Memory Gardens

BACKGROUND: 'Memory Gardens' by Leon van Schaik is a creative work (textual) that published in 'Intentional Neighbouring,' as part of the exhibition project 'Brave Street' presented by Kerli Valk and Brad Mitchell (Nüüd Studio), Simon Drysdale and Emily Murray (eight50eight). CONTRIBUTION: Van Schaik's text reflects on how our memory, and its inflections, create narratives in the way we view and experiences spaces and dwellings. Drawing references from other writers, architects and art historians, he brings them to the present and immediate experience of him building a garden in his home based on a historic garden that he may or may not have remembered correctly. In this poetic essay, van Schaik captures a sense of how images and impressions are borne out of our past experiences, real and imagined. This text demonstrates van Schaik's ongoing investigations into the poetics of memory and images specifically in the way we understand spaces and build places. It also demonstrates his writing practice within the expanded field of architectural criticism and reflective practice. SIGNIFICANCE: Van Schaik's text was included in 'Intentional Neighbouring,' an incidental catalogue for the exhibition project 'Brave Street,' which investigated opportunities for positive interventions, contributions and transformations on a typical, speculative street, presented as scaled architectural maquettes and essays. Van Schaik was invited to contribute an essay based on his expertise in writing about the poetics of architectural space. The publication was presented alongside the exhibition to the public at Testing Grounds (Southbank, Melbourne) as part of the 2019 Melbourne Design Week - Australia's leading international design event linking creative practices with the community and industry - presented by Creative Victoria and the National Gallery of Victoria.