Atrium Atrium 13 | 2010 13 | 2010
THE ARCHITECTURE OF ENGAGEMENT – CREATING COMMUNITIES
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 02 | 03
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Abp alumni: cities and campuses 04 The encyclopaedia of australian architecture 16 the ARCHITECTURE of community 08 msd summer research internships 18 Noel henderson: occasional address 10 1994 REUNION 21 2010 Venice architecture biennale 14 FROM THE FACULTY 22
Dean’s Message
This issue of Atrium addresses an 2010 is a significant year for the Faculty. In March of this year, we celebrated the important facet of our professional graduation of the first cohort to emerge from and educational worlds – the Melbourne School of Design (MSD) and our first intake of Bachelor of Environments the making of communities. students have progressed to their final year of undergraduate studies. As our students progress into their professional careers, we are confident that they have developed a thinking framework that enables them to continue to learn and adapt to evolving workplace environments and to establish themselves as the leaders in their chosen fields.
This issue of Atrium addresses an important facet of our professional and educational worlds – the making of communities. It is the habitation of designed and evolved worlds that is the focus of both research and teaching in ABP, at the level of cities, campuses and individual buildings. The theme of this issue is “The architecture of engagement”. We illustrate this with a focus on the contributions our alumni have made in designing and realizing communities both in Australia and abroad. Here we profile the contributions of four distinguished graduates who have influenced the way in which people across the world have engaged and developed communities: Alan Choe in Singapore, Bill Mitchell in Boston, Sean Godsell in Melbourne and Hijjas Kasturi in Kuala Lumpur.
We also look at the architecture of communities - how they evolve and considerations in designing them effectively. Dr David Nichols eloquently examines how buildings and communities reflect each other, using the Melbourne suburb of Kew as a historical and modern case study. As David establishes in his article, even as the function of public buildings change over time, they remain vitally important to our urban development and cultural resilience. Atrium 13 | 2010
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We also profile a unique project that our graduates are now highly regarded Our rich event culture continues in 2010, seeks to capture those involved in the in Australia and around the world, that with the Dean’s Lecture Series and the creation of communities. The Encylopedia their efforts are transforming the delivery ABP Alumni Retrospective Series leading of Australian Architecture had eventuated of projects and that diverse professional the way. We were delighted to host the solely due to the generosity of our opportunities abound for our new graduates. Chilean architect Mathias Klotz in March, supporters. This remarkable publication, who spoke about his architectural practice due to be released next year, draws Work has now started in the design to a capacity audience in the Carrillo together 260 scholars from Australia of our new building under the leadership Gantner Theatre. In May, we hosted and overseas to result in the first of John Wardle Architects and Office dA. William Cobbett, Manager of the comprehensive overview of Australian A consultant team is being marshalled Washington D.C. based organization architecture. Edited by Professor Philip and funding aligned to ensure that the Cities Alliance, who presented an intriguing Goad and Associate Professor Julie Willis, project progresses with the anticipation Dean’s lecture on the challenge of scale it will encompass around 1300 entries that we will be moving out of our current in a rapidly urbanising world. As part of on all aspects of Australian architecture, facilities next year. While it is in its early the ABP Alumni Retrospective Series, we including indigenous, colonial, modern stages there is little detail that can be celebrated the work and vision of one of and contemporary buildings. reported but we expect to be highlighting our most successful alumni, Daryl Jackson, the project in future issues this year as when we presented an exhibition of his Our lively reunion program continues the design emerges. selected projects in April. The exhibition this year. Last year we met with classes included a documentary of Professor Philip of 1959-61. In this issue, Richard Hansen 2010 has so far proven to be a year Goad in conversation with Daryl, and drew reflects on the reunion of his BBdlg class marked by research achievement for a wide range of media and community of 94, held at the Robin Boyd House in Faculty staff and alumni. Several staff interest. The next alumnus we will profile South Yarra. Of the 30 graduates in 1994, have distinguished themselves with in this series will be the architect Peter Ho 22 were able to attend – a great turn-out various awards, grants and publications, in September. given that many now live and work which are highlighted in our section overseas. These reunion events represent on achievements in ‘From the Faculty’. To keep in touch with our changing a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and Considerable media attention has been calendar of exhibitions, public lectures, reflect on the success of our graduates generated around the world by the conference and activities, please visit as the Faculty evolves. forthcoming exhibition in the Australia our website: http://www.msd.unimelb. Pavilion in the 12th Venice Architecture edu.au/events/ A Noel Henderson’s occasional address Biennale. Of the 17 projects selected by at the Conferring of Degree Ceremony Creative Directors John Gollings and Ivan in March offered inspiration to our most Rijavec, three teams are led by members recent graduating cohort. Noel shared of our Faculty and six consist of our alumni. his insight into the construction industry, This is an extraordinary representation for where he has worked as a leading builder, our Faculty in one of the most important contractor and developer over the last events on the international architecture 40 years, and highlighted the transformative calendar. As part of one of the chosen changes that have occurred over this time. teams, for the Fear Free City project, He also reflected on how the Faculty and I am personally looking forward to being our educational programs have evolved in Venice in August and experiencing since the 1960s, an era where building the energy distinctive to the Biennale. graduates were distrusted because they were perceived as ‘over-educated’ without site experience. Noel concluded his address by noting that the skills of Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 04 | 05
