https://mapa.net.au MAPA place + art + architecture Sun, 24 May 2026 05:54:45 +0000 https://mapa.net.au en https://mapa.net.au/Home-1 Tue, 19 May 2026 05:43:16 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Home-1 window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-CM033409P7'); <img width="6937" height="4625" width_o="6937" height_o="4625" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0e079008cd599d9b7ebbebd89776945ee46c629cf2973112f7f1e9993633f9d7/FieldRooms_OFA_MAPA_JoshuaMorris.jpg" data-mid="248455268" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0e079008cd599d9b7ebbebd89776945ee46c629cf2973112f7f1e9993633f9d7/FieldRooms_OFA_MAPA_JoshuaMorris.jpg" /> Field Rooms, Open Field Agency. Photo by Joshua Morris. MAPA is a multidisciplinary practice working across architecture, public art, urban design and place strategy. We create inclusive and responsive projects grounded in deep listening, careful observation of place and creative community participation. Through participatory and creative processes, we work with multiple communities, ecologies and key stakeholders of place. This includes Indigenous knowledge-keepers, everyday users of a place, community organisations, not-for-profits, cultural institutions, universities, local and state government. We develop site-specific outcomes across scales — from design briefs to buildings to public art, temporary installations and long term strategy for public places. NEWS ︎︎︎ Commendation Architecture AU Social Impact Award More ︎︎︎ <img width="750" height="200" width_o="750" height_o="200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dc8d870e719b99701edd4ee921b69e642a63dbff57545de8217036eeca0d0fed/AAUSI_26_Email-Footer_Commendation.jpg" data-mid="251112868" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/dc8d870e719b99701edd4ee921b69e642a63dbff57545de8217036eeca0d0fed/AAUSI_26_Email-Footer_Commendation.jpg" /> Jury Citation: From a nine-year planning process and a start as a public art concept for the City of Sydney, this project morphed into a place for experimentation. The Open Field Agency is mobile, flexible, changeable. These are attributes often sought for architecture but rarely delivered in built outcomes. It comprises two lightweight, skillion-roofed boxes – one with solid cladding, the other translucent; one a refuge, the other an openable, extraverted workshop. Both can be wheeled around and spatially rearranged to suit different programs. This is simple, raw and playful, inviting creative use and occupation. It can be anything for anybody and shows that architecture and quality design thinking have as much to offer little scales and tight budgets as it does the big end of town. &nbsp; Field Rooms Shortlisted for Australian Institute of Architects Sustainability Award More ︎︎︎ This project seeks to push discussions of sustainability beyond individual buildings or sites to consider the broader systems and processes of urban development. The project proposes and enacts a regenerative and reciprocal model of urbanism in a rapidly developing part of Sydney. <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fb2a147b6905c01b35e9bf2469e7a9cbcb3cafba18064474f851f042cd53859a/field-rooms-6.jpg" data-mid="248455271" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fb2a147b6905c01b35e9bf2469e7a9cbcb3cafba18064474f851f042cd53859a/field-rooms-6.jpg" /> Articles&nbsp;︎︎︎ Field Notes: A Grassroots Approach to Public Art, Words by&nbsp;Jo Higgins, Art GuideProfile in Green Magazine,&nbsp;Sum Total, Issue 108. Words by Penny Craswell&nbsp; https://mapa.net.au/Studio Mon, 18 May 2026 03:31:50 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Studio Where we work. studio@mapa.net.au Newcastle Studio. 118 Fern Street, Islington NSW 2296 Sydney studio. 