The Living Pavilion is a living laboratory - a recyclable, biodegradable, edible and biodiverse event space that celebrates Indigenous knowledge, ecological science and sustainable design through participatory arts practice. Its unique horticultural design features over 40,000 indigenous plants endemic to the Kulin nation. The Living Pavilion logo by Dixon Patten, represents this. The circle in the middle represents a meeting space. The water represents the creek that once flowed through the space and signifies journey and life. The plants represent flora and fauna and connection to Country and place.

Located in 2019 on the future site of the New Student Precinct at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville Campus, The Living Pavilion is a platform for celebrating Melbourne’s eclectic flora and fauna, as well as hosting events and performances by Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, artists and scientists.

Between May 1-17, The Living Pavilion will be open to all members of the public - to wander through and experience the dynamic landscape design, and enjoy the programmed events and performances. Even though some events require registration, all events are free and we encourage people to enjoy the space even if they are not attending programmed events. 

The Living Pavilion is a co-production and collaboration with THRIVE Hub (Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning), Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub (CAUL) of the National Environmental Science Program, the New Student Precinct of the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, and CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 Festival.

The Living Pavilion’s major horticultural and design partners are Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and Ecodynamics. The Living Pavilion is lead by community artist and ecological designer Dr Tanja Beer, research fellow Zena Cumpston and Knowledge Broker Dr Cathy Oke.

The Living Pavilion respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which it takes place, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.