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ABP Alumni: Cities and Campuses
ALAN CHOE: SINGAPORE
The urban redevelopment authority He subsequently went on to form the Mr Choe was named in the Singapore afforded Mr Choe the opportunity to Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in National Day Awards in 2001 and received play a key role in Singapore’s urban 1964 and became its first general manager the Distinguished Service Order. Mr Choe renewal program, the legacy of which to undertake comprehensive urban renewal has also been Chairman of Pasir Ris Resort is reflected in the contemporary and redevelopment of Singapore’s Central Pte Ltd, a Trustee of NTUC Income and Singapore masterplan. Areas. His role was to clear slums and member of the Singapore Tourism Board. create a modern and vibrant commercial He was also a Director of Keppel Land Mr Choe was awarded a Bachelor of program. The legacy of his role is reflected Limited and currently sits on the Board Architecture degree, a Diploma in Town in the contemporary Singapore Master of several listed companies. & Regional Planning from the University Plan. He left URA and became a Senior of Melbourne and a Fellowship Diploma Partner in one of the largest architectural He was awarded the Public Administration from the Royal Melbourne Institute of practices in Singapore. Medal (Gold) in 1967, the Meritorious Technology. He is a Fellow Member of the Service Medal in 1990, the Distinguished Singapore Institute of Architects, Singapore Mr Choe continues to be a prominent Service Order in 2001, and a Gold Medal Institute of Planners and Royal Australian architect and town planner in Singapore. from the Singapore Institute of Architects Institute of Architects. He is also a member He became the Chairman of the Sentosa (SIA) in 2004. The SIA Gold Medal award, of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Development Corporation (SDC). He was first introduced in 1998, is the Republic’s Royal Town Planning Institute, Royal behind the transformation of Sentosa highest award for architects who have Australian Planning Institute and the Island, from a British military base into made significant contributions to American Planning Association. a popular recreation and international architecture during their lifetime and tourist destination. His retirement from is awarded only every two to three years. A Mr Choe was the first architect and that position in 2004, marked the end town planner to return to Singapore of his 24 year association with Sentosa. from overseas. He was appointed as He subsequently also formed Sentosa the first architect and planner for the newly Cove Pte Ltd (SCPL) and became its established Housing and Development first Chairman. Sentosa Cove became Board and helped plan many of the the first life style waterfront housing and housing estates and public housing is today the most successful and well in Singapore’s public housing program. known landmark in Singapore. Atrium 13 | 2010
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Our alumni have made a tremendous contribution in designing communities both in Australia and abroad. Here we profile the contributions of four distinguished graduates who have influenced the way in which people across the world have engaged and developed communities: Alan Choe in Singapore, Bill Mitchell in Boston, Sean Godsell in Melbourne and Hijjas Kasturi in Kuala Lumpur.
HIJJAS KASTURI: MARA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HIjjas Kasturi studied at the University Hijjas Kasturi’s work is recognised Commission Building, Kuala Lumpur. of Adelaide and the University of internationally. In 1998 he received In 2001, Hijjas received the PAM Gold Melbourne (Bachelor of Architecture, the Tokyo Creation Award and in 2001 Medal Award from the Malaysian Institute 1965, Graduate Diploma of Town and the Malaysian Architect’s Institute Gold of Architects (PAM). Regional Planning, 1966). He returned Medal. He was also awarded an Honorary to Singapore in 1966, and then moved Doctorate from the Unviersiti Malaya in Hijjas Kasturi has made a significant and to Malaysia in 1967, where he founded 2005 and from the University of Melbourne lasting artistic, environmental, technological the School of Art and Architecture at in 2008. and professional contribution to architecture MARA Institute of Technology. He went and identity in Malaysia. He is a fitting into partnership in 1969, and then In addition to being a member of the ambassador for the success of the formed the practice Hijjas Kasturi Malaysian Institute of Architects and Colombo Plan and its education of the Associates (HKAS) in 1997. Malaysian Institute of Planning, Hijjas acts future leaders of the professions in Asia, as an external examiner for several schools and the University of Melbourne’s proud Characterised by the major concerns of of Architecture Malaysia and he has been role in that endeavour. A architecture, town planning and building, invited to teach in several universities in in addition to the arts-oriented influences Malaysia and abroad. The practice has of industrial, graphic and textile design, won many awards for its work including and fine arts, the practice ofH KAS has that for the Kuching Civic Centre by a unique vision. the Association of Engineers, California, USA (1989); ASEAN Award (1990), in Major buildings in Kuala Lumpur such recognition of work in the visual arts as Menara Maybank (1989), Tabung Haji (architecture); the 12th Tokyo Creation (1986), Putrajaya Convention Centre (2003) Award by the Tokyo Fashion Association, and the 4G11 Tower (2008), currently Japan (1998); and the Pertubuhan Arkitek being built in Putrajaya, are examples of Malaysia (Malaysian Institute of Architects) the influential buildings designed byH KAS. 2000 Excellence Award for the Securities Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 06 | 07
