Jury citation
Protagonist, a small cafe pavilion by Cumulus Studio, is a clever solution to a Rubik’s Cube of a problem, including an inability to penetrate the ground plane and the need to declutter the forecourt of the Arts Centre Melbourne. The result – an inventive, whimsical and carefully detailed concept – appears effortless. A drapery of operable polycarbonate chain mesh provides a veil for the compact, pop-up cafe; although inspired, it was not easy to execute. The contextual theatrical references, coupled with a stripping back of the superfluous, results in a highly functional yet delightful set piece, with both industrial and interior design flair. The kinetic quality of the light playing on the elegant materials provides a new gem for Melbourne. Long may it be available for that next cafe latte.
Project credits
Architect Cumulus Studio; Project team Keith Westbrook, Rosella Sciurti, Jet O’Rourke; Builder Prime Build; Structural engineer Argall; Services consultant Erbas; Planner Ethos Urban; Heritage consultant Trethowan; Graphics Assembly Branding
Protagonist by Cumulus Studio is located in Melbourne, Victoria, on the land of the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin nation.
Source
Award
Published online: 5 Nov 2020
Words:
ArchitectureAU Editorial
Images:
Sean Fennessy
Issue
Architecture Australia, November 2020
