Who is Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang?
An architect duo based in Bulleke-bek, Naarm (Brunswick, Melbourne)
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Travel… much, much more travel.
Who inspires you and why?
Kelvin – Physicist Brian Cox. The wonders of the cosmos are palpable when Cox speaks; he has had a number one UK single with D:ream! and well, that hairdo. Just wow!
Adam – Architect Anupama Kundoo. Architecture as social enterprise. Kundoo has an enlightened talent for tapping into local artisanal skills, adaptable materials, and sustainable, simple building technologies.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Continue to develop an architecture driven by and for the circular materials economy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Japan – Uncompromising hospitality, beautiful natural landscapes, the extraordinary architecture and urban realms, and the food! kanpai!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The heady delights of Footscray followed by a sticky carpet night at the Tote then perhaps a hot spring soak-fest in the Macedon Ranges… And of course a visit to The Temple of Boom at the National Gallery of Victoria.
What are you currently reading?
Adam – The Death & Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs.
Kelvin – The Rise & Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives by Plutarch.
What are you currently listening to?
Hunky Dory by Bowie and Carn the Boogers by Karate Boogooloo.
Happiness is?
It has to be a hazy summer night in the Temple of Boom, Grollo Equiset Garden, National Gallery of Victoria, freaking out to Amyl & The Sniffers, and other great local acts, surrounded by friends, fellow citizens and ubiquitous, unfettered good will.
What does the future hold for you?
Architecture.
Adam and Kelvin are the Architect’s behind Temple of Boom – the winning design of the 2022 NGV Architecture Commission – which will be on display in the Grollo Equiset Garden – NGV International from 22 November 2022. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang (supplied)