Thomas Muzikants
Upon graduating from Cranbrook School in 2008, I undertook a BA of Fine Arts at the College of Fine Arts (UNSW) majoring in Sculpture and Installation; exploring my love of contemporary art and a growing passion for design. It was during this time I was exposed to greater fields of design including architecture and interior design. Having received my BA of Fine Arts (with Distinction), undertaking a BA of Interior Architecture at UNSW the following year (2012) felt like a natural progression. My love for Interior design has allowed me be to be very successful in my degree, quickly learning the necessities to convey my design approach, presentation techniques, drawing skills, report writing and communication skills. Throughout the BA of Interior Architecture, I have been challenged in terms of design resolutions, time management and team projects – but have learnt, through my now seven years of University experience, many skills in which to deal with these challenges. This all allowed for me to maintain my Distinction average and inclusion on the Dean’s list and receive a number of awards along the way. Admiring architects like that of Carlo Scarpa and his treatment of the most minute design details has instilled a thorough attention to detail and a dedication to produce the best work I can in my approach to design, allowing no small aspect go un-treated.
CUSA: Centre for Urban and Street Arts
brief
CUSA, was born following research undertaken and onsite observation at the White Bay PowerStation site and the surrounding Rozelle suburb. Local and international interest of the site suggests the potential for a major civic hub which will service the local community, revitalise the economy and provide and new and exciting cultural destination. White Bay PowerStation’s current graffiti covered and dilapidated state has made it a popular site for urban explorers and piqued the intrigue of youth in Sydney. This is due to its rundown, industrial aesthetic, coupled with the demand for a venue to house urban and street artistic expression. The space could serve as an international destination for tourism to experience this often overlooked and misunderstood art form.
project
CUSA: Centre for Urban and Street Arts, is a multiuse arts precinct that celebrates the heritage of the listed White Bay PowerStation. The site modernises and adapts the 1920’s structures to house various arts related facilities such as public art and dance studios, gallery/ exhibition spaces, artist in residence accommodation, youth and well-being services and large outdoor recreation spaces– which include an outdoor cinema and paintballing. The aesthetics of the CUSA proposal is inspired by the industrial nature of the site and inner city urban styling; through the insertion of new buildings within the existing, a small city is created with streets and laneways encouraging exploration. The beating heart of CUSA is the art and dance studios with surrounding chill out spaces, located in the Turbine hall. The verticality of the freestanding, black and orange steel structures and mezzanine levels, within the cavernous existing building with new translucent roof, are offset by vibrant coloured neon signage; evoking a city scape and skyline. A large multi-floored, flexible exhibition space is located in the existing Boiler house, whilst the artist in residence studios and accommodation are located in the smaller, more human scaled Switch house on the western side of the site. The CUSA proposal is intended to be a sympathetic adaption to the history and usage of the site; it’s of the utmost importance that the historical features are maintained and highlighted for the preservation of its character. Through the use of humble, industrial materials in new and inventive ways– coupled with contemporary and forward thinking design– CUSA aims to be the first international urban and street arts venue in the world. Through worldwide youth appeal and encouraging creative expression, the embrace of the often overlooked art forms of street art will legitimatise and acknowledge the medium which adds so much character and colour to Sydney’s streetscapes.
