JMA Architects Qld Pty Ltd

“We live in a unique part of the world where architecture should be more about space, air and lightness. By ‘lightness’ we mean not just sitting lightly on the ground, but a cultural lightness where by natural light and lightness embrace and contrast heaviness.” John Mainwaring L.F.R.A.I.A. The basic attributes of the JMA philosophy are response to site, vista and climate. The spatial dynamics are primarily of more importance than form. Architecture consists of a series of spaces created by a composite of varying materials, surfaces, landscape, environment and view lines. These elements combine vertically and horizontally, adding a fourth dimension to the experience of the user. JMA architecture has basically evolved over a 30 year period, and is intrinsically an architecture that has developed as characteristic Australian Coastal architecture, with the simplicity and unpretentiousness of a 'fibro beach shack.' The old European colonial and neighbouring Asian cultures are reinterpreted or abstracted into a 'new' vernacular. The practice is constantly searching for inventive ways of maintaining historical continuity, albeit using contemporary design processes, materials and technology. Natural light, air movement and view lines intermix with the client's requirements to produce a stimulating and enjoyable built and landscape environment that responds to the different conditions all year. There is a conscious effort to blur the inside and outside spaces so that the special configuration suits flexibility, climate and thermal requirements. Many buildings produced by JMA do not require air conditioning. Form dynamics or tectonics often express the function of roof and wall planes allowing the intrusion and diffusion of light, at the same time giving privacy and acknowledgement to the inhabitants and neighbours. The JMA philosophy deplores imported styles and artificial real estate values. John Mainwaring has a fundamental belief that architectural and urban design on the East Coast of Australia must take its own direction as part of the Pacific Western rim, balancing built Asian and European cultural influences. Shifts within the Architectural fabric include the vibrancy and muscle of heavy components juxtaposing the lungs of lightweight structures.