Public Art Commission - Metro Tunnel · 18 THE METRO TUNNEL PUBLIC ART COMMISSION DeSIGN CONTeXT 3.2 STATION MATeRIAL PALeTTe The station designs feature a simple neutral material

Public Art Commission

LEGACY ARTWORK PROGRAM

Town Hall Station

2 THE METRO TUNNEL PUBLIC ART COMMISSION

Parliament House, Melbourne Photo: Rail Projects Victoria

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FIRST PEOPLES AND TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND WE NOW CALL VICTORIA, AND CELEBRATE THE HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY CREATIVITY OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST CONTINUOUS LIVING CULTURE.

THE METRO TUNNEL PUBLIC ART COMMISSION 3

CONTENTS

1 ABOUT MELBOURNE 4

1.1 MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA 5

2 PROJECT INFORMATION 6

2.1 THE METRO TUNNEL PROJECT 7

2.2 RAIL PROJECTS VICTORIA 8

2.3 CROSS YARRA PARTNERSHIP 8

2.4 THE METRO TUNNEL CREATIVE PROGRAM 10

2.5 METRO TUNNEL LEGACY ARTWORK PROGRAM 10

2.6 METRO TUNNEL ARTS ADVISORY PANEL 13

3 DESIGN CONTEXT 14

3.1 PRECINCT CHARACTER 15

3.2 STATION MATERIAL PALETTE 18

4 THE COMMISSION: TOWN HALL STATION 20

4.1 THEMES 24

4.2 ARTIST PRE-QUALIFICATION CRITERIA 26

4.3 COMMISSIONING PROCESS 27

4.4 PHASE 2: INVITATION TO PRESENT 28

4.5 PHASE 3: CONCEPT DESIGN AND PRESENTATION 30

4.6 FEES 33

4.7 MORE INFORMATION 34

VISION

A legacy of high-quality experiences and places that put people first – contributing to Melbourne’s current and future liveability, international standing and reputation for creative excellence.

St Kilda Road and the Domain Parklands in relation to the Melbourne city centre and Yarra River.

1 ABOUT MELBOURNE


ABOUT MeLBOURNe

1.1 MeLBOURNe, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Contemporary Melbourne sits on the ancient lands of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Custodians of Melbourne and its surrounding country. Post-contact waves of migration have contributed to Melbourne’s rich diversity and to its distinction as the cultural capital of Australia. The city is renowned for its public art, festivals, laneways, cafes, live music and performance, and street art.

Many of Australia’s leading cultural institutions are in Melbourne – the National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Arts Centre Melbourne, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Australian Centre of Contemporary Art, and The Australian Ballet.

Melbourne is known for its vibrant creative industries, with emerging arts practitioners studying at The University of Melbourne and RMIT University. More recently, Melbourne has been recognised as a UNeSCO Creative City of Literature.

Melbourne’s city centre is surrounded by green parks and gardens, with many in close walking distance including the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Shrine of Remembrance and surrounding parkland, the South African Soldiers Memorial and the tree-lined St Kilda Road boulevard are of State significance and registered on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Kelly Koumalatsos, ‘Benim Wile: To cover over with possum blanket’, State Library Station construction hoarding, 2018.

2 PROJECT INFORMATION


PROJeCT INFORMATION

2.1 THe MeTRO TUNNeL PROJeCT

The Metro Tunnel Project will transform Melbourne’s congested rail network, but it is much more than an engineering project. It will shape Melbourne’s social, cultural and economic future and support the city’s growth for decades to come. The project comprises:

+ Twin nine-kilometre long rail tunnels, connecting the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines

+ Five new underground stations – North Melbourne (near Arden Street), Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac – including direct connections to Melbourne Central and Flinders Street stations in the city centre

+ Tunnel entrances at Kensington and South Yarra

+ Connections to existing and new transport interchanges at Parkville, in the city centre and Domain.

