Melbourne Open House is an annual event which started 3 years ago. This year, it unlocks 75 buildings around the city and surroundings for the public to view and explore. Some of the buildings are private houses and offices, while others are public buildings. Free guided tours are conducted every half hour.
Gaz and I visited the Origin Rooftop Garden, Melbourne Town Hall, Myer Mural Hall, Collins St Baptist Church and RMIT Story Hall, not bad for an ad hoc activity huh?
The Origin Rooftop Garden was designed by Jamie Durie to be a place for Origin Energy contact centre employees to relax and commune (and do they need it! Contact Centre consultants would be among the most stressed people in the workforce). The ground was covered with synthetic green grass and dark wooden cubes acted as stools and tables. A tin covered area acted as a BBQ place on the right. Besides synthethic grass, drought tolerant natives framed the area.
The garden provided a good view of the city, though in some places the view was blocked by a couple of tall, large buildings. While we were there, it started drizzling so we quickly left and visited the next venue. This one was a last minute selection after the lady in front of us at the line getting into the Garden mentioned it was worthwhile checking it out.
The Melbourne Town Hall happened to be just the kind of building I love. Old architecture and solid dark Tasmanian wood abounds. We sat in the council chambers while a knowledgeable volunteer provided information on the building. The council chambers are used once a month for council meetings. During other times, it can be hired out for weddings (at which the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle are able to officiate), Comedy Festival one acts, and seminars etc.
She showed us the coat of arms for the City of Melbourne during the 1840's pre Gold Rush, which had the cross of St Johns and the British crown. In each segment of the cross there was a different symbol which gave an insight into the economy then - Sheep, Whale, Cow and Sailing Ship. Melbourne then was exporting wool and beef (even back then!), whale's oil (thank goodness that's not done anymore), and the sailing ship to signify its importance in transporting the commodities around the countries.
After a pit stop for lunch, we went to the Myer Mural Hall. It was truly a fantastic place! Imagine the 60's, people were going for high tea's and dancing, socialites flitting around like butterflies, and you have the Mural Hall. It was refurbished recently, and are open during Sundays for high tea at $70 a pop.
Last stop was the RMIT Storey Hall. Personally I think that it's very boldly designed, and is not my cuppa. There were many green tints in and outside the building, paying homage to the building's Irish roots. It reminded me of The Hulk. Green pentagons laced together in contemporary geometric designs stood out everywhere.
The Storey Hall acts as a lecture hall, and exhibition area for RMIT students. The building underwent a major refurbishment in 1994, after which it received several awards.
Just as we left, we saw a large group of people congregating outside the building with a guide explaining the architecture to them. Many of these people are just ordinary Melburnians, but nevertheless proud of the unique buildings in the city and very glad for the opportunity to appreciate them in this way.
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