Published by Mess Books, (This is) Air is an expanded archive of Nic Brunsdon’s 2023 NGV Architecture Commission of the same name; a poignant installation that draws attention to one of the universal and defining features of life on earth: breathing air.

With a foreword from David Neustein (Other Architects, The Monthly), an introduction by Jessica Kwok (Storefront for Art and Architecture), new writing from Mark Jacques (Openwork, RMIT) and photographs by Ben Hosking, (This is) Air offers timely consideration of urgent ecological, civic and political questions about the act of breathing and the relationship between architecture and experiences of air. These contributions sit alongside conversations and addresses about the commission with insights, as well as project materials and documentation, reflecting on the work as both process and product, architecture and art, experiment and triumph.

In this conversation, panellist will discuss the themes, design approaches and practical realisations of (This is) Air, both artwork and book.

Link to event: https://artbookfair.melbourne/...

PART OF MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK 2024, AN INITIATIVE OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NGV.

Amy Muir – Moderator

Amy Muir is the director of MUIR, a Melbourne based architecture practice established in 2016. The practice engages with a range of projects including residential, public and institutional briefs bringing a sympathetic and strategic attitude to the varying contexts that they work within. The practice is underpinned by a firm belief in project-based research that investigates the language of memory and place.

MUIR has been recognised through state, national and international awards and the work has been widely published locally and internationally.

In her previous role as Victorian President of the Australian Institute of Architects and a current lecturer at RMIT University, Amy is committed to establishing strong links between teaching, research, practice and public advocacy.

Emma Pegrum

Emma Pegrum is the co-founder and editor in chief of Mess Books, an independent publisher and creative practice interested in contemporary art, photography, design, architecture and research. She is an experienced editor who works on a range of academic, editorial, creative and bespoke commissions. She is also a writer, journalist, editor and multifaceted creative producer who works across a variety of editorial, publishing and interdisciplinary projects.

Nic Brunsdon

Nic Brunsdon is recognised as one of Australia’s leading architects. In 2015 Nic was the winner of the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architect Award, firstly for Western Australia and then nationally. The studio’s work has received recognition at the World Architecture Festival, Dezeen Awards, Houses Awards, INDE awards, and Australian Institute of Architects Awards programs, most notably winning both the public vote and master jury awards at the prestigious Dezeen Awards for the world’s best hospitality project.

Ewan McEoin

Ewan McEoin is the Senior Curator of the Department of Contemporary Art, and Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria. He has two decades of experience at the forefront of the Australian art, design, and architecture sectors, working in strategy, curating, and publishing. McEoin is the lead curator of Melbourne Design Week, the largest design and architecture event in Australia, and the annual NGV Architecture Commissions program. He is an adjunct professor in the School of Design and the Social Context at RMIT University and a member of the board of the Robin Boyd Foundation.