To Sunbury

To Cranbourne/Pakenham

To Sunbury

To Cranbourne/Pakenham

Parliament

Melbourne Central

Flagsta

West Melbourne

Southern Cross

Flinders Street

To be renamed West Melbourne, formerly known as North Melbourne

North Melbourne 1Parkville 2

State Library 3

Town Hall 4

Anzac 5

Kensington (western tunnel

entrance)

Kensington (western tunnel

entrance)

South Yarra (eastern tunnel

entrance)

South Yarra (eastern tunnel

entrance)


PROJeCT INFORMATION

2.2 RAIL PROJeCTS VICTORIA

Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) is the Victorian Government body responsible for the delivery of the Metro Tunnel Project, Regional Rail Revival, Melbourne Airport Rail and the Western Rail Plan including fast rail between key regional cities. RPV sits within the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, an administrative office in relation to the Department of Transport.

2.3 CROSS YARRA PARTNeRSHIP

Cross Yarra Partnership (CYP) is a consortium led by Lendlease engineering, John Holland, Bouygues Construction, and Capella Capital. CYP is responsible for design, construction and maintenance of the main tunnelling works and the five underground stations including station design and fit-out.

CYP ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM

The architectural design is being delivered by Hassell and Weston Williamson with Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners.

T PROJECTS

T Projects are creative and curatorial consultants, specialising in commissioning public art within built environments. Based in Melbourne, T Projects are advising CYP on art procurement.

GREENSHOOT CONSULTING

Greenshoot Consulting are CYP’s cultural heritage consultants and have undertaken engagement with Traditional Owners as part of the Legacy Artwork Program.


PROJeCT INFORMATION

Melbourne Town Hall, Town Hall Station Precinct


PROJeCT INFORMATION

2.4 THe MeTRO TUNNeL CReATIVe PROGRAM

The Metro Tunnel Creative Program features artwork, activities and events dedicated to enhancing city life alongside the construction of the Metro Tunnel.

As well as providing temporary placemaking activities such as pop-up parks and vibrant artworks on construction hoardings, the Creative Program partners with creative practitioners and cultural organisations to interpret the project in artistic and innovative ways.

2.5 MeTRO TUNNeL LeGACY ARTWORK PROGRAM

The Metro Tunnel Legacy Artwork Program will provide world-class public art experiences for visitors and users of the Metro Tunnel, creating stations which are must-see destinations and enhancing Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital.

The Metro Tunnel Project is commissioning permanent artworks that will be installed in the Metro Tunnel’s five new stations.

Six major works will be commissioned, comprising five works for the new stations at North Melbourne (near Arden Street), Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac, and one line-wide commission which spans all five stations.

The commissioned artists will work alongside the Project’s design and architectural teams to create artworks that complement the station architecture.

Artists will respond to the local context of their station to create a sense of place and identity at each of the station precincts.


PROJeCT INFORMATION

Peter Atkins, ‘RAILway’, Town Hall Station construction hoarding, 2018.


PROJeCT INFORMATION

Josh X Muir, ‘Untitled’, State Library Station construction hoarding, 2018.


PROJeCT INFORMATION

2.6 MeTRO TUNNeL ARTS ADVISORY PANeL

A highly-credentialed Metro Tunnel Arts Advisory Panel (the Panel) has been appointed to advise RPV on selecting artists who will create the legacy art. The Panel is comprised of experts in the fields of public art and architecture including:

PROFeSSOR DONALD BATeS

Director of LAB Architecture Studio, Lead Architect of Federation Square and Associate Dean (engagement) and Chair of Architectural Design at The University of Melbourne

MAX COFFMAN

executive Director, Governance & Infrastructure, Creative Victoria

MAX DeLANY

CeO and Artistic Director of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art; and Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Monash University

JILL GARNeR

Victorian Government Architect, Office of the Victorian Government Architect

PROFeSSOR NATALIe KING

Victorian curator, enterprise Professorial Fellow, Victorian College of the Arts, The University of Melbourne

KIMBeRLeY MOULTON

Senior Curator South eastern Aboriginal Collections, First Peoples Department, Melbourne Museum, Museums Victoria

METRO TUNNEL PROJECT

In addition to the Metro Tunnel Arts Advisory Panel, the Legacy Artwork Program is supported by the Metro Tunnel Project team.

