Audience as Catalyst

The Catalyst podcast series unpacks clever design solutions in the built environment. Join host Tania Davidge in conversation with designers and field experts as they explore themes and issues that act as catalysts for creative design thinking.

In this episode, we are looking at Audience as a Catalyst for design through the lens of Performing Arts Centres. Professor Katya Johanson from Edith Cowan University and architect and founding director, Ian McDougall from ARM Architecture, help us unpack the relationship of audience to the design of the contemporary performing arts centre.

The modern performing arts centre has its roots in the 1960s. These centres were designed as iconic buildings which spoke to their important role in our cities and towns. Although they were founded with great intentions- of bringing the arts to a wider public audience - they have traditionally showcased the ‘high arts’ to a relatively narrow cross section of the community. Contemporary arts institutions, however, aspire to reach a broader demographic and tell stories that connect with a greater cross-section of the community.

If the Arts are for everyone - what is the role of the Performing Arts Centre in contemporary society and what does this mean for the design of these Centres? As the role of the Performing Arts Centre has evolved and the audience it’s seeks to speak to has broadened what does this mean for the for the design of the Performing Arts Centre?

Guest Speakers:

• Ian McDougall, Founding Director of ARM Architecture
• Katya Johanson, Professor of Audience Research and Associate Dean for the Creative Humanities at Edith Cowan University

Further Reading:
Katya Johanson is also co-author of the article, alongside Hilary Glow, ‘The problem with permanence is that you’re stuck with it: The public arts centre building in the twenty-first century’ from the International Journal of Cultural Policy (2017)

The Catalyst Podcast series is presented by Open House Melbourne and produced with the assistance of the Alastair Swayn Foundation. The Catalyst podcast series was recorded at The Push, Collingwood Yards.

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Open House Melbourne is an independent not-for-profit organisation that fosters public appreciation for architecture and public engagement in conversations about the future of our cities. Find out more at openhousemelbourne.org.

The Alastair Swayn Foundation advances Australian architecture and design culture. Find out more at alastairswaynfoundation.org

Image: Friday night market at Geelong Arts Centre. Photo: Peter Foster, courtesy of ARM.