Interchange Pavilion

Overview

A major architectural installation landed on Sydney's streets last month when local artist and architect Chris Fox unveiled Interchange Pavilion in South Eveleigh's Village Square.

The striking 350-square-metre sculptural landmark acts as a focal point and public pavilion for the new dining precinct. In coming months, it'll also function as an amphitheatre for events.

An award-winning artist, Fox is most recently known for his 2017 installation Interloop, which transformed the historic 1930s wooden escalators at Wynyard Station into a 50-metre artwork suspended above the York Street escalators. More generally, he's known for creating large-scale public installations that closely intertwine art and architecture.

For Interchange Pavilion, Fox was inspired by the precinct's rail history, and the structure's shape mimics the geometry of a railroad switch. As such, the pavilion is meant to embody a meeting place where paths converge. It boasts built-in seating, a wide pathway and a glowing golden hue by night.

The complex archway was building using 250 metres of stainless steel ground rails, 15 tonnes of robotically moulded glass, 1400 pieces of hardwood and over 1650 pieces of digitally fabricated aluminium. Yep, it's an impressive piece of work.

The installation fits into a much larger public art program that's been curated by Carriageworks and commissioned by Mirvac for its huge new South Eveleigh project. Expect more sculptural and botanical installations to appear, too, with public works already installed by artist Jonathan Jones (in the Axle Building) and visual artist Nell (as part of Yerrabingin House).

Also announced as part the new dining precinct is a mega-venue by The Grounds group and a Cantonese restaurant by Kylie Kwong — both slated for sometime in 2020.

Josh Raymond

Images: Josh Raymond