RPV

AMANDA CORReY

Director Communications and Stakeholder engagement, Metro Tunnel Project and Regional Rail Revival, Rail Projects Victoria

DR LUKe DIGGINS

Senior Creative Strategy Advisor, Rail Projects Victoria

eWAN MCLeAN

Manager Architecture and Urban Design, Tunnel and Stations PPP, Rail Projects Victoria

CYP

SUZIe HUNTeR

Design Manager, Building and Architecture, Design and Construction JV, Cross Yarra Partnership

VICTORIA JONeS

Curatorial Consultant, T Projects

MARY PARKeR

Director, Communications and Creative, Project Co, Cross Yarra Partnership


DeSIGN CONTeXT

Lyn-Al Young, ‘Nurrai Wula (Baby Emu)’, Town Hall Station construction hoarding, 2019.

3 DESIGN CONTEXT


DeSIGN CONTeXT

3.1 PReCINCT CHARACTeR

Key heritage and design aspects for each precinct have been identified through the Metro Tunnel Creative Strategy. Artists may choose to respond to the local precinct character in addition to the main curatorial themes.

LINE-WIDE

+ An Indigenous artwork that considers the experience of journey across Melbourne

+ The selected Aboriginal artist will work with Boon Wurrung, Bunurong, and Wurrundjeri Traditional Custodians to develop appropriate themes and stories.

NORTH MELBOURNE (ARDEN)

+ Industry and manufacturing past

+ Catalyst for urban renewal and new precinct development.

PARKVILLE

+ University and Biomedical precinct

+ Artist research and collaboration opportunities with science and medical organisations.

STATE LIBRARY

+ Vibrant, busy and eclectic precinct

+ A meeting place of new ideas and stories.

TOWN HALL

+ Melbourne’s civic heart and gateway to major public places

+ A grand architectural space that artists are asked to consider.

ANZAC

+ Connection to nature, parklands and botanic gardens

+ Notions of loss, remembrance and ceremony.


DeSIGN CONTeXT

Will and Garrett Huxley, ‘Wrap your troubles in dreams’, Town Hall Station construction hoarding, 2019.


DeSIGN CONTeXT

STATION ENTRANCES

PRIMARY PORTALS AND CONCOURSES

ANZAC TOWN HALL STATe LIBRARY PARKVILLe NORTH MeLBOURNe


DeSIGN CONTeXT

3.2 STATION MATeRIAL PALeTTe

The station designs feature a simple neutral material palette which allows the station architecture to shine.

A common palette of materials will be incorporated across the station designs. These materials will be hard-wearing and robust, but also have quality finishes and surfaces to create smooth passenger interfaces. The base suite of materials includes high finished concrete, painted structural steelwork, anodised aluminium, Australian modified timber and hardwoods, bluestone and white sesame stone, and colour back painted glass.

LEGEND01. Off-form concrete02. Pre-cast concrete03. Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)04. Painted Steel ‘Off-White’05. Low-iron clear glazing06. White ceramic fritted low-iron laminated glass 07. Colourback glass ‘Black’08. Colourback glass ‘White’09. Anodised Aluminium ‘Bronze’10. Anodised Aluminium ‘Natural’11. Anodised Aluminium ‘Copper’12. Hardwood ‘Spotted Gum’ or similar13. Powder coated metal ‘Dark Blue/Grey’14. Stainless Steel - Bead Blasted15. Stainless Steel - Brushed16. Zinc-coloured roof sheeting17. Glulam softwood (Spruce, Larch or similar)18. Glulam - hardwood (Ironbark or similar)19. Selected Brick20. Glazed Tile ‘Off-White’21. Powdercoated metal ‘Fluroescent Orange’

highlight22. Bluestone23. White Granite ‘White Sesame’ or similar

24. Sandstone


DeSIGN CONTeXT

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

23

17 18 22 24 19 20

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THe COMMISSION: TOWN HALL STATION

Town Hall interior view looking up to the City Square entrance (concept image only)

4 THE COMMISSION: TOWN HALL STATION



Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) and the Cross Yarra Partnership (CYP) are seeking an internationally experienced artist (the Artist), with a reputable body of work to create a large-scale public artwork for the new Town Hall Station.