921 Bourke Street, Waterloo 2017 MAPA works in both Awabakal and Worimi Country in Newcastle, NSW and Gadigal Country in Sydney, NSW. We have deep connections across the state having lived and worked in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Western Sydney and Newcastle over the past 20 years. Team. <img width="617" height="617" width_o="617" height_o="617" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/eb365a3c313681d6037e3dde5c7074112d962e59c5dcc35154f0d5301b120454/heidi-copy.jpg" data-mid="248668195" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/617/i/eb365a3c313681d6037e3dde5c7074112d962e59c5dcc35154f0d5301b120454/heidi-copy.jpg" /> Heidi AxelsenDirector MAPA BFA (Sculpture) National Art School, Phd candidate, MADA, Monash University.Heidi is a visual artist and researcher specialising in public art and urban design. Born in 1983 on unceded Dharug Country, she has 18 years experience working on projects of public art and public space. Heidi collaborates with place custodians, Indigenous knowledge keepers, landscape architects, architects and diverse communities to make great public spaces together. Heidi’s PhD by practice at MADA examines the privatisation of public art. ︎ LinkedIn <img width="820" height="820" width_o="820" height_o="820" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d9a24f7d06c6b95468aec1929c84e9518977255f8c9741baa2dd9601ccb2c1f0/HM.jpg" data-mid="248668204" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/820/i/d9a24f7d06c6b95468aec1929c84e9518977255f8c9741baa2dd9601ccb2c1f0/HM.jpg" /> Dr. Hugo MolineDirector MAPA Nominated Registered Architect for MAPA, NSW ARB #10760Phd (Architecture) + B.Arch, Sydney Uni. Hugo is an award-winning architect specialising in participatory design processes in architecture, public space, cooperative housing and urban strategy. Born in 1981 on unceded Gadi Country, Moline has 20 years of experience working on architecture projects for common benefit. ︎ LinkedIn The amazing team we are lucky to work with when projects scale up.&nbsp; <img width="2247" height="2248" width_o="2247" height_o="2248" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3622666d4238bb539e50e7875a92c8d73a7b0e78e958807bf913a9c7f9e46698/Peter.jpg" data-mid="248704094" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3622666d4238bb539e50e7875a92c8d73a7b0e78e958807bf913a9c7f9e46698/Peter.jpg" /> Peter BeggPeter is an architectural designer born on Wiradjuri Country. Peter graduated in 2024 with a Masters in Architecture from the University of Newcastle and works with MAPA on detailed design documentation and fabrication.&nbsp; <img width="1028" height="1029" width_o="1028" height_o="1029" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e730a62fb4cae82c47c9e505b7dc0d9436f93989c825720d2c7023d4b16cd688/hasib-copy.jpg" data-mid="248668182" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e730a62fb4cae82c47c9e505b7dc0d9436f93989c825720d2c7023d4b16cd688/hasib-copy.jpg" /> Hasib Hourani Hasib is a Lebanese-Palestinian writer, editor and arts worker living on unceded Gadi Country. Hasib works with MAPA on their flagship project, Field Rooms, supporting creative practice within the rapidly developing suburb of Waterloo. <img width="1587" height="1587" width_o="1587" height_o="1587" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c859a4f4a25c161054faf3208c691dc4945d3bbefe62592f0998f846c26b477c/ViHeadshot.jpg" data-mid="248709708" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c859a4f4a25c161054faf3208c691dc4945d3bbefe62592f0998f846c26b477c/ViHeadshot.jpg" /> Vi Le Vi is an architectural and urban designer living and working on Dharug land. She is committed to spatial justice at all scales and works with MAPA on design, documentation and fabrication – from design documentation to public space installations. <img width="482" height="482" width_o="482" height_o="482" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/503de0fe27764ee204320a953fdb2d8cc1a0eabc7cf8f0ac187346226ccfe665/Gizelle-M.png" data-mid="248668178" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/482/i/503de0fe27764ee204320a953fdb2d8cc1a0eabc7cf8f0ac187346226ccfe665/Gizelle-M.png" /> Gizelle McKinnon&nbsp; Gizelle is an architectural designer and the &nbsp;proud descendant of the Gomeroi mob. Gizelle lives on unceded Awabakal and Worimi Country and works with MAPA on design and documentation. Gizelle graduated in 2024 with a Masters of Architecture from the University of Newcastle.