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ABP Alumni: Cities & Campuses
Bill Mitchell: MIT AND SMART CITIES
Bill Mitchell, (BArch (Hons) 1968), Originally from Melbourne, Professor The group explores the new forms and Professor of Architecture, Media Mitchell completed a Bachelor of and functions of cities in the digital Arts and Sciences at Massachusetts Architecture (Honours) at the University electronic era. It suggests design and Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. of Melbourne in 1968, and subsequently planning directions for the future and completed a Master of Environment Design focuses on creating innovative ways As a former Head of Architecture & Urban at Yale, and a Master of Arts at Cambridge. to change how we live in urban areas Design at the University of California (Los He holds honorary doctorates from both through, in part, the application of new Angeles), former Director of the Design the University of Melbourne and the New technologies that enable urban energy Studies Program at the Graduate School Jersey Institute of Technology. efficiency and sustainability, and enhance of Design, Harvard, and former Dean of opportunity, equity, and cultural creativity. A the School of Planning at MIT, Professor Professor Mitchell is the head of the Mitchell has an international reputation Smart Cities research group at the as one of the most prolific researchers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology writers, thinkers and institutional leaders (MIT). The group focuses on using new in the fields of urban design, architecture, technologies to enhance urban design sociology and mobile information systems. and transport systems.
Professor Mitchell coordinated MIT’s Smart Cities research is particularly billion-dollar campus architecture and concerned with the emerging roles urban planning redevelopment to build of networked intelligence in fabrication state-of-the-art facilities for emerging and construction, urban mobility, building areas of research, to support residential design and intelligently responsive and community life, and to revitalize operation, and public space. the physical campus. Atrium 13 | 2010
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SEAN GODSELL: RMIT DESIGN HUB
Sean Godsell was born in Melbourne Sean has received numerous local and The Design Hub will provide in 1960. He graduated with First Class international awards. In 2006 he received accommodation in one building Honours from the University of the Victorian Premier’s Design Award and for a diverse range of design research Melbourne in 1984. After traveling the RAIA Robin Boyd Award and in 2007 and postgraduate education. The Hub in Japan and Europe he worked in he received the Capochin residential will provide a collegial research base where London from 1986 to 1988 for Sir Denys architecture award in Italy and a Chicago post graduates in fields such as fabric Lasdun, before returning to Melbourne Athenaeum award in the USA – all for and fashion design will work alongside in 1989 and joined The Hassell Group. St Andrew’s Beach House. In 2008 he those involved in architecture, aeronautical In 1994 he formed Godsell Associates was a finalist in the wallpaper International engineering, industrial design, landscape Pty Ltd Architects. Design Awards and a recipient of his architecture, and urban design. A second AIA Record Houses Award for In July 2002 the influentialE nglish design Excellence in the USA for Glenburn House. magazine wallpaper listed him as one of In 2008, noted architectural historian ten people destined to ‘change the way and Professor of Architecture at Columbia we live’. He was the only Australian and University Kenneth Frampton nominated the only architect in the group. him for the inaugural BSI Swiss Architecture Award for architects under the age of 50 In July 2003 Sean received a Citation and his work was exhibited as part of the from the President of the American Institute Milan Triennale and the Venice Biennale. of Architects for his work for the homeless. His Future Shack prototype was exhibited He is currently working on projects in from May to October 2004 at the China and Australia and his first major Smithsonian Institute’s Cooper Hewitt building, the RMIT University Design Design Museum in New York. Hub, a post graduate research centre for design, is currently under construction in Melbourne. Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 08 | 09
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The Architecture of Community Dr David Nichols, Lecturer in Urban Planning Hub, Hall and Habitat
