Distill was a design studio that embarked on a journey of transformation, embracing the concept of distillation as its guiding philosophy. Over the course of the semester, students delved into various dimensions of this process, exploring it not just as a chemical procedure but as a broader metaphor for design, agriculture, and materials.
At the heart of this architectural exploration was the creation of a distillery, an educational space as well as farm all nestled on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Students carefully selected and scrutinized the raw ingredient destined for distillation and the need for thoughtful consideration was emphasized through every step of the design process.
Led by two Wardle senior staff members, Ariani Anwar and Tom Proctor this design studio with Master of Architecture Students from Melbourne School of Design at The University of Melbourne. The Outpost teaching studios serve as a prime environment for experimentation with novel concepts. We selected its name intentionally to conjure the sensation of venturing into uncharted realms —a departure from established foundations to exploring fresh horizons.
This studio encouraged an appreciation for the sensory experience of distillation. Students were encouraged to research and select a raw ingredient to be distilled. The proposed architectural design response was to use a rich palette of mediums to convey the the visitor's journey – from the tactility of materials to the visual aesthetics, from the tantalizing taste of the final product to the scents that permeate the space.