<img width="2900" height="2901" width_o="2900" height_o="2901" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c7ba068d57813154d7f70b8edb66aa2baafac484e4d108d8785805719c9eb485/Paris.jpg" data-mid="248958989" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c7ba068d57813154d7f70b8edb66aa2baafac484e4d108d8785805719c9eb485/Paris.jpg" /> Paris Perry Paris is an architectural designer living and working on unceded Awabakal and Worimi land. &nbsp;She is works with MAPA on design documentation.&nbsp;Paris graduated in 2024 with Masters in Architecture from the University of Sydney. Who we work with.&nbsp; We are grateful to have worked with many amazing clients from local government, state government, arts and cultural institutions, Universities and more. Clients. Arts and Culture Exchange, Arts Outwest, Asian Coalitian for Housing Rights, Bridge Housing, Blue Mountains City Council, Casula Powerhouse, City of Canada Bay, City of Sydney, Common Equity NSW, Dasco Australia, Defence Housing Australia, Echigo Tsumari Art Foundation,Henry Halloren Trust, Hume Housing, Inner West Council, Forbes Hospital, Health Arts Research Centre, Kapitbahayan Cooperative Limited, Ku-ring-gai Council, MAMA, Muswellbrook Shire Council,&nbsp;Newcastle City Council, Oculus, Parramatta City Council, Powerhouse Museum, Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Stockland, Transport for NSW, University of New England (UNE), University Technology Sydney, Urban Art Projects,&nbsp;Westmead Hospital.&nbsp; Collaborators. Arcadia Landscape architects, Adriano Pupilli Architects, Bangawarra, Brushwood Engineering, Jane Irwin Landscape Architects, Matt Poll, Stanton Dahl Architects, Oculus, University of Newcastle, UTS. What does MAPA do? ︎︎︎We involve the people of a place in its co-creation. ︎︎︎We collaborate with custodians of Country. ︎︎︎We undertake creative, inclusive and participatory research into places and the ways they may change in collaboration with the people of a place. ︎︎︎We design processes and supports to enable the communities of a place to participate in making plans for them. ︎︎︎We work with communities to provide expert participatory planning for places including: public space design, precinct improvement, building adaptation and re-use, design of public buildings, public art, programming and activation plans. ︎︎︎We create temporal interventions in place to catalyse community participation. ︎︎︎We run intensive and extended process of community consultation and co-design. ︎︎︎We collaborate with Indigenous knowledge keepers, traditional owners and cultural consultants, strategic planners, landscape architects, place managers, housing providers, urban designers, architects, social scientists and others concerned with place. ︎︎︎We work to draw out the often unseen aspects of place valued by its people, as well as their hopes, fears, desires as places undergo change. Our work is aimed at the people of a place, and how their perspectives can directly influence decisions on how that place develops. ︎︎︎We design the built, programmatic and curatorial outcomes of these participatory processes. ︎︎︎We work as a team to make fun, thoughful and engaging things in public space.&nbsp; https://mapa.net.au/Architecture-1 Tue, 19 May 2026 05:17:44 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Architecture-1 Architecture Projects designed to support good relationships amongst people and with their place in the world. We value natural materials, care for the land, doing more with less, working collaboratively and making space for the good life. Featured projects &nbsp;︎︎︎ https://mapa.net.au/Field-Rooms-1 Tue, 19 May 2026 03:54:32 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Field-Rooms-1 Field Rooms Mobile structures to house ongoing artists in residence within a live development site in Waterloo. This is an outcome of the Open Field Agency Public Domain Strategy. <img width="3500" height="2333" width_o="3500" height_o="2333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/161531de71ebf53e1041d14d87212d1ca75e962dd75f9f857024dc078492ea09/OpenFieldAgency_FieldRooms.jpg" data-mid="248454281" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/161531de71ebf53e1041d14d87212d1ca75e962dd75f9f857024dc078492ea09/OpenFieldAgency_FieldRooms.jpg" /> <img