Client: COX Architecture + Woollam Construction

Overview

After the flood is a continuation of Megan Cope’s flooded landscape series, illustrating how the environment, identity, geomorphology, and mapping are interwoven over time. This work transforms the James Cook University Central Plaza Canopy into a wave of knowledge systems, a reference point for multi-disciplinary research fields connected to local environments, simultaneously providing a source of inspiration for students committed to learning about Gurrumbilbarra and Thul Garrie Waja Country.

In the early stages of the project UAP’s curatorial team worked closely with JCU and Cox Architecture to develop the integrated canopy artwork opportunity for the campus’ new Central Plaza. UAP’s curatorial, design and fabrication teams worked alongside Megan Cope to integrate her artwork within the geometrically complex soffit. After the flood was made with assistance and invaluable knowledge gifted by the JCU Indigenous Education and Research Centre.

Goals

A place to pause and relax, bounce ideas from one to another, or host large group gatherings, the Central Plaza at James Cook University’s (JCU) Townsville campus is an academic and social hub.

The structure sits at the centre of the University and is the catalyst for wider developments within the campus. The dramatic canopy is complemented by its engagement with the adjacent Wadda Mooli Creek, a large event lawn, a water feature and connecting pathways.

The canopy becomes a wave of knowledge systems and a reference point for multi-disciplinary fields of research connected to the local environments and students committed to learning about Gurrumbilbarra and Thul Garrie Waja Country.

Process

COX Developed the roof canopy from two connected but opposing tapering vaults, producing a memorable space that is elegant, fluid and spatially complex. The soffit is constructed of 479 individual printed perforated panels. This innovative work integrates with the curved roof form, mirrored stainless steel roof supports, formed triple curved fascia and insitu cantilevered off form concrete.

Amplifying this dramatic volume, Quandamooka artist Megan Cope developed a two-dimensional work that was effectively overlayed on the three-dimensional canopy soffit. The artwork, titled After the Flood, is part of Cope’s flooded landscape series which illustrates how environment, identity, geomorphology and mapping are interwoven over time. Using old military maps of the Townsville coastline, After the flood explores potential sea level rises over time and their connection to climate change.