How do community and the built through much of the 20th century, How would people of Kew meet, environment reflect each other? Our volunteer labour of local residents would communicate, rally or be entertained en cities and towns are rich with evidence then create an amenity which might then masse in the early 20th century? As well of attempts to build, and then to celebrate, also be run on a voluntary basis. as the small publicly available space at community spirit: buildings and spaces their Town Hall – a reconfigured Mechanics designed to create, reflect or reinforce The Melbourne suburb of Kew is perhaps Institute building of 1860 – Kew citizens the nature and strength of social grouping. not an intuitive choice to look for a variety at the turn of the last century were able Many of these continue to function to of perspectives on the idea of ‘community’ to use the city’s Recreation Hall, another different degrees of effectiveness; some, as it relates to buildings and networks. ‘second hand’ building built in 1880, like small-scale health or education With all due respect to this middle-ring, acquired by Kew in 1917 from a firm which buildings, have pragmatic uses with middle-class suburb, there is perhaps a had operated it as a private leisure centre. defined parameters. Others – such pervading understanding of middle-class Like many such amenities, the Recreation as halls available for group booking – suburbs that they are generally comprised Hall often hosted money spinning ‘nights’ are multi-purpose. But the ways that of upstanding – and rarely outstanding – such as the New Vogue Ballroom, in the community and the built environment individuals who look to their own hearth late 1930s.2 have interacted over time give us insight for contentment, rather than to forming into architectural developments and bonds with their neighbours – whether it While buildings such as the Recreation conceptions of the architect’s (or builder’s) be for mutual betterment or social activity. Hall served as Kew’s social and community role, and the changing perceptions Whether this is true or not (the truth no centre, those in other areas of the suburb of government, governance, democracy doubt resides in examination not of people saw the potential for new networks and, and duty. or a class per se, but of ages and life perhaps, new local government. From the stages) what is undeniable is that Kew 1920s and long into the 20th century, the The present-day rhetoric of community provides the researcher on community East Kew Progress Association aspired is not substantially removed from that and its impact on the built environment to the construction of a hall for concerts, of a century ago; for many Australians, with a large number of unusual examples dances and meetings, to be funded on this rhetoric has clearly reflected reality of specific community building types – an ongoing basis by shops at ground level, in many ways. But the built environment and types of community. Kew citizens’ built on a block it had acquired.3 Its record of community buildings shows scramble, over a century, for a purpose-built honorary secretary, Mr Bland, referring the many permutations the notion has town hall and civic centre was surely part to the wealth of the region’s residents, gone through since European colonisation. of the reason behind the creation of so predicted ‘there should be no real difficulty Australia’s community buildings come many other ad hoc community places; in raising enough money to build a modern from a number of diverse sources: most the slow expansion of a suburb at the hall for Kew people’, adding that ‘the best commonly created and commissioned whim of transport planners and wider way to get this done was to tackle the by local government, or built by residents economic fluctuations may be another.1 job in the true Australian spirit and do themselves. The community may also it themselves.’4 The 1930s Depression lobby local government either for a facility damped the EKPA’s initial surge and or merely the land to build it on – frequently,
1. See David Nichols and Hannah Lewi, ‘The Kew 2. See for instance ‘New Vogue Ballroom: Kew 4. ‘East Kew Progress Association: Successful Club: the modernist mythology of a middle-ring Recreation Hall’ Kew Advertiser 27 May 1937 p.3 euchre party and dance’ Kew Advertiser 26 May suburb’ in Panorama to Paradise: SAHANZ 1927 p.1 Conference proceedings Adelaide, 3. ‘East Kew progres [sic] hall’ Kew Advertiser September 2007 12 May 1927 p.1 5. ‘Social Events: Kindergarten Dance’ Melbourne Argus 4 July 1925 p.34 Atrium 13 | 2010
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buildings and spaces designed to create, reflect or reinforce the nature and strength of social grouping.
subsequent events saw this section us nowhere, and it was only when the It is easy to imagine that these examples of Kew more properly incorporated community pulled together that we would from a bygone era represent a time when into the suburban area. accomplish anything’.6 A group calling entertainment and social activities required itself the ’Kew Civic and Community more exertion, and identity was far more The council of the City of Kew were Centres Movement’ lobbied the council closely related to locality and environment hardly shirkers when it came to providing for one central and three smaller Civic than it is in the 21st century. Kew itself was a network of structures germane to the Centres, the larger one ‘to be built on absorbed into the City of Boroondara in ideal of supporting health, welfare and a commanding central site’ including 1994, and the civic centre building so long social development at a local level – and administrative offices, halls for cultural fought for is now the local library. Voluntary also, by extension, contributing to wider activities, club rooms, library, youth activity in Australian communities is less Australian society. Local engineer Roland centre, ‘health’, and a café, the smaller connected to the enlightened self-interest Chipperfield designed infant welfare to incorporate kindergartens and infant of, for instance, weekend working-bee centres, kindergartens and sports pavilions welfare centres, leisure halls and junior construction of public buildings than it was across his small patch of Melbourne. and adult libraries, and adult education in the post-war period, and most of these Facilities such as kindergartens, clearly facilities. Notable architect John functions have devolved to government seen as important components of Scarborough was commissioned to and/or professionals. community life after and before the First prepare designs for these buildings.7 World War, were often also the products None of these plans came to fruition. Yet as much as public buildings’ function of local