width="1776" height="1184" width_o="1776" height_o="1184" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b5be0a4caba119099e205907bddc6271e65aa9b29e7f2ad56952660bcc14c230/55CEEAAB-EF95-43F3-A107-837F685775E5-5159-000000D64BEE93B6.JPG" data-mid="248454284" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b5be0a4caba119099e205907bddc6271e65aa9b29e7f2ad56952660bcc14c230/55CEEAAB-EF95-43F3-A107-837F685775E5-5159-000000D64BEE93B6.JPG" /> <img width="6696" height="4464" width_o="6696" height_o="4464" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f7a3e63eb429780c0a9bebe45771df9f1a475759175a34e4ed8fb0477983197d/Field-Rooms_OFA_MAPA-_KatrinaLeeFord.jpeg" data-mid="248454280" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f7a3e63eb429780c0a9bebe45771df9f1a475759175a34e4ed8fb0477983197d/Field-Rooms_OFA_MAPA-_KatrinaLeeFord.jpeg" /> <img width="6074" height="3979" width_o="6074" height_o="3979" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ff0bcbc8730382326e6e5feca524804eff8ded9a517783b893badd04ba4350dd/MAPA_Heidi-Hugo_Talk-Picnic_044_HR.jpg" data-mid="248454282" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ff0bcbc8730382326e6e5feca524804eff8ded9a517783b893badd04ba4350dd/MAPA_Heidi-Hugo_Talk-Picnic_044_HR.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc406e79de2b28a00e7f5d6e097c277b83d47bd513cf28d3a93f5ca96c0736b0/DSCF7831.jpeg" data-mid="248454285" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc406e79de2b28a00e7f5d6e097c277b83d47bd513cf28d3a93f5ca96c0736b0/DSCF7831.jpeg" /> Architect: Hugo Moline.&nbsp; Artist/Curator:&nbsp;Heidi Axelsen&nbsp; Field rooms community of artists and organisers (2025/2026 round):&nbsp;Connie Anthes, Alexandra Crosby, Bek Conroy, Bec Gallo, Clare Lewis, Holly O’Neill, Lorna Munro, Mara Schwerdtfeger, Catherine Skipper and all the amazing speakers, artists and community who have come along. Residency selection panel: Shuang Wu, Dr. Shannon Foster and Lizzie Thomson. Residency manager: Hasib Hourani D’harawal Knowledge Keeper: Dr. Shannon Foster Design assist: Peter Begg Documentation: Paris Perry Engineer: Brushwood Engineers Builder: Grant Robinson Install team: Peter Begg, Hurricane Bestman, Denham Callanan and Simon Muigg. University of Newcastle technical team: Tom Condurso, Ethan Cranfield, Max Doran and Oscar Smith. Prefabrication team: Farhat Parviz, Kiconco Kushaba, Wanqing Luo, Trishna Chantal, Gizelle McKinnon, Emma Hayes, Alicia Hill,Alistair Eglinton, Maria Garcia Sanchez and Blanca Villabrille de Travy. Client: DASCO Public art consultant: Urban Art Projects Original commissioner: City of Sydney Filed under: architecture, commons, public artTestimonials: “ I had the privilege of being part of the install team on this project—working alongside an incredibly well-resolved design that had clearly been deeply considered from every angle. After years of leading design on many of my own builds, it was a real pleasure to simply trust the system, roll up my sleeves, and help bring it to life.Since opening, I’ve had the chance to return for a couple of community events and witness the space doing exactly what it was designed to do—bringing people together, creating connection, and giving artists a platform. That’s a beautiful thing.”&nbsp; Tim Hurricane Bestman “Field Rooms offered me the chance to be back in a familiar neighbourhood after more than than a decade was opportune to reflect on the changes in the area especially as my thinking had returned to radical municipalities and community building, this time thinking about it through a cybernetic lens and specifically praxis. Conceiving and building the Acts of Commoning series enabled me to put into event form some ideas for reimagining shared ownership of resources starting with the first event on building a community land trust.” Bek Conroy https://mapa.net.au/Kapitibahayan Sun, 24 May 2026 05:48:07 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Kapitibahayan Kapitbahayan Housing Cooperative Kapitbahayan (a Filipino word meaning neighbourhood) is a housing cooperative who have been serving their community in Western Sydney since 1995 by managing an alternative, community-driven model of housing