BANKSIA VEIL
2023. Anodised aluminium. 72m L x .4m D x 7m H
Wrapping 2 upper storeys on three sides.
CREATING A WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SENSE OF PLACE
An ancient Banksia woodland once stood at this public school site in Willetton, south of Perth, Western Australia.
The artwork, Banksia Veil harks back to the geometry, rough textures and hardy projections of the unique endemic species; the Banksia menziesii. Lightly wrapping the building in a metal veil on three sides as shading screens, it echoes the way the woodland originally enveloped the shallow seasonal wetlands. The patterned cut-outs and folds directly reflect the dried flower pods of the Banksia, with the triangular shading projections evoking the twisting and bending of the serrated edges of Banksia leaves.
ANGLED TO THE SUN
The three-level teaching block accommodates morning classes in rooms with expansive east facing windows. Shading was required to reduce glare on computer screens and tables and to reduce unnecessary heat gain in summer. Other areas, such as the walkways and stairwells require visual permeability, with protection from winds and driving rain.
The artwork varies in openness in response to this functional requirement. The lightest, most open screens create soft shade and protect the circulation spaces from prevailing winds and harsh weather while conjuring the dappled light of the bushland. This dappled light recalls our innate human connection to walking nature, and honours our collective memory the shade of the Western Australian Banksia bushland that once occupied this site.
GUIDING LIGHT, RAIN AND WIND
Sun studies determined the location where the interiors would be most exposed to the strong Western Australian sunlight. Harsh light and heat are softened further through the design of projecting tabs, angled to face the sun, reducing direct light, glare, and heat gain yet maintaining ample indirect light and air circulation. This public artwork then not only connects to Country, but also acts functionally to respond to the environmental elements of wind, rain, and most importantly sunlight.