The Artist will work collaboratively with the contractor’s interdisciplinary station design and delivery teams to develop a site-specific artwork that responds to the architecture of the new station.

The Town Hall Station artwork will be a significant and high profile public art piece commissioned by the Metro Tunnel Project. The new Town Hall Station will be at the civic heart of Melbourne and a gateway to the city with connections to Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and City Square.

Town Hall Station’s large vaulted public concourse below the main City Square entrance presents a significant opportunity for a leading artist to create an exceptional artwork and an enduring creative statement for Melbourne. This expansive space is the ideal location for an elevated artwork suspended between the structural vaults and ceiling. The site features a series of tree-like concrete forms that express the structure and engineering of the internal architecture. Artists are asked to engage with the well-defined architecture through a site-responsive artwork that addresses formal aspects of size, volume, mass, materiality, light, colour, and space.

The artwork will be an important cultural marker for the many Melburnians and visitors to the city who will pass through the station daily. Upon arrival, commuters will enter a vast space characterised by the elegant concrete columns and arches supporting its roof; the Town Hall Station artwork will be a focal point within this space. While the artwork should befit the grand scale of the station, it should remain open, timeless, and buoyant, giving Melburnians a legacy public artwork to connect with for generations to come.

Understanding the cultural context of Melbourne is an important aspect of this commission. Artists, where possible, should creatively consider the diverse cultures and heritage of Melbourne – those of Aboriginal Australians and subsequent waves of migration. Collaboration with local cultural partners and organisations is encouraged. The Artist is expected to work collegiately with the other station artists and the line-wide artist whose work may form conceptual tangents with their own.



It is expected that the Artist selected for the Town Hall Station commission will have an internationally respected profile, take a prominent role within the program, and will further:

+ Work collaboratively with other artists, architects, and designers

+ Be comfortable in communicating their work to a wide audience and participating in public forums and media

+ Be open to exploring connections with local cultural partners and organisations

+ Understand the engineering challenges of working within a major infrastructure project and public space.

Themes that artists may consider in developing their concepts are outlined in ‘4.1 Themes’.

Shortlisted Artists will receive detailed briefings, an information pack and support from CYP’s curators (T Projects) as part of the commissioning process.

General information about the Metro Tunnel Project and Town Hall Station can be found on the Metro Tunnel website at www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au.

Cross section of Town Hall Station from City Square entrance showing public concourse area. Artwork location highlighted yellow.



Town Hall Station Interior view descending to mezzanine level (concept image only)



4.1 THeMeS

There are three main themes for the Legacy Artwork Program.

STORYTELLING

Stories and the act of storytelling assists us in considering the past, the present, and the future.

Artists are asked to consider and explore stories of people and community, to unlock surprising or forgotten histories and narratives, and examine notions of place and identity in a local and citywide context through storytelling.

MOVEMENT, REPETITION AND TIME

The Metro Tunnel Project will change the way people navigate and move through the city. As such, the experience of passage and journey is particularly relevant. We are interested in creative responses that explore the experience of travelling, commuting, movement and the passage of time.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilia means love of nature, biophilic design is about designing for wellbeing and healthy places through connection with and to the natural world. Bringing nature into the metro system, opens our opportunity to connect with the environment and transform our journey into a more enjoyable experience.



