Retail Space & Multi-Use Foyer at the TarraWarra Museum of Art by Fiona Lynch.

Melbourne-based design studio of Fiona Lynch has reimagined the gallery foyer at the TarraWarra Museum of Art. Conceived as a spatial insertion, the interior is sculpted around the significant architectural language and intent of the museum; defining the expansive multi-use lobby space, while positioning the retail experience as a thoughtfully curated showcase of art and objects.

TarraWarra Museum of Art Director Victoria Lynn explains her brief to Fiona Lynch “was to create a space that addressed the values of the Museum: excellent, unexpected, experiential, connected, collaborative and sustainable”.

Working respectfully within the original structure, sightlines are maintained and a complementary palette of tactile finishes introduced, including Victorian bluestone, hand-worked linished metal, charred timber and amber resin. Strategically placed deep joinery gives solidity and structure to the perimeter and carves new paths of circulation throughout the cavernous interior, making sense of a previously isolated reception bench.

Fragile curved forms introduce a contemporary intervention, with fine folded steel shelving, spindled tables and jewellery cases presented with a sense of conviction. Dramatic lighting draws focus to key architectural moments enabled by the floor plan.

Bespoke pieces by local artisans who straddle the line between art and design were key to the lobby concept. Daniel Barbera, Makiko Ryujin and Josh Carmody produced bespoke components such as the hand-linished metal shelving, charred timber displays and jaunty, creature-like leg system for the tables.

‘Collaborating with local designers to create these bespoke pieces has created an atmosphere that engages with art and place, and provides a relaxing environment to browse art books and Australian made objet d’art and jewellery’, says Lynn.

Highly attuned to the greater fabric of TarraWarra, the foyer design respects the dignity and reverence of the place by allowing the character of the artworks, architecture and landscape to sing. The museum’s retail offering is given life without overtly corporatising the space.

Related: Stories On Design // Metallic Interiors.

[Images courtesy of Fiona Lynch. Photography by Sharyn Cairns.]