from Matchbox came in to talk to us about what they do and gave us some more insight to what the ARI's are all about and what they might need in terms of a space. Naomi and Leanne were very nice to take the time to talk to us and then they took us to two local ARI's around the university. First we went to MOD POD, then another I cant recall the name, and then we went to first draft. All three locations had great work, but very simple gallery areas.
After our adventure a few of us headed back to the hostel on a very crowded train. I had a wonderfully diverse dinner of... turkey, Australian cheese, and lebanese bread. But hey, its cheap. It was a pretty laid back night at the hostel just hanging out for awhile before going to bed.
Saturday June 27th
Those of us that were up and ready fairly early headed over to Paddington where we were going to be having a tour of the Paddinton Reservoir. We took a train to the Museum stop then crossed the street to take the 378 bus... however we shortly discovered we didn't need to cross the street and had to retrace our steps a bit. But we still got there about a half hour or so early so we went and got coffee at a small cafe. I ordered Italian hot chocolate... for those of you who have never had this... its pretty good. Its kinda like hot pudding only a little thinner. We were about 10 min late to meet up with Michael but still were there before most of the group. The reservoir was a pretty neat project where they took the almost ruin like structure of the old reservoir and added on some contemporary aspects. The columns were made from local hardwood and were stunning. I will post a picture on hear of the space because me explaining it wouldn't paint the proper picture. The architect of the project was nice enough to meet us there and take us through the work and the process/history behind it. It only just opened about three months ago.
Afterwards we headed down to Paddington Markets. I found a really nice ring that was modeled after the Picaso pin. I decided not to get it but I almost went back lol. After this Dan and I walked a little bit through Centennial Park and then I continued on to the Bonji Junction markets. On my way back I ran into some more of the group and stopped back at the reservoir to sketch. After a couple sketches I headed back to the hostel to catch up on a few things. It did take a little longer to get back then I would have liked taking buses and trains and I switched trains half way back. But I got back and here I am catching up on this before getting some readings done and making dinner.
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