There are architects and there are architectural visionaries who push the boundaries. I have followed our very own
Nonda Katsalidis over the years and was delighted to read that his design for Hobart's
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has just won the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture. MONA is the largest privately owned museum in Australia. Cut into the sandstone cliff it is one of the most exciting buildings I have seen. If you haven't visited I encourage you to do so - and make sure that you travel there by ferry from Hobart's Constitution Dock. The approach is wonderful! The museum is AMAZING. Go if you haven't. It has changed the face of Tasmanian tourism. And rightly so.
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| Approaching MONA (FenderKatsalidis) |
I could go on and on - and on! - regarding 'Mad about MONA' but this is about Nonda!
One of my favourite 'out there' apartment buildings is one of his early conversions. The old grain silos in Richmond. Who else would have created a '5 storey ship'. Because that's what it reminds me of! It's amazing.
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| The 'Silos' Apartments |
Tucked away in an interesting nook of Richmond it is surrounded by some wonderful conversions including the old Malthouse and various other factories and warehouses. It's worth a wander in the area and the streets around it. Laneways, courtyard gardens hidden by high, high walls, it shows how tiny old workers cottages sit comfortably with trendy but sympathetic conversions.
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| The 'Silos' with the pair of Malthouse buildings to the left (now apartments) |
So if you have a moment visit 22 Abinger Street (off Church Street just up the hill from Bridge Road). Photos really don't do the area or the building justice.
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| The proud ship towers above its neighbours |
Have a wander in the surrounding streets and laneways. This is the Richmond I have grown to love.
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