New South Wales
Cadeau was the 2022 iteration of the annual public art and architecture pavilion program provided by the Powerhouse Architecture Commission. Curious Practice developed the timber pavilion in collaboration with Arup engineers and Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH).
French for gift, Cadeau takes its name from a sculpture by the surrealist Man Ray. Both the sculpture and the commission emerged from a desire to re-contextualise objects and places: giving something new to each. The pavilion’s form, materiality and arrangement recalls an uncanny familiarity to structures and spaces known or forgotten, promising to uncover latent use and memory within the site and visitor.
After Cadeau’s display, the materials were donated to Newcastle-based community engagement initiative Out(fit) for recycled use in their construction projects which focus on spaces for women, children and underrepresented community groups.
Cadeau is not a ‘stand-alone’ building or singular gesture. The design concept draws upon the idea of cross-pollination, which enables different genetic species to symbiotically exist and gain mutual benefit, improving their resistance to disease and changes in the environment. The architects responded to the ‘Hybrid’ commission brief with a modular, movable pavilion that can be enjoyed by either individuals or large groups.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
