Reimagining Birrarung: new exhibition imagines river’s bold potential future

A new exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria is set to offer an ambitious, futuristic vision of the Yarra / Birrarung River.

Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 considers the future of the city’s famous river over the next six decades. 

Designers were asked to use emergent technology, science and First Nations knowledge systems to create concepts for the future use of the river and its lands.

Rich images from contributors offer glimpses of expansive native parklands, robotic drones monitoring wildlife health and safety, and aquaculture in historic riverside buildings.

“Through the presentation of thought-provoking and real-world possibilities, the exhibition asks audiences to consider what we want for the future of Birrarung, as well as what this river, as a living entity, wants for itself,” NGV director Tony Ellwood said. 

Eight of Australia’s leading architectural and design firms have contributed, using animation, 3D models, interactive maps, multimedia, renders and illustrations to display different sites along the river corridor from the Yarra Ranges to Port Phillip as they could be by 2070.

The project has been guided by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elders in collaboration with the state government’s Birrarung Council.

“We’re incredibly proud to sponsor this important exhibition that will offer Victorians a thought-provoking experience and immersive vision for the future of the Birrarung,” Victorian Minister for Water Harriet Shing said. 

Contributing design firms include Aspect Studios, Bush Projects, McGregor Coxall, Office, Openwork, Realm Studios, SBLA and TCL.

Reimagining Birrarung will be on display at The Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square from August 23 to February 2. Entry is free. •