voluntary campaigns. In mid-1925 may change over time, their importance the Free Kindergarten Union, based in When Kew Civic Centre, designed by A. C. in urban development and in cultural Kew, engaged the Wang Wang orchestra Leith and Bartlett, was opened in 1960, resilience cannot be denied. The Federal to play for a ‘Kindergarten Dance’ at the Q Club – a jazz, and later rock, venue government – and many State equivalents Hawthorn Town Hall raising money for of the 1960s and early 70s – continued – are seemingly once again convinced a Kindergarten Holiday Home.5 the practice, now largely unknown, of of the importance, value and power of councils providing alcohol-free music the very local. The architecture of local The postwar era saw a conception and dance events for youth; a public community is intrinsically bound up in of community encouraged by Federal service that also happened to be lucrative. the networks and local manifestations government hoping to harness a wartime Here a wider sense of community was of broader ideals. A spirit of collectivism. It was somewhat embraced, and the building became a similar to Mr Bland’s idea of self-sufficiency hub for youth, not just in Kew but across Community: Building Modern and ‘spirit’, reinforced by former Premier Melbourne. Most certainly Kew youth were Australia, edited by Hannah Lewi Albert Dunstan when he opened a Kew in the council’s minds – not least because and David Nichols, will be published kindergarten in 1948; Dunstan spoke of fear of antisocial activities of bored young by University of NSW Press later against people who ‘lean upon the Kewites, and also anxiety over what Kew’s this year. government, and let them provide youth might grow up to be. kindergartens… That spirit would get
6. Melbourne Argus, 29 April 1948 p.5
7. W D Vaughan, Kew’s Civic Century Kew: W D Vaughan 1960 p.38 Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 010 | 01102
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING Atrium 13 | 2010
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Occasional Address Noel Henderson - Conferring of Degree Ceremony 10 March 2010 at the University of Melbourne
Tonight we see the formal recognition There have been significant changes The early building graduates were of the years of Academic study, and over this period. At this University in initially distrusted because they did not most Architecture Building and Planning the mid 1960s there were 150 students have what was perceived to be ‘site graduates will be looking to work, or in the first year of Architecture Building experience’. But things quickly changed. are already working, in the property and Planning and 7 were enrolled for High-rise construction, created demands and construction industry. I have been Building. The faculty had moved at the for improved performance by builders, working for 40 years now as a builder, end of 1963 from a prefabricated building and we should remember that in the early contractor, developer and client. to a half-finished building, where it is still 60s the tallest building in Melbourne was located. The students raised significant the ICI building which was enormous at My focus has always been on the donations of materials and money to 20 stories. The tallest building is now over future, but history is a great teacher help finish this building. 80 stories. The ICI building also brought and understanding the past, and in new technology to the industry because particular, the modern era of the last Up to the 1960s the traditional training it was the first major building with a glass 40 years of the building industry for builders was a trade course in curtain wall facade. helps to shape the way forward. carpentry and then learning in various roles working on building sites and in > the builder’s office. Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 012 | 013
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At the same time there were other in detail. We then constructed the pre-cast or operate in related sectors such as changes occurring as the industry concrete walls onsite using the car park funds management and development. saw the emergence of the BLF. as the casting bed and then erected Many have also had the opportunity the panels directly to the perimeter to work throughout Australia and New During the 70s there was clearly a need of the buildings. Zealand and overseas, in the Middle for much tighter control and management East and the UK – including a team of of building projects. This created roles We had designed a three-dimensional graduates that were moved to the UK in for the increasing number of building space frame roof structure which gave 2004 to work on the two largest projects graduates but also led to much more column free space to each of the buildings in London – Wembley Stadium and White sophistication in the way building projects and large sections were built on the City Shopping Centre. were planned and carried out. Critical ground then lifted into position. This path planning became an essential tool provided a very quick construction time My relationship with the Faculty continues to monitor the day-to-day activities, and allowed the developer to open well today - in my current business we have in fact planning hour-by-hour activities ahead of his scheduled date. It also gave 15 graduates in our programme, ten are on projects. us the opportunity to employ a number from the Faculty, as well as 14 other alumni. of fellow students in a range of roles One of the great strengths of the building on the project, which injected a level Each year the graduate team is industry is that it has been able to adapt of energy that ensured success. encouraged to undertake a community and evolve. Builders on commercial service project and raise the necessary projects started to look at alternative forms After that, delivering challenging buildings funds for the project. There have been of construction. Pre-cast concrete started became a personal focus and involved many significant projects but one that