Sign In
or Create a new account
It is proposed that the design includes public art. What concepts/ideas would you like to see reflected within the art strategy?
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
Comment 1 18 Sep 2009, 4:36 PM
I am a supporter of public art but generally think murals and graffitti walls are ugly and that sculpture is fantastic. I think rather than saying what I like I would prefer to be suprised and challenged. However, take a walk around Melbourne any day to find some great examples.
There is also some public art that engages kids and doubles as an attraction. The fountain in the mall at Hornsby would be a good example.
Comment 1.1 19 Sep 2009, 2:09 PM
Hornsby's fountain is a poor example of both public art and fountain design. The scupltural elements are amorphous shapes and the water clock feature such a failure that I believe it has now been dismantled, As a fountain it fails to achieve a soothing water sound instead often sounding like an annoying continous flushing urinal - hardly conducive to relaxation! I feel sorry for the people that work at Cafe Blu as they have to put up with this all day.
A visit and study of some of the great fountains and water features in the world - eg Tivoli gardens near Rome would be worthwhile to gain an understanding of what makes a good fountain.
Comment 1.1.1 19 Sep 2009, 4:10 PM
Bellinid, I think you have illustrated an important point about public art - we all like different stuff. I like the Hornsby fountain - you don't. That doesn't make it good or bad. What I like about public art is that it always provokes these sorts of conversations. Council should not seek consensus on art but should be bold.
The point I was trying to make was that some art can be interactive and fun for kids.
I would be happy to volunteer for the field trip to Rome, who knows I might learn some fountain culture along the way.
Comment 1.1.1.1 21 Sep 2009, 8:01 PM
The fountain at Hornsby is a nice enough idea, but it seems to be a bit of a white elephant. Every time I see it I am saddened about it being a broken down failure. It should be repaired and kept running, and if it can't (or it is too expensive to do so), it should be replaced by something else.
Comment 1.1.1.2 30 Sep 2009, 3:39 PM
Yes we all like different things but that does not automatically mean that all things are of equal merit, all equally as good as each other. If this were the case then there have never been any good artists that stand above allmothers. Everyone who paints can as a result be considered for example, Cezannes's equal. This is definitely not the case.
Art is not just about liking different stuff. I think the Hornsby fountain fails in delivering one of the essentials that a fountain should deliver and that is a good water sound. A jarring discordant flushing sound I don't think fits this criteria.
Boldness in itself is not necessarily going to deliver a good soliution eithewr if nobody knows what they are doing. In fact it can actually lead to the adoption of some really corny, crass idea just for the sake of being different and bold. What council needs to do is engage someone with a good reputation and get them to work with the architects that have designed the new civic centre.
Comment 1.2 10 Oct 2009, 10:07 AM
Public art does not necessarily mean graffitti and murals in this century and where will the water come from for a fountain? This does not sound very sustainable. The changing and interactive 'local' art sounds interesting and involving kids/competitions may address this.
Comment 2 21 Sep 2009, 8:13 PM
I would like to see a section for digital / interactive art installations that caters for a regular rotation of content - that is it should have features and facilities available for various kinds and arrangements of installation, power and communications (networking) and a secure location for computing resources, with considerations for setup and takedown on a regular basis (perhaps allowing side-by-side installations for testing of one whilst another is still set up), and perhaps also some "permanent" infrastructure such as an overhead camera for motion tracking, multichannel sound (speakers about the installation area), screens and/or video projection equipment.
As screens tend to be power hungry, perhaps some arrangement can be made that they operate only of an evening and at other times be covered (with static artwork) or, if they have mirrored surfaces (or some other concealing method) could remain "invisible" when not in use.
Comment 2.1 24 Sep 2009, 2:49 PM
Could we use solar energy to power some of these interactive installations??
Comment 2.1.1 24 Sep 2009, 8:15 PM
I agree... Something digital, modern and interactive for kids. Perhaps combine something digital and a waterfall. Everyone wins.
Comment 3 24 Sep 2009, 1:25 PM
Art can have many purposes and appeals in different manners to different people...besides show casing talent, it can also be used for "creating awareness" through interaction and provide a venue for "dynamic art". Providing dedicated spaces for different tastes and appeals (traditional to ultra modern) as well as differing age groups could take away the tedium of one static piece to reflect the desires of the community as a whole.
Comment 4 24 Sep 2009, 1:53 PM
I think public art should be a conversation starter. We may hate it or love it but one thing is certain...we need it!
I would also like to see ethnic diversity on display.. a wall of languages, greetings in different tongues, drawings/murals done by kids, etc.
Comment 4.1 25 Sep 2009, 5:27 PM
I would like to see art done by local artists where possible, keeping it local :)
Comment 4.1.1 1 Oct 2009, 6:40 PM
A showcase for local artists would be wonderful Katie M. This is a run-down and under used area now art could really bring it to life and bring in clients for the shops.
Comment 4.1.2 2 Oct 2009, 6:34 PM
I agree with the idea of local artists, you could even hold a <b>competition</b> for student designers and artists! This would involve and engage the community a lot more.
Comment 5 2 Oct 2009, 10:37 AM
Street art can be fun and interactive. It should also include performance space for buskers and street artists.
Comment 6 9 Oct 2009, 4:40 PM
I think art is so important in these sort of spaces, it would be great if the design could provide a sort of blank canvas so the art can come and go, or evolve over time... This would enable more people to be involved and have a connection with the space and would make it an interesting changing place. It would also allow for art in many mediums rather than a one off piece.