Caught Unawares

BACKGROUND: This essay is a critical review of the architectural project 'Caught Unawares' by Minifie van Schaik - an unbuilt re-conception of the Sydney Opera House that was selected for exhibition at 'Augmented Australia' the Australian Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. CONTRIBUTION: The essay contextualised the project within innovative architectural practices based around experimental processes that speculate about ideas, forms, processes and effects. It described Minifie van Schaik's project as 'metaphorical and radical translation' from medicine and mathematics into architectural language. The essay contributes a critical understanding of Minifie van Schaik's project within the context of a new kind of architecture. SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of the essay is demonstrated by its selection for inclusion in the Biennale's Augmented Australia 136-page exhibition catalogue, published by the Australian Institute of Architects. It is archived in the National Library of Australia. The Venice Biennale is the world's premier architecture exhibition and the 'Augmented' show was supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Architecture Media and major industry partners. The catalogue was accompanied by a downloadable app, with trigger images and video commentaries that could be activated.