design. Kapitbahayan Housing Cooperative and Common Equity NSW engaged Hugo Moline to design new co-operative housing in Canley Vale and to work in close collaboration with the co-op members. <img width="3013" height="1760" width_o="3013" height_o="1760" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/93526acc354c6cb5aee33dc2eab886a2a1353a313c37a8782baa10c6c34ccf6c/Diagram4.jpeg" data-mid="248682242" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/93526acc354c6cb5aee33dc2eab886a2a1353a313c37a8782baa10c6c34ccf6c/Diagram4.jpeg" /> <img width="2000" height="1331" width_o="2000" height_o="1331" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d0c31836f505b355e3346679be6d57828026090b66b280331241f9187238d202/Kapitbahayan-27.jpeg" data-mid="248682238" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d0c31836f505b355e3346679be6d57828026090b66b280331241f9187238d202/Kapitbahayan-27.jpeg" /> The members of the co-operative are mostly first and second generation migrants. The spatial, social and political form of this housing model is based on the tactics of sharing and conviviality that these communities have brought to Australia, creating an alternative to land speculation, urban sprawl and architectures of obesity. Where two suburban houses would normally occupy half the block each, these tactics of sharing allow the six resident families to access the whole site: from the private courtyards, 'welcome' patios, common gardens, events-space and office.<img width="4266" height="3200" width_o="4266" height_o="3200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f3836061a7b857fdf9dfc537fed9ee3ff69ea2d495c2040e4756c127bca86fa/Diagram3.jpg" data-mid="248682241" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7f3836061a7b857fdf9dfc537fed9ee3ff69ea2d495c2040e4756c127bca86fa/Diagram3.jpg" /> <img width="3648" height="2056" width_o="3648" height_o="2056" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1e112bc0a6406d6be89650fa7b6b1de30ccb483c68179c0bc222067c0bc90caa/P1340124.JPG" data-mid="248682259" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1e112bc0a6406d6be89650fa7b6b1de30ccb483c68179c0bc222067c0bc90caa/P1340124.JPG" /> <img width="2000" height="3006" width_o="2000" height_o="3006" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ce0a9f3df65a96b02d4080239247ef4796be677d2d977653ef8d4e896875e82e/Kapitbahayan-24.jpeg" data-mid="248682240" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ce0a9f3df65a96b02d4080239247ef4796be677d2d977653ef8d4e896875e82e/Kapitbahayan-24.jpeg" /> <img width="2000" height="1325" width_o="2000" height_o="1325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f3dd4fdbcfec679e75abd9ca339752242c92adeef3b4603c0c6501f4639fb83/Kapitbahayan-26.jpeg" data-mid="248682239" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7f3dd4fdbcfec679e75abd9ca339752242c92adeef3b4603c0c6501f4639fb83/Kapitbahayan-26.jpeg" /> Architect. Hugo Moline. Filed under: architecture, commons https://mapa.net.au/Driveway-House Sun, 24 May 2026 05:54:45 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Driveway-House Driveway House A 60sqm secondary dwelling placed alongside the existing one to create a small home for a live-in carer, the structure with its own relationship to the street and backyard. This project represents an innovative family collaboration in the face of housing unaffordability in Sydney. The client for this project could afford to build a house, but not buy any land. Her elderly mother wanted to stay in her home but was increasingly in need of care. The solution was to build the daughter's house on the mother’s land, enabling the mother to remain in her lifelong home with family care nearby.&nbsp; <img width="4000" height="3000" width_o="4000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2ac52c743d409dabe3d182e867a0c91132e78ae6ffb0f8953f281ae12f88046e/DriveWayHouse_MAPA.jpg" data-mid="248682253" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2ac52c743d409dabe3d182e867a0c91132e78ae6ffb0f8953f281ae12f88046e/DriveWayHouse_MAPA.jpg" /> The house is built in place of an existing garage and occupies the width of a single driveway. Entry to the new house is from the front deck of the existing house, which becomes the common space for both homes. The second bedroom is located downstairs and connected to an undercroft space for use by the adult son. The Affordable Housing SEPP has been utilised to achieve substantial development gains. Careful panning and placement of windows was needed to add a sense of generosity to the minimum space standards required by the regulations.The gables and the zincalume cladding create a clean, modern yet sympathetic addition to the property.