Brookfield Properties is one of the world’s largest real estate managers, providing development & management services for all major real estate assets. One The Esplanade (1TE) is a new workplace tower at Elizabeth Quay, with Chevron as the tenant. Brookfield Properties engaged Apparatus to manage the public art projects mandated under DevelopmentWA’s Planning Policy 4: Provision of Public Art.
We planned for the artworks at 1TE to deliver a holistic public realm experience, enhancing the architectural and landscape design of the development, acknowledging First Nation Peoples and their connection with the site, the riverine environment and the significant history that took place on the site. Two Artworks are planned for the site a Statement Artwork and an Activation Artwork.
The brief for the Statement Artwork was for an artwork that would be instantly recognisable, and become a key element associated with One The Esplanade. Providing a significant view-hold to identify the site from The Esplanade, the artwork will assist with wayfinding. The Chevron Whadjuk Working Party asked for an artwork that was a “celebration of coming together and a shared future”. We invited artist teams including a Noongar and non-Noongar artist to bid for the project. The Statement Artwork is a collaboration between Western Australian artist Stuart Green and Cultural Advisor, Sandra Hill. Strategically placed as sentinels of the site, it speaks of energy, and endurance but most importantly expresses our shared history as Western Australians in Whadjuk Noongar country.
The intention for the Activation Artwork, Goodjal Ba Ngoonii Koorndaam, is to provide Whadjuk Noongar presence and activate the pedestrian passageway fronting onto The Esplanade. The artwork made by Jarni McGuire, tells a Whadjuk story in sculptural form, enlivening the building at pedestrian level; creating intrigue and appeal. We worked closely with Chevron’s Whadjuk Working Group to ensure any cultural material used was appropriate. Apparatus developed a Design Assist process, in collaboration with UAP, to allow Noongar artists who have great art and design skills but might not have public art experience to gain experience in public art. The process provided skills development for Noongar artists and secured the highest quality outcomes for the project.
