Participating in the OZETECTURE 2019 Glenn Murcutt Masterclass was a totally immersive, restorative, intensive experience that really pulled us out of our comfort zones. Forced out of the daily pressures of decision making and into the unknown (and scary) process of discovery where the only reassurance was from an innate trust in the guidance that come from within the practices of Glenn Murcutt, Peter Stutchbury, Brit Andreson and Richard Leplastrier.
Working under the wing of the Late Paul Pholeros AM, I thought I knew everything there is to know about our Australian response to architecture, to site and to our impact. After two weeks yarning, working, discussing and having our work constructively scrutinised I quickly realised how little I know, and that lessons require a lifetime of pursuit. The site itself was a great teacher and healer, for the first week in our bunks at the Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Centre in Riversdale, designed by Glenn Murcutt, Wendy Lewin and Reg Lark we woke up to a beautiful river view everyday, shared the land with a village of wombats and lire birds and watched the weather change the landscape constantly, sometime violently through a roaring westerly wind, or more subtle as when the morning fog lifted revealing the view.
Mealtimes were just as important and work times, sharing a meal together with architects from all over the world, hearing their stories and insights into how they were translating the lessons of place, respite and view to their own homes was perspective broadening.
All the tutors were in the thick of the studio with us, everyday dipping in and out of our work as we needed, gently guiding us. I found this to be the greatest part of the studio, casual access to these great minds and highly experienced architects, each totally generous and unguarded with their support and lessons.
The two weeks were punctuated by excursions to see completed projects by each of the Masters, giving us time at each place to learn about the client, their needs, and the approach to details.
Returning to the big smoke, refreshed and inspired, with a few more friends and excited about what’s ahead for my practice!
Photos below from Lindsay Johnson.
