This series was inspired by Rupi Kaur’s writing workshop on free writing
Dear Robin Boyd,
I've been meaning to tell you I really enjoyed volunteering at Walsh Street House. Two years ago, a friend introduced me to The Robin Boyd Foundation. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I entered your home. I was amazed by the layout and cold temperatures despite the scorching December Summer.
There was something peaceful listening to the group of us clicking on our keyboards in the dining room. I really enjoyed flipping through the variety of odd books there. Those moments of exploring different genres stored within the shelves. I guess what they say is true - the books kept at home is another reflection of the reader's interest and what they aspire to learn. It reminded me of the Japanese phrase Tsundoku (積ん読 ) - where one accumulates piles of books but has yet to read them. I wonder, have you read all the books within your collection? I too myself am guilty of buying books when there are many on my shelf have been left untouched….
Archiving those books, however, brought forth my admiration for your ideas. At some point, I assisted in looking through other materials, and I could tell that you are very passionate about what you stand for, and I feel some points you have made are still highly relevant and should be reiterated today. In fact, I would love to hear your thoughts on Architecture models today. Whether it'd be high density or the Nightingale model, I believe you would provide an exciting voice on the discussion panel.
Last year in December, I embarked on my first solo trip to Japan. I visited Osaka's Expo 70 site. Yes, I saw the sizeable child-star statue (I did not realise that the figure had another face at the back!). I went to the lone standing pavilion (Pavilion of Technology, I believe) and saw a collection of all the exhibits and items that were displayed in the exhibition. When I saw Australia's artefact, my heart broke at the preserved Corals from the Great Barrier Reef. Given the state of it now, who would have thought that we could be so destructive to our landscape?
I did also find photos of the Australia Pavilion. Unfortunately, only James McCormick's name was credited in the cards. I felt disappointed for you to not see your name in the designers' list. In hindsight, I wonder if I should've spoken to the ladies and told them about your name too… However, you may be pleased to know that the pavilion got relocated again in 2011 but was demolished in 2014. I witnessed a family looking at the information and expressed their sadness at how neglecting the pavilion led to its demise. I wonder though, was the pavilion meant to last forever?
Have you ever felt sorrow at the disappearance of your designs?
Do you suppose architecture is supposed to last forever? Sometimes, I look at heritage preservation and consider at what point would we be saturated with preserved buildings. You see, when I went to work in Hong Kong, I was involved in a project where they examined how heritage is treated in Hong Kong. Because our community mainly regard buildings as old and run down, and not a precious relic. I wonder if this is a difference in attitude between Eastern and Western Cultures.
To be honest, I'd like to go back in time and work for you or with you… I wonder what it would be like to listen to your ideas and ambitions. Maybe being in your house and looking through your archive of projects, I have developed a rosey filter when picturing the 'what-ifs'.
Dear Robin Boyd, how would you like us to remember you apart from being a great Australian architect? Would you like to be recognised as a visionary? A respectful person?
The image of the red door of Walsh Street is still as vivid in my mind. I hope to return to the house and enjoy the tranquillity there. Maybe somewhere in the yard, your presence is there, sitting in the wire chair while observing what the landscape of Australian Architecture could be with a cup of tea.
Till next time.
Sincerely,
Kimberley
3 April 2020