to be used during the early 1980s and now projects such as the Trade Union Training stands out, was the challenge to renovate we see most of the vertical elements of College at Wodonga, the Concert Hall at and restore the house at Balibo in buildings being constructed using pre-cast the Victorian Arts Centre, Republic Tower, East Timor. Two years of planning and concrete and indeed a number of buildings Federation Square and Wembley Stadium, organisation, generous donations of where pre-cast concrete has been used and some of the pioneering public private building materials and shipping containers, both as floor system and for the vertical partnership work in Australia. The great resulted in the famous ruin of a house cores and walls. This innovation by the challenge for builders is not only to build being converted into a new community building industry, particularly in Melbourne, projects, but is to build organisations and centre. The message for graduates enabled the industry to remain productive. project teams that can manage and after this was clear – detailed planning, deliver projects. organisation, teamwork and focus on The first major use of grey panels or tilt-up the task is the key to achieving the panels was at the Safeway Warehouse at Then, reorganise the project teams at desired outcome – no matter where Mulgrave and involved an energetic young the completion of a project and move the project is located. engineer from New Zealand who in a visit to new projects. This is a great skill, and to the United States had seen these not all get this right which is why at times In recent years there has been a growing panels. This was in the mid 1960s. By there is significant movement of people focus on environmental issues as they the late 1960s a group of three students in the industry and this applies equally relate to buildings. We are at the beginning from this University were given a unique to Architects and Builders. Continuity is of this journey and graduates have an opportunity to design and construct a major difficult in an industry that rises and falls exciting task in front of them to design commercial project, the Preston Market. so sharply with the economy. and construct smarter and more sensitive I was one of those three students and buildings and cities. In our Engineering the outcome that we achieved was To grow a business you first need to business we are involved in the renewable very different from the earlier markets grow the people and have the people energy industry as we have formed a joint of Melbourne and showcased new that are capable of growing. This is why venture with a Spanish company to design methods of construction. in 1984 I set up a graduate programme and construct precast concrete towers for linked to Melbourne University. In over wind farms. Steel towers have been used In some respects the project was built 25 years more than 100 graduates have to date, but we believe precast concrete backwards. We built the car park first been employed through this programme. will be faster to manufacture and use and used the time while the earthworks Some still work with me and many others less energy in the process. and car park were being carried out now either run their own business, are to design and document the building directors of large construction companies Atrium 13 | 2010
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The skills and disciplines developed to work with some of the great architects But more importantly, there has been by graduates should not be seen as in Australia, and in some cases the great an international competition for a new restricting them to the construction architects of the world, as we see more Faculty building at this university and industry. As an example, I have used international design competitions for major this should ensure that the Faculty the core skills of project management, projects in Australia. Look around you maintains its exceptionally high cost control and financial planning to tonight, some of the future great architects standards and reputation. build a large agricultural business. Some maybe sitting with you. years ago we established and developed The skills of graduates from the Faculty a super-fine merino stud. The house and Australia has a stable economy, have been seen in Australia and around farm complex was designed by some old and stable politics and this will present the world so there will be no shortage of student friends – Denton Corker Marshall. some of the big challenges in the future opportunity. But, the important thing is that When the farm complex was designed in for architects, builders and planners at all stages in your career you don’t let go 1996 we did not set out to build an iconic as population increase accelerates. of the culture and discipline that you have building. But a clear brief based on what In Melbourne we are certainly seeing developed, and the relationships you have we did not want, together with the population increase at the moment, established, at this University. This has extraordinary site for the house, and and the outcome, when this is not provided you with the essentials to start the strong relationship between the planned, results in chaos on the roads and continue on a professional path to a architect, the clients and of course the and the public transport system, and challenging career in an ever-changing and builder has resulted in a breathtaking an ever spreading city with housing demanding world. I wish you all good luck. A outcome that has received international that is becoming unaffordable. recognition in a number of publications on the top 100 houses of the 20th century. Melbourne has forged a reputation for innovative design and innovative Graduates, you are about to build a career construction techniques. There is a in what I think is a most totally engaging new design hub now being built down and challenging industry. An industry the road at RMIT, and a new architecture where builders will have the opportunity school established at Monash.