<img width="1356" height="788" width_o="1356" height_o="788" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/10b2e950f22d7abcb54efc582eec0fcb28e28303756b0cf219e744a7d069ab39/Screenshot-2026-05-24-at-4.03.53pm.png" data-mid="248682258" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/10b2e950f22d7abcb54efc582eec0fcb28e28303756b0cf219e744a7d069ab39/Screenshot-2026-05-24-at-4.03.53pm.png" />The project enables all three occupants of the property to benefit from shared proximity while also maintaining their individual privacy.We managed the development action and construction documentation for this project. <img width="1000" height="815" width_o="1000" height_o="815" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/25c3a09023b3e64c1c7b32836541050d4443396823639097714e2d4a1ec8aeae/Driveway-house_3.jpg" data-mid="248682257" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/25c3a09023b3e64c1c7b32836541050d4443396823639097714e2d4a1ec8aeae/Driveway-house_3.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="1232" width_o="1500" height_o="1232" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b1a57f3defcdcd7af9631b39cf567c56924e2d81ca8e85e73a11dd21edeea52d/Driveway-house_9.jpg" data-mid="248682256" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b1a57f3defcdcd7af9631b39cf567c56924e2d81ca8e85e73a11dd21edeea52d/Driveway-house_9.jpg" /> Architect: Hugo Moline. Filed under: architecture, affordable housing https://mapa.net.au/Lightscoop-House-1 Mon, 18 May 2026 03:31:25 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Lightscoop-House-1 Lightscoop HouseReworking the back of a century-old house in the upper Blue Mountains to bring in the sun and watch the seasons change. The design approach was formed between two desires, respecting the existing house and getting real sun into the house during winter. The addition sits behind the existing house, pulled back enough to introduce a high north facing window to pull in the light and sunshine to passively warm the house. The addition is like a little sister to the old house, peeking over her shoulder. <img width="1242" height="921" width_o="1242" height_o="921" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/12dd71d4be658a458db19c189eb09b4a66ec99793dd8b5b3e8850f3c8c71fbd8/IMG-5597.jpg" data-mid="248419375" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/12dd71d4be658a458db19c189eb09b4a66ec99793dd8b5b3e8850f3c8c71fbd8/IMG-5597.jpg" />The exterior is clad in rescued golden cypress timber and the interior with plywood. The custom double glazed windows are made from recycled hardwood and open the house up to the beautiful garden. The bathroom has the feel of a tiny japanese sento with a sunken bath. The wall opens up to the garden so you can have a hot bath in the crisp air of winter and make a plunge pool for the kids in summer. MAPA managed the development application, construction documentation and the build.&nbsp; <img width="2917" height="1949" width_o="2917" height_o="1949" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/07428eadf2c33b44b66ea422da979a4907a03bd2dbcbac36f3d82cf8d1e6d322/LightScoopHouse.jpg" data-mid="248419376" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/07428eadf2c33b44b66ea422da979a4907a03bd2dbcbac36f3d82cf8d1e6d322/LightScoopHouse.jpg" /><img width="1242" height="1209" width_o="1242" height_o="1209" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/753d0a7ef0c41f0b8cec20570aa271b4bf22c2cd5973da09183858204caf0f17/IMG-5601.jpg" data-mid="248419374" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/753d0a7ef0c41f0b8cec20570aa271b4bf22c2cd5973da09183858204caf0f17/IMG-5601.jpg" /><img