Loose Leaf – A New Archival Exhibition Tracing the Foundations of Tract

Tract will present Loose Leaf, a new archival exhibition examining the origins and evolution of the practice, at the Robin Boyd Foundation’s Walsh Street residence in South Yarra from 12 – 22 March.

Sketching out the early cultivation of professional practice in Australia, Loose Leaf explores landmark and little known projects from the 1970s and 80s, from garden design to landscape architecture, and emergent interdisciplinary thinking. Drawing on observational and archival material, the exhibition traces Tract’s foundations from its origin within Merchant Builders through to its position today as a national, collaborative and forward-thinking practice, more than 50 years on.

“For over 50 years Tract has sought to deliver innovative, contextual and sustainable environments in the projects  that it has undertaken,” said Deiter Lim (Managing Director, Tract).

“The Loose Leaf exhibition is a unique look into the storied history and the people  instrumental in Tract’s earliest formations – a glimpse into the melting pot of ideas, innovative thinking and the sustainable approach that keeps our practice strong today.”

Accompanying the exhibition is a public program including talks from Alan Pert and Emergent  Studio’s exploring early and current cluster housing projects, while Kerstin Thompson and Mark Jacques speak on their work restoring Robin Boyd and David Yencken’s Black Dolphin Motel. In the courtyard, drop-in drawing  sessions with Tract Senior Principal Landscape Architects Mariano Lopez and Emma Stevens as well as Melbourne’s favourite illustrator, artist and cartoonist Oslo Davis, will invite people to experience the art of hand drawing, still integral to Tract’s modern design practice. 

Loose Leaf is a collaboration between Tract and the Robin Boyd Foundation, supported by Brickworks Building Products. 

More info + tickets: fareharbor.com