L-R: Associate Professor Peter Ashford, Professor Thomas Kvan, Noel Henderson, Associate Professor Peter Williams, Professor Paolo Tombesi. Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 014 | 015
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
2010 Venice Symbiotic City Architecture Steve Whitford and Biennale James Brearley Architects + Urbanists
The Faculty of Architecture Building The successful proposals were chosen New Scientist, February 2009, presented and Planning will be well represented from a shortlist of 24, selected from 129 a 2099 world climate map in which most at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennale. proposals submitted to the competition, of Australia’s existing cities sit within newly run by the 2010 Venice Architecture formed deserts. Symbiotic City seeks to Three Faculty projects will help represent Biennale Creative Directors, John Gollings bring awareness of such pending realities Australia at the 2010 Venice Architecture and Ivan Rijavec. of climate change. It further seeks to Biennale, the world’s most important provide a zero-climate-impact model architecture event. The ‘NOW + WHEN Australian Urbanism’ for city design. The project challenges exhibition will feature six Australian urban the conventional Australian planning The Australian Institute of Architecture and anti-urban regions as they are ‘now’ wisdom of large-scale land-use zoning, announced in March the list of 17 teams and then represent 17 futuristic urban centralized and low density. This design who will exhibit as part of the Australian environments which pose an imagined proposes continuous networks of land-use Pavilion’s ‘NOW + WHEN Australian ‘when’ in 2050 and beyond. Visit the AIA to enable a city rich in super-adjacency Urbanism’ exhibition at the Venice website for details of all the winning teams providing fertile environments for synergies Biennale starting in August. and projects: www.architecture.com.au. between city functions. The three successful projects led The Venice Architecture Biennale was Symbiotic City consists of a network of by Faculty staff are: inaugurated in 1980 and is now held high-density urbanity overlaid with a rural every two years, alternating with the Art » Symbiotic City (Steve Whitford with network. The resulting city has a tartan like Biennale. Thousands of the world’s leading James Brearley, BAU Brearley Architects texture of pure urban areas (or cells), pure architects and city planners and over & Urbanists) rural cells, and cells which are a hybrid 52,000 people visited the Australian of rural and urban. Each network band » Mould City (Dr Peter Raisbeck, Nicola Pavilion in 2008 and similar numbers is approximately 1.8 x 1.8km. The rural Dovey and Simon Wollan, as part of are expected this year. network harnesses renewable power, Colony Collective) treats all waste, and grows food for the The 12th Venice Architecture city. 90% of the city’s power is generated » The Fear Free City (Associate Biennale dates are: via wind channeled through the rural Professor Justyna Karakiewicz, network. This eco-polis comprises rich Vernissage: Professor Tom Kvan with Steve Hatzellis, architectural imagery made coherent 26, 27, 28 August 2010 WSH Architects) through consistent solar controlled Exhibition: building envelopes. The overlapping 29 August – 28 November 2010 networks of program provide arrays of hybrid zones, providing the city with vital flexibility for a sustainable future.
The city is situated on an Australian surf coast where tidal and wave power stations provide a backdrop to ongoing Australian beach culture – a place for humorous references to the traditional great outdoors. ABP alumni feature strongly in » Fiona Dunin, Alex Peck, Andrew 12th Venice Architecture Biennale This extraordinary eco-polis, a green Simpson, Martina Johnson (with Peck oasis sitting in the desert provides a rich A number of our alumni are also involved Dunin Simpson Architects, Third Skin, dialectic image. A in the teams selected to exhibit their Eckersley Garden Architecture, Angus projects at the 12th Venice Architecture McIntyre, Tim Kreger) for -41 + 41. Biennale. We congratulate you on this » Jocelyn Chiew and Eli Giannini (with prestigious achievement: McGauran Giannini Soon (MGS), Bild » Peter Corrigan (with Michael Spooner) + Dyskors, Material Thinking, Catherine for A City of Hope Ranger, Bild - Ben Milbourne, Dyskors - Edmund Carter, Material Thinking - Paul Carter) for Loop-Pool/Saturation City Atrium 13 | 2010
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Fear Free City Mould City Justyna Karakiewicz, Peter Raisbeck, Nicola Dovey Tom Kvan and and Simon Wollan Steve Hatzellis (as part of Colony Collective)
Michael Sorkin (in Local Code) asserts Mould City is an urban system which and as replenishment. Mould factories that “…freedom, pleasure, convenience, reconfigures the relationship between will produce new products. The mould beauty, commerce and production are the humans and shelter. In 2050 Australian will adapt to the seasonal and diurnal reasons for the city… participation in these suburbs and cities will require a new cycles of its inhabitants. It will be the attributes is a fundamental civic right and energy system which will require a new setting for new rituals and harvest festivals. must ever be refined through the filter of language of urbanism. Mould City consent”. Why is it we escape the freedom proposes that the garlands of the Vitruvian The architecture of the mould allows a new of the city and head for the suburbs where primitive hut have been given a new life realm of sensual experiences to come into our families become prisoners of our of the physicality of inanimate materials. play for its inhabitants. Smell, sight touch dreams, isolated by the car from Mould City is a response to the current and taste and thermal experiences are community involvement into zones urban situation. A situation in which carbon all. The mould is a living organism of the of privatization and disengagement? production is choking the earth’s cities community nursed by the sun. It nurtures and suburbs. In response to this situation, life and offers protection to all within its From the popular press, you might Mould City reconsiders the Australian realm. The mould helps its inhabitants to conclude that we fear the city, its crime suburbs and city of 2050 as a family of release new energies