The Keys to Mildura (in Australia: Emoh Ruo - Global Practices of Australian Architecture, London Festival of Architecture)

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: For the exhibition Emoh Ruo: Global Practices of Australian Architecture (part of the International Showcase at the London Festival of Architecture), Minifie and Van Schaik created a series of small, catalytic projects scattered about the city of Mildura - an island resort, a street orchard, an academic retreat and a sporting paradise - to anchor islands of intensity around which the rural city could grow. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: The project was conceived as an opposition to a grand masterplan. An innovative architectural approach, it featured a series of contained and highly evocative projects that amplified vivid experiences of Mildura, such as the wharf, the weir and lock, the Sandbar Pub, Stefano's Restaurant, the Arts Centre and Rio Vista house. The scheme re-conceptualised Mildura's architectural image; it celebrated Mildura's islets of intensity which derived their memorability through the marshalling of distinct scenographic, historical, cultural and formal qualities. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The work was exhibited at the London Architecture Festival in conjunction with Architecture Media and the Australian High Commission that attracted an estimated 15,000 visitors. It was also exhibited at the exhibition Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific in Brisbane in 2010. The project was included in exhibition reviews in Architecture Australia and The Guardian UK. The Festival was covered by The Times (London) and New York Times.