GASP! is an acronym of Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park, located along the River Derwent in Glenorchy, Tasmania.
Room 11’s first foray into public architecture, the project was conceived in two stages and features a colorfully calibrated public walkway which deftly links previously marginalized, but surprisingly beautiful sections of shorefront. The river and abundant birdlife can be viewed as one walks the gentle arc that links an existing school, playground, entertainment center, and rowing club. Punctuating the arc are two carefully crafted pavilions which offer shelter, seating, and a place for reflection. The staged project was the result of a limited design competition in 2010 and subsequent stages are now under construction.
GASP! has been conceived as a ribbon along which contemporary art events and installations can occur, and the new architecture is an important feature of this. Turner Prize-winning artist Susan Philipsz was commissioned by GASP! to undertake the inaugural art project, “The Waters Twine,” an eight-channel sound project that was embedded into the boardwalk in March 2013. Additional events and installations are now underway.
Stage two is the penultimate gesture of the park, composed of architecture that responds to the scale of the surrounding landform. Blunt forms frame and command the superlative Tasmanian landscape and color and architecture are used as a vehicle for reevaluation and appreciation of place. The reformation of the shoreline embraces the expanse of Elwick Bay, and the bay becomes integral to the experience, creating a unity.
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