Flinders Street Station, Town Hall Station Precinct



4.2 ARTIST PRe-QUALIFICATION CRITeRIA

Due to the size, complexity, and civic importance of the Town Hall commission, we are seeking artists who can satisfy the following criteria:

1. EXTENSIVE PUBLIC ART EXPERIENCE

+ A minimum of three large scale public art commissions (exhibitions within public institutions or art within public environments) [essential]

+ Minimum 10 years’ experience as a professional and practicing artist [essential]

+ experience creating artworks for transport or infrastructure projects, or non-gallery environments [preferred]

+ Understanding of creating elevated artworks [preferred].

2. EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH DESIGN TEAMS

+ evidence of creating artworks that are integrated with building architecture or embedded within interior building fit-out [essential]

+ evidence of working on projects with multi-disciplinary design teams (architects, engineers, project managers, fabricators, etc.) [preferred].

3. INTERNATIONAL PROFILE AND/OR ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL STANDING

+ experience of exhibiting, undertaking residencies or commissions in two or more countries [essential] / [two or more continents preferred]

+ Familiarity, openness, or connection to working in Australia such as exhibitions, residencies, commissions, or significant artworks held in Australian collections [preferred].



4.3 COMMISSIONING PROCeSS

For Phase 1, Artists are asked to formally register their interest for the Town Hall commission through the Metro Tunnel website: www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au

From the pre-qualified pool of artists, a shortlist of five will be determined based on research by CYP curators and consideration of artists’ previous work and suitability by the Panel.

Upon endorsement of the shortlist by RPV, five artists will be invited to take part in Phase 2: Invitation to Present.

The successful artist will then progress through Phase 3: Concept Design, and upon approval of concept enter Phase 4: Detailed Design from late 2020, with fabrication and installation from 2022-2025 (timing to be determined in consultation with the construction contractors and the selected artist).

The new Town Hall Station will open in 2025.

TIMING

The indicative timing for the commissioning process is outlined in the table below. RPV and CYP reserve the right to amend this timetable due to unforeseen circumstances and/or changing program requirements.

TABLE 1: TIMELINE SUMMARY

Phases Indicative timing

Phase 1: Artists register their interest Late January - mid-February 2020

Five shortlisted artists notified By April 2020

Phase 2: Invitations to Present issued to shortlisted artists

May 2020

Presentations held in Melbourne June - July 2020

Preferred artist notified September 2020

Phase 3: Concept design development by selected artist

October - November 2020

Concept design submission and presentation December 2020

Phase 4: Detailed design development by selected artist

From February 2021

Phase 5: Fabrication & installation 2022-2025



4.4 PHASe 2: INVITATION TO PReSeNT

Five shortlisted artists will be invited to present to the Metro Tunnel Arts Advisory Panel in Melbourne.

Artists will be given 45 minutes, with time for questions and answers, to outline their previous work and discuss their approach to this commission with the Panel.

In advance of the presentation, Artists will have familiarised themselves with the Metro Tunnel Project and the Town Hall Station legacy artwork commission.

Artists will also receive a briefing pack about relevant aspects of the project before the presentation.

At the presentation, artists are asked to cover three key areas:

+ Current artistic practice and relevant examples of previous work

+ Discuss, at a high level, their conceptual and formal response to this opportunity

+ Approach to working collaboratively with key stakeholders and the project team.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR PHASE 2

The selection criteria for Phase 2 is outlined below:

+ Response to the brief including the architecture and cultural context of Town Hall Station

+ Quality of ambition and ideas

+ evidence of quality and artistic merit of past work

+ Feasibility of the proposed concept and how the commission can be produced and delivered within the Project’s timeframes

+ Understanding of the complex nature of the commission with a collaborative approach to working with the Project’s architects, design and delivery teams, local cultural partners and organisations, and other artists commissioned as part of the Legacy Artwork Program.

Selection and appointment of the Artist for this commission will be based on the Artist’s past work and proposed approach to this opportunity as presented to the Panel at the presentation.

The Victorian State Government is responsible for the final decision on the selected artist. Due consideration will be given to the Panel’s advice, CYP technical advice and key stakeholder inputs in the appointment of the Town Hall artist.



