| The garden at the new Theology College on
Victoria Parade, East Melbourne is a space for outside contemplation and retreat. The
design responds to Gregory Burgess' new structure that wraps around an imposing 1880's
bluestone building. The form of the garden repeats the cloistered quality of the
architecture while hedges are used to further draw out references to cloistered courtyards
by encircling and restricting views. The symbols embedded in the design go beyond the
traditional symbols of Christianity, and are associated with universal ideas of
spirituality, such as veiling and revelation, mystery and uncertainty, layering and
separation.
Water is used as a symbol of the source of life, and for its traditional cleansing and
sactifying role in religion. Materials, colours, shapes and patterns used refer to the
spirituality of the indigenous landscape. |
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