Temple of Boom | NGV Architecture Commission 2022.

Architecture, Arts & Events - by Open Journal

24th 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.

Render of 2022 NGV Architecture Commission Temple of Boom 2022 by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang. Courtesy of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.

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 project asks 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.

Render of 2022 NGV Architecture Commission Temple of Boom 2022 by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang. Courtesy of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.

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 events 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.’

Render of 2022 NGV Architecture Commission Temple of Boom 2022 by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang. Courtesy of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.

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 16th November, 2022 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Portrait of Adam Newman and Kevin Tsang. Photo courtesy of the artist

The 2022 NGV Architecture Commission is supported by Principal Partner Macquarie Group, Design Partner RMIT Universityand The Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation.The NGV Architecture Commission Design Competition process is developed and delivered by CityLab.

Find out more via NGV International

Renders of 2022 NGV Architecture Commission Temple of Boom 2022 by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang. Courtesy of Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang.

Opening 22nd November, 2022.