Federation Square, Town Hall Station Precinct



4.5 PHASe 3: CONCePT DeSIGN AND PReSeNTATION

Upon appointment, the successful artist will enter a concept development period of approximately 15 weeks. During this time, the artist will be required to produce two (2) written concept progress reports.

At the end of the concept design development period, the Artist will deliver a final concept design report and a presentation of their concept design to the Metro Tunnel Arts Advisory Panel.

CONCEPT PROGRESS REPORTS

The concept progress reports must include the following:

+ Concept development update: Written response outlining how your concept is developing and how it responds to this brief (2 x A4 pages maximum).

+ In progress concept visualisations: Visualisations may consist of 2D drawings, CAD drawings, 3D renders, models or maquettes, CGI imagery, photography, moving image, VR/AR or other media that can assist to visualise your concept.

Reports are to be submitted to legacyartprogram@ metrotunnelcyp-dc.com.au.

The Panel may contact the Artist for further clarification on the reports, or at any time during the concept design development phase.

CONCEPT DESIGN SUBMISSION AND PRESENTATION

Artist concept design submission and presentation must address the following:

+ Concept overview and response to brief: Written response describing your concept and how it responds to this brief (2 x A4 pages minimum, no more than 4 x A4 pages).

+ Concept visualisations: Visualisations may consist of 2D drawings, CAD drawings, 3D renders, models or maquettes, CGI imagery, photography, moving image, VR/AR or other media that can assist to visualise your concept.

+ Overview of proposed fabrication methodology (if required): We understand that some artists will have preferred engineers and fabricators that they may work with to realise their concepts. In these cases, we ask that artists consult with their suppliers and submit any relevant supporting material with their proposal (2 x A4 pages maximum).

+ Overview of artwork materials: Please provide evidence or demonstrated understanding within the concept of:

– Robust and appropriate materials which are fit for purpose for an underground station environment including but not limited to fire, blast, and electrical safety

– Durability, lifespan, and environmental sustainability factors for the artwork

– Maintenance and servicing requirements for the artwork (these should not be considered as part of the set budget; however, an outline of the projected maintenance requirements should be provided).



Melbourne Town Hall, Town Hall Station Precinct

+ Detailed budget: Please outline a detailed budget which must include the following:

– Artist’s Fees covering detailed design, design for certification, fabrication, production, and installation

– Artwork and material costs (if exceeding pre-existing and integrated architectural material and fit out)

– Any other related costs including consultancy fees, engineers, or technical specialists required to realise the project.

A copy of the concept design submission and presentation must also be submitted three business days before the presentation to [email protected] and provided on USB at the presentation.



Jarra Karalinar Steel, ‘Barraeemal Teerrandeerr (Emu Egg)’, Town Hall Station construction hoarding, 2019.



4.6 FeeS

The five shortlisted artists will be paid an honorarium of AUD$10,000 to attend the presentation, which covers any supporting materials for the presentation. Travel costs up to AUD$10,000 is available for reimbursement. Reimbursements must be pre-approved before expenses are incurred and are subject to conditions.

The total commission budget is AUD$1,065,000. The budget is inclusive of all artist fees, concept and design development, travel, prototyping, visualisations, specialist consultant fees, fabrication and installation, and miscellaneous costs.



4.7 MORe INFORMATION

For more information on the Metro Tunnel Legacy Artwork Program and this Artist Brief, please email [email protected] or visit the Metro Tunnel Project website at www.metrotunnel.vic.gov.au.



Centre Place laneway, Town Hall Station Precinct

More information

To find out more about the Metro Tunnel Project:

metrotunnel.vic.gov.au

1800 105 105 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Press 2 and follow the prompts

Authorised and published by Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

Documents

Public Art Commission - Metro Tunnel · 18 THE METRO TUNNEL PUBLIC ART COMMISSION DeSIGN CONTeXT 3.2 STATION MATeRIAL PALeTTe The station designs feature a simple neutral material