"Draw the Line: the Architecture of LAB" at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Hours Open
10am - 5pm

Address
Federation Square, corner of Russell and Flinders Streets

Architects
LAB architecture studio in association with Bates Smart

Year Built
2002

Building Type
Exhibition

What is Open
Draw the Line: the Architecture of LAB. Entry to the Draw the Line exhibition and the NGV Collection is free. Admission fees may apply to other special exhibitions.

Tour Frequency
None

Tram Stop
Stop 13: Federation Square on routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 and 72 Stop 5: Swanston Street and Flinders Street on routes 48, 70, 75 and City Circle

Special Note: No photography within this building is allowed on the day.

Description
Draw the Line: the Architecture of LAB presents the innovative architectural practice of LAB architecture studio, lead by Peter Davidson and Donald L. Bates. In July 1997, after an international two-stage design competition, LAB architecture studio, in conjunction with Bates Smart, was awarded the design contract for Federation Square. Their groundbreaking design gave Melbourne a dynamic reinvigoration of the southern gateway to the city centre and a major new cultural asset. 

Drawing on the conceptual evolution at Federation Square, the exhibition examines the process of architectural design through the material of The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and LAB architecture studio archive together with LAB's subsequent projects. In this context the exhibition explores the way in which LAB's distinctive design practice has addressed issues of civic space, spatial order and organisation, materials and complex geometry, and institutional space and the city. Consisting of conceptual material, working drawings and models, the exhibition considers the initial creative methods employed by architects, and how their design concepts and processes are finally realised as architecture.

Significance
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia opened in 2002, becoming the home of the NGV's Collection of Australian Art. NGV Australian presents a total of 6,000m2 of gallery space. The Gallery's figure-eight layout allows visitors a myriad of diverse pathways through the building. NGV Australia is the second NGV venue dedicated to bringing art and people together. Since 1861, NGV International on St Kilda Road has been displaying art works for the enjoyment of the community. In 2008 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia welcomed its six millionth visitor.

What’s Open?
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia will be open. Entry to Draw the Line: the Architecture of LAB and the NGV Collection is free. Admission fees may apply to other special exhibitions. Draw the Line: the Architecture of LAB is open until 13 September (closed Mondays).

Referenced from: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvaustralia/