The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has announced that Australia’s most internationally recognised architect Glenn Murcutt AO will design the 2019 MPavilion as the sixth edition of the MPavilion this year.

Organized as an annual initiative by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, established by businesswoman and philanthropist Naomi Milgrom, the Foundation has chosen the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt to design the MPavilion this year. The 2019 MPavilion will be opened on November 12, 2019 in the Queen Victoria Gardens, Southbank Arts Precinct. 

Video courtesy of MPavilion 

Australian Islamic Center by Glenn Murcutt AO. Image courtesy of Glenn Murcutt

Glenn Murcutt was awarded for his environmentally sensitive and responsible designs with a distinctly Australian character. He has also received the Alvar Aalto Medal, the Australian Institute of Architects and the American Institute of Architects Gold Medals and is highly regarded around the world as a teacher and commentator.

A sole practitioner since 1970, remaining dedicated to a patient and refined approach to architecture, Glenn’s most significant works include the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport, Victoria, undertaken in collaboration with architect Hakan Elevli; the Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre at Riversdale, New South Wales, designed with architects Wendy Lewin and Reg Lark; the Simpson-Lee House, Mount Wilson, New South Wales, and the Marie Short House, North Coast, New South Wales.

Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre, Riversdale (1996–99). Image © Anthony Browell

"It’s extraordinary what Naomi has achieved with MPavilion. She’s one of the great people in this country for supporting the arts, and more than just art but architecture, with a special understanding of city life. MPavilion is an interesting and assiduous project, and I’m honoured to be commissioned," Glenn Murcutt commented on his commission for MPavilion 2019.

"I’m thrilled to be working with Glenn Murcutt. He’s been at the forefront of contemporary architecture for decades with groundbreaking designs that are sensitive to landscape and cross-cultural collaboration. Quintessentially Australian and ahead of his time, Glenn’s thoughtfulness about people, place making and the environment continues to inspire us all," said Naomi Milgrom AO, founder of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation.

Australian Islamic Centre, Newport (2006–16). Image © Anthony Browell

Glenn’s architectural philosophy derives from his education in Indigenous practices and cultures: "Touch the earth lightly." Responding directly to the elements of the Australian landscape through his designs and thoughtful use of materials, Glenn’s practice is a harmonious blend of modernist sensibility, local craftsmanship, Indigenous structures, and his respect for nature. 

"My buildings are a result of where I’m living—not trying to design an Australian architecture, but trying to design an architecture of where I am," he has said.

Magney House, Bingie Point (1982–84). Image © Anthony Browell

MPavilion 2019 will open in the Queen Victoria Gardens, Southbank Arts Precinct, on 12 November 2019 and will become the venue for a free four-month season of events. 

MPavilion is an initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation in partnership with City of Melbourne, State Government of Victoria through Creative Victoria, and ANZ.

Simpson-Lee House, Mount Wilson (1988­–93). Image © Anthony Browell

Last year, Spanish architect Carme Pinós designed the 2018 MPavilion and in 2017, OMA - Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten designed a theater-like MPavilion in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens. 

Established in 2014, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation's purpose is to enrich Australian cultural life by engaging new audiences with exceptional art, design and architecture. The Foundation, led by Naomi Milgrom AO, has become a model for public-private collaboration, enabling new projects with a focus on public, industry and education components.

Top image © Anthony Browell

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