Oasis
The following proposal has been prepared by Jim Moss and Pam Zeplin
for discussion by VADRG membership
Oasis is the initial research and response from Pam Zeplin and
Jim Moss to The Abraham Project, VADRG members are invited to consider
and respond to the ideas in this proposal.
To mark this confluence of ‘religions of the book’, our proposal
seeks to foreground aspects of commonality between these three Abrahamic
traditions. Chief among these in Old Testament times was ‘Abraham’s
tent’, an open structure where the prophet received the word of Yawhe/God/Allah
and welcomed diverse travellers. Water too, was of critical importance
in this arid region– for survival and for ritual ablution.
In referencing Middle Eastern geography, the proposal also acknowledges
the place of Whyalla, which is also situated in arid country and has a
history of interaction between indigenous people and Afghani and
European settlers.
The Whyalla site
The site is effectively two east/west sites bisected by a north/south
enclosed walkway. Given the geometrical symmetry of the architecture,
this suggests that the project generate two foci – east and west of the
walkway, irrespective of whether either is of primary or secondary
significance. Within the limitations imposed by landscaping plans, we
are suggesting an asymmetrical plan – that is two foci of equal
significance, both of which can stand alone while equally contributing
to a unity of signification.
The Western courtyard prior to landscaping.
please see attached pdf files for landscaping plans of the site.
The plan.
The two material components of the proposal are:
1) An open tent structure - that echoes a nomadic/biblical, tradition
2) A well – this may be a construction that ‘signifies’ a well.
Both components are (symbolically) connected by diagonal pathways that
meet at one end of the enclosed walkway.
Both tent and well are two highly symbolic items, referencing both
biblical and demographic contexts while also marking universal symbols
of shelter and hospitality; the fundamental requirements of life.
Moreover, an open tent allows the flow of breeze, people and ideas, free
from institutional determination.
The forms are given further relevance by the local context - that region
surrounding Whyalla where informal Indigenous shelters abound and
precious waterholes exist. Indeed, both tent and well are symbolic of
where all people of all nations gather and gain sustenance.
Construction.
We propose that both components be constructed to scale (eg. .5) and
that both be accessible to the public. Although details are yet to be
finalised, we envisage both tent and well as minimal forms, the tent to
be constructed of corrugated iron, timber (poles) and wire cable as a
permanent structure and that the iron may reflect a decorated and/or
weathered look. The well may be constructed of mud brick or stone or in
another typical but simplified well-like form, not necessarily entailing
the addition of any specific technical apparatus. It may also be in the
form of a spring that bubbles forth from the ground. Both components are
essentially symbolic; however they are proposed to have literal and
symbolic symbiosis.
As well as referencing Whyalla’s industrial heritage, corrugated iron
addresses the problem of a ‘permanent’ tent material. As meta-symbolic
of the requirements of indigenous peoples world-wide, the tent is
constituted of a contemporary material of universal significance and
potential architectural innovation.
James Moss & Pamela Zeplin
June 2006.