width="1242" height="1238" width_o="1242" height_o="1238" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9c2bab2fd7b71783d51d8cc60edf9fa20e89112634fc2c636a0a3f3b75f5f1e2/IMG-5595.jpg" data-mid="248419373" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9c2bab2fd7b71783d51d8cc60edf9fa20e89112634fc2c636a0a3f3b75f5f1e2/IMG-5595.jpg" /><img width="1242" height="1231" width_o="1242" height_o="1231" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1a86ebc680f2296bb15f8a2f37fdac4e578b1edab468503470326f0f31a4cbda/IMG-5603.jpg" data-mid="248419372" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1a86ebc680f2296bb15f8a2f37fdac4e578b1edab468503470326f0f31a4cbda/IMG-5603.jpg" /><img width="1776" height="1184" width_o="1776" height_o="1184" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f298f499d2d0233b32c85a3a95a6fd52cc27346daac8ef04a080d1c0f4920952/IMG-1683-1.JPG" data-mid="248419377" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f298f499d2d0233b32c85a3a95a6fd52cc27346daac8ef04a080d1c0f4920952/IMG-1683-1.JPG" /> https://mapa.net.au/Camp Mon, 18 May 2026 03:31:23 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Camp CampFor this client, we sought to design a camp which enables deep connection to landscape while keeping the interventions as minimal as possible. The design seeks to do more with less, keeping the camping shelters small, minimising the footings required, while creating comfortable platforms and shelters from which to take in the environment. <img width="5711" height="3185" width_o="5711" height_o="3185" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/419790bec3ed12eda26f30b2f15bdf27756776d893f5f08a905fae5759938f25/Untitled-1-copy.jpg" data-mid="248419369" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/419790bec3ed12eda26f30b2f15bdf27756776d893f5f08a905fae5759938f25/Untitled-1-copy.jpg" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7aa46375f6af38275ed0d4ad6073fefbc305b770909534b1ef40db4ce956d0cb/Pres.011.jpeg" data-mid="248419367" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7aa46375f6af38275ed0d4ad6073fefbc305b770909534b1ef40db4ce956d0cb/Pres.011.jpeg" /> The sleeping huts begin with the two beds in the landscape and add as little as is needed to protect them from the extremes of weather. The structure is cantilevered to hover above the ground and minimise the points at which the ground is disturbed. The communal hut is built to shelter a long table, at which to cook, eat and sit together in the landscape, either inside or out. <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/06ace71087c4ad3418375f419bbd14deed9392b82173355b8f9961d225190d72/Pres.012.jpeg" data-mid="248419368" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/06ace71087c4ad3418375f419bbd14deed9392b82173355b8f9961d225190d72/Pres.012.jpeg" /> The huts would be connected by a series of timber boardwalks designed to sit lightly on the ground without the need for invasive footings. At select points the path would widen to allow for people to sit and frame a particular moment in the landscape. Immersed in Darug country we were struck by many instances of layering between the weathered and the fresh – in the grey and orange escarpment faces, the walls and floors of rock, the leaves and bark shedding, the rejuvenation from bushfire. These relationships are translated into the design of the shelters with almost camouflaged, exterior, neutral tones of canvas and weathered timber and richer, warmer interiors of oiled timber and natural fabrics. <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fdb8cd3f5caf8aabc58b1e1e0fc90cfb15936224acc5485349cb289630ad1f24/Pres.009.jpeg" data-mid="248419365" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fdb8cd3f5caf8aabc58b1e1e0fc90cfb15936224acc5485349cb289630ad1f24/Pres.009.jpeg" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b829740333eb71cf1658f9f00efa4618ecd92fb10b0ba009ca2563a35ad2e4a3/Pres.010.jpeg" data-mid="248419366" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b829740333eb71cf1658f9f00efa4618ecd92fb10b0ba009ca2563a35ad2e4a3/Pres.010.jpeg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/adbe1815b9ced9b04498cd8fe4ef83539217e2d7217ea330f1680170553c6691/Pres.005.jpeg" data-mid="248419363" