In a sports relay, a team covers a distance in turns—a baton passing from one runner to the next. MRelay is an intellectual team sport bringing together leading thinkers, philosophers, fashionistas, mavericks, activists, provocateurs, architects and doyennes to share insights and ideas throughout a marathon conversation relay.

The first leg of MRelay is devoted to Pavilions and will consider the object, concept, gesture and act of pavilions as architectural interventions. Can a pavilion be more than just an object of relaxation and pleasure? Can the pavilion become a meeting place or a hub for conversation? Can it become a shelter or a haven? How do communities use the public space of the pavilion? Can pavilions be a place of social and cultural transformation? 

Leon van Schaik

This session will be hosted by expert in spatial discourse and Professor of Architecture at RMIT University, Leon van Schaik.

Speakers from diverse fields will participate in rapid conversations (interviewing a fellow guest for 15 minutes, and then another for 15 minutes) to form a calibrated chain reaction of ideas, murmurings and proclamations. Among the participants in the Pavilions segment are Naomi Milgrom, philanthropist and founder of MPavilion; Sean Godsell, leading Australian architect and designer of the inaugural MPavilion; Dan Honey, who as part of the Office of Good Design, creates works that stimulate creative thinking and interdisciplinary exchange; John Denton, director of Denton Corker Marshall Pty Ltd, one of the most significant Australian international architecture and design practices; and contemporary artist Callum Morton, whose installation and sculptural works lend from the language of architecture. 

Audiences can attend at any point of MRelay—you can pop in for 30 minutes to see someone in particular or, if you’re game, join the marathon and stay the whole day. RSVP on Facebook here and don’t forget to use #mrelay when posting about the event.

The other events as part of MRelay are Intimate Publics, Dreaming and Nocturne. View the whole MRelay program here.

MRELAY: PAVILIONS SCHEDULE

11.00am – Introduction
11.15am – Leon van Schaik + Sean Godsell
11.30am – Sean Godsell + Naomi Milgrom
11.45am – Naomi Milgrom + John Denton
12.00pm – John Denton + Giuseppe Demaio
12.15pm – Giuseppe Demaio + Dan Honey
12.30pm – Dan Honey + Callum Morton
12.45pm – Callum Morton + Gary Foley
1.00pm – Gary Foley + Leon van Schaik
1.15pm – Conclusion

Please note schedule is subject to change on day.

Watch every conversation from Part 1 below, and then click here to view our Facebook photo gallery of the entire day.