Today marks the 20th anniversary of John Mockridges death. A lot has already been written about John over the decades, so I wont prattle on, other than to say that he was the firms principal designer, the recipient of numerous architectural awards, and highly regarded by his peers. He was gregarious and quick-witted, and he lit up a room the minute he walked in. In his Will, John bequeathed funds for a commemorative public fountain to be built in the city of Melbourne. The fountain was to have a vertical play of water, running constantly, day and night. The result was a monolithic concrete wall with a grooved surface, over which a thin veil of water flowed, creating shimmering patterns. The designers were Ron Jones, Simon Perry and Darryl Cowie. The fountain was erected in the City Square at the corner of Collins and Swanston streets. What a location! John wouldve been thrilled. He wouldve been less thrilled however, to know that only a few years after its completion, Melbournes severe drought saw the water turned off and the fountain boarded over. All was not lost. The City of Melbourne seized the opportunity to transform the fountain into a giant canvas. A temporary mural, appropriately called Parched (by Ash Keating), adorned it in 2006. Painting his own version of the water wall, Keating then lowered the level of water each week (over a 15 week time frame) until nothing but arid earth was left. The mural was a great success, and a number of art installations followed. I am pleased to say that the water was turned back on in 2010 after some good rainfall and the subsequent lifting of water restrictions. It has become a favourite place for impromptu art of a different kind, as passers-by pick up leaves from the sidewalk and decorate the surface with messages. John wouldve been delighted by this. His gift to the city has undergone several metamorphoses over the years, embracing creativity, vision and aptitude... the very gifts that John himself, brought to architecture and the city he loved. John Pearce Mockridge... 14.5.1916 – 20.10.1994
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:34:44 +0000
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