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/adbe1815b9ced9b04498cd8fe4ef83539217e2d7217ea330f1680170553c6691/Pres.005.jpeg" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/be5837188131715d42d6f8f79df59502f701ddaf1938f4d0fa27163bba8c7e32/Pres.004.jpeg" data-mid="248419362" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/be5837188131715d42d6f8f79df59502f701ddaf1938f4d0fa27163bba8c7e32/Pres.004.jpeg" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/aeedc0da8b6fab8c62823a46ffd709910968828ae0c6bf3f49a0dba097bd8415/Pres.006.jpeg" data-mid="248419364" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/aeedc0da8b6fab8c62823a46ffd709910968828ae0c6bf3f49a0dba097bd8415/Pres.006.jpeg" /> <img width="4294" height="2920" width_o="4294" height_o="2920" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/65fea18b4392c678433a86210d030204ad2b2d1cb53db9b52dacb9c57033b74e/gentle-camp-copy.jpg" data-mid="248419371" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/65fea18b4392c678433a86210d030204ad2b2d1cb53db9b52dacb9c57033b74e/gentle-camp-copy.jpg" /> https://mapa.net.au/The-Table-1 Mon, 18 May 2026 03:31:22 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/The-Table-1 The TablePublic care. Municipal housekeeping. Visionary maintenance. MAAS Architecture Pavillion shortlist submission 2017…….Heidi Axelsen and Hugo Moline. The Table is a space where productive, reproductive labours come to meet. A surface that can hold both private and public moments. This space is for feasting, planning, playing, talking, sitting, thinking. This Table is a place where reproductive labour (cleaning, cooking, caring, maintenance) is valued equally to productive labour (planning, creating, instigating, playing). There is no delineation between skilled or unskilled labour, there is just labour, and each is recognised as a contribution. This Table creates a new kind of place, a state of exception within a context where normally reproductive labour is invisible and undervalued. The Table is a simple thing, so ordinary, yet so versatile. Like the reproductive labour it supports, it is so useful, so fundamental that we barely notice it anymore. Most places labelled public (public toilets, public shelter, public housing) are built to be hard. They are made to eliminate the need for maintenance. From the fear that no one will care for them, they are made in such a way as to need as little as possible. In opposition to the poverty of public hardness, we propose a luxurious vulnerability, one which both requires and facilitates regular pleasurable maintenance. Rich, soft timber which needs to be regularly oiled. Natural linoleum which needs to be polished and cleaned. Canvas shades which can be washed and re-hung. Soft brooms will be provided to sweep the forecourt. Well paid cleaners and caretakers will lead workshops on hedonistic maintenance.In 2018, we were artists in residence at Nida Art Colony in Lithuania with our 3-year-old daughter, living and breathing the balancing act of reproductive vs productive labour. During the residency, we were shortlisted to develop a concept for the Powerhouse/ MAAS architecture pavilion. Thanks to the material feminists, the grand domestic revolution and the likes of Meirle Laderman Ukeles and Marta Rosler, we expanded beyond the microcosm of our table to a 30m to infinitely long ♾️ table for acts and discussions of hedonistic repair and maintenance. &nbsp;

Thanks to Nida Art Colony&nbsp;for supporting our work and providing a family friendly residency space, the Australia Council/Creative Australia for the funding and Powerhouse/MAAS for the commission.#maintenance #reproductivelabour #productivelabour #repair #art #architecture https://mapa.net.au/Participatory-Planning Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:07 +0000 MAPA place + art + architecture https://mapa.net.au/Participatory-Planning Participatory planning We work with communities to collectively learn about places and co-design plans for their future. These open research projects frame outputs ranging from high level design briefs to spatial designs, public art and cultural strategies and activation and placemaking plans. Featured projects &nbsp;︎︎︎