Floe

Background: Floe, commissioned by the NGV for the Great Hall, is an installation that draws on the atmospheric effects of the Antarctic landscape to create a speculative architectural work. Floe is a collaborative work developed by Philip Samartzis (sound art), and Roland Snooks (architecture), and explores the architectural implications of algorithmic design through robotic 3D fabrication. The sound work was recorded by Samartzis in Antarctica in 2010 and 2016. Contribution: This project constitutes one of the first applications of 3D printed polymers within architecture and creates a valuable contribution to the development and discourse surrounding architectural implications of large-scale 3D printing. Designing a 3D printed project of this scale enables the exploration and development of the architectonic and ornamental qualities of 3D printing. The composition comprising Floe builds on the work occurring in soundscape studies, acoustic ecology, sound art and environmental studies. By recording and representing the many sounds of Antarctica's constantly shifting ice shelves, glaciers, icebergs and sea ice, Samartzis challenges the perception of Antarctica as an unchanging landscape, suspended in time and place. Significance: Floe was commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria as part of highly successful Triennial Extra.The sound component is a result of multiple peer review processes from a variety of institutions and funding organisations including the Australian Antarctic Division, Creative Victoria and the Australia Council for the Arts. The Triennial Extra attracted 90000 people over ten nights. The success of Floe in the context of Extra resulted in an extension of its season by three weeks, a period that included White Night. Approximate audience numbers during the one month presentation of Floe exceeded 200000 people.