The developers behind the New Acton precinct have lodged plans for the construction of a "parasitic" pavilion described by its architect as "probably not even an object but a thing".
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Molonglo Group hopes to build the experimental LESS pavilion at Dairy Road in Fyshwick as part of its transformation of a 14-hectare site flanked by highways and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
The pavilion, designed by renowned Chilean art and architecture studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen, would sit at the top of the "green spine" area that is intended to connect Dairy Road to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
Molonglo Group sees LESS - made from water, plants and concrete - as "an important but modest experiment" that will act as a catalyst for new ideas about how nature and the built environment can work together as one.
The proposed pavilion consists of 36 columns, rising 15 metres from a grid in the ground and supporting a three-metre-high platform, which would provide views of the Dairy Road precinct and the wetlands.
Each column would include a conduit that would bring water to the top, where it would pool before "bleeding" back down to the ground.
From the ground, LESS is designed to resemble a forest floor, with a maze of tree trunk-like columns and narrow paths.
"It will be a landmark where people meet, pause and play. A point of reference for Dairy Road whether arriving or departing," Molonglo Group's development application says.
The application stresses the importance of LESS as "a truly public place".
"A place that beckons. That can be enjoyed by all without any need for commercial transaction: to ambulate aimlessly, take a nap, just sit and stare at others," the application says.
It is an idiosyncratic place that refuses to be called in a single manner, with a single word.
- Pezo von Ellrichshausen
In the development application's statement against criteria, Pezo von Ellrichshausen describes LESS as "a nameless pavilion; less than a structure, an infrastructure".
"It is an idiosyncratic place that refuses to be called in a single manner, with a single word. A place that even declines to be called 'pavilion' (since it would remind those colourful insects who jump from one flower to another, resting in balance for a fleeting moment).
"This is an object without a name. Probably not even an object but a thing."
The cost of works is given in the development application as $330,750.
Works to date at the Dairy Road precinct have focused on refurbishing existing warehouse buildings to create spaces for "makers".
Its tenants include a brewery, a distillery, printers, coffee roasters and chocolatiers. There are also indoor recreation spaces for activities like snow sports, bouldering and children's play.
The theory is that there is value in making industry visible, rather than isolating it from the rest of the city.
In a report submitted as part of the development application, Molonglo Group director of planning Gordon Lowe said the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate had "strongly encouraged" the developers to proceed with the proposal, as had the National Capital Authority.
Last year, Molonglo Group unveiled plans for another Dairy Road pavilion designed by Pezo von Ellrichshausen. That pavilion, described as "something between a bird hide and an urban observation tower", was to consist of two towers with circular walkways between them.
