Traditionally, “redux” refers to something brought back and given a new interpretation. Here we invoke redux in the realm of architecture: the transformation of the repudiated building material asbestos, mineral name “09.ED.15”. Asbestos, as a latent killer in buildings, is now well understood. Less well known is the fact that asbestos itself is a naturally occurring mineral, and that new processes have been discovered which dissolve it into harmless, carbon-negative by-products. Moreover, these by-products have material characteristics of their own with creative architectural potential. The installation is about the material, and made of the material. Equally, the project is a narrative of humans’ exploitative relationship with nature, of industrial hubris, and now one of hard-won humility, learning, and finally of architectural aspiration.
Besley & Spresser
Peter Besley has been active in the fields of architecture and urban design at national and international levels for over 25 years. In 2004 Peter co-founded Assemblage, a London-based studio of architects and urban designers which he ran until 2018. At Assemblage Peter led the design and execution of numerous high-profile projects including the winning scheme for the Iraq Parliament and the Design District in London UK. Peter has led university studios in architecture and urban design at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. Peter’s Sydney-based practice Besley & Spresser is engaged in the design of various civic, cultural and residential projects.
Jessica Spresser is an Australian architect. Her architecture studio Besley & Spresser combines practice, making and research, and has won a series of national and international competitions including the Barangaroo Pier Pavilion and a National Memorial in Canberra. Prior to forming Besley & Spresser, Jessica practised internationally in London, Tokyo and Venice, working in various studios including Junya Ishigami and Kengo Kuma. She is currently undertaking a PhD on the intersection of architecture and art in exhibitions, and runs a Master of Architecture studio at the University of Sydney.