which reverberate and antisocial behavior. In search of safe sensual experiences which reverberate within it. This promotes bio development and affordable living, we flee, moving with the seasons, the moon and the sun. instead of techno degeneration. Mould further from the centre, thus spending City bridges the gulf that divides an much of our free time commuting. We Mould is an integrated, interacting systems urbanism based on digital diatoms from search for space, but we end up with of environs. The mould is introduced on the one based on radical community politics. a tiny hardscape garden barely enough outskirts of the suburbs. It was designed to Colony is a collective of architects who for a barbeque and a few potted plants. grow in the new environment on the produce utopian vision in response to We fear climate change, knowing that this suburbs existing infrastructure. Mould today’s climate crisis. Our inspiration is lifestyle is unsustainable without drastic colonies form and reform. Along with the architecture of the 60s mashed with revision. We shower more efficiently, shelter, the mould provides food. As words, the suburbs of Corrigan. Our inspiration compete with our neighbors by reducing mould urbanism evokes both the intricacies is Yona Friedman, Archigram, Superstudio water consumption to a minimum, and of slime mould and those vessels which and Archizoom. A watch our precious garden die. We know give form to plastic material. The mould that this is not enough so we blame grows across over and through the old government (or the rest of the world); infrastructure of the city. The mould is we all carry on in fear of the future. Each an urban architecture which needs direct day we open the Pandora’s box in which solar energy. It changes and responds someone has forgotten to put hope. to the sun’s orientation during the seasons. It waxes and wanes with the moon. This project seeks to flush away fear It spreads across the suburbs and and reveal the many opportunities for a is sensitive to the energy levels of its rewarding, sustainable city. The proposal inhabitants. It is like a foam that aerates starts with NOW: 7 Desperate Dreams itself when happiness abounds. Pores followed by THEN: 7 Desiring Dreams, will form in the mould so it can breathe. which lead us to develop the foundation Water vessels and reservoirs will form where dreams become reality in the in the mould both as heat sinks FEAR FREE CITY. A Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 016 | 01702
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
The Encyclopaedia of Australian Architecture A UNIQUE AND AMBITIOUS PUBLICATION IN THE MAKING LOUISA RAGAS
A unique and exciting publishing project Around 260 scholars and practitioners The Encyclopaedia of Australian is currently underway within the Faculty have contributed their expertise by drafting Architecture is envisaged as a general of Architecture, Building and Planning. entries for the Encyclopaedia. Many of reference work, and individual entries will The Encyclopaedia of Australian these are from our own Faculty including, be accessible to a secondary school pupil Architecture. This publication is being Miles Lewis, Scott Drake, Hannah Lewi, as well as the specialist reader. The aim of compiled and edited by Professor Philip Peter Raisbeck, Paul Walker, Andrew the project is to make factual information Goad and Associate Professor Julie Willis, Saniga, Denham Groves, Andrew Hutson, conveniently available to the reader, as well with assistance from Research Fellow Clare Newton, Philip Goad and Julie Willis. as provide critical insights into the context Dr Kim Torney and will be published by Two of the most interesting entries are in which the architect(s) practised and the Cambridge University Press in 2011. This on Aboriginal architecture and Torres context in which building was designed, ambitious project draws together scholars Strait Island architecture, both by constructed and received, both from across Australia and overseas to Professor Paul Memmott from the professionally and publicly. result in the first collection of its type on University of Queensland. Australian architecture. Overall, the Encyclopaedia will be the The breadth of the publication is only one of its kind in Australia and it The Encyclopaedia of Australian significant: there will be around 1300 will become the standard reference tool Architecture will embrace all Australian entries across a broad range of subjects. on Australian architecture for experts, architecture to the present day, including There is a strong emphasis on biographical students and the general community. indigenous, colonial, modern and entries (individuals and firms), including contemporary buildings. To underpin major architects and firms, as well as This project has been made possible the truly national scope of this project, entries discussing the professions of by the generous support of Lovell Chen the editors established a national advisory engineering, construction, planning and Architects & Heritage Consultants and board with coordinators appointed for landscape architecture, as they relate Lorenz and Manola Grollo, Equiset, each state. Members of the board include to the design of the built environment. Grollo Group. A academics, architectural historians and There are also entries for major buildings, heritage professionals. Management movements, styles, building materials and of the project is based at the Faculty of building types, technical developments Architecture, Building and Planning (ABP). and materials, as well as related issues such as building regulations, urban design and environmental architecture.
1. 2.
image captions: 1. Detail of the Australia window, 2. Launceston Holy Trinity, Tasmania, 3. The Ether Building at Moorilla, Sydney Town Hall, designed architect Alexander North designed by Rosevear Architects by Lucien Henry (Photograph (Photograph by John Maidment) > by Greg Piper) Atrium 13 | 2010
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
3. Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 018 | 01902
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
MSD Summer Research Internships SUPPORTING TALENTED STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AND PUBLISH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH LOUISA RAGAS
The Melbourne School of Design (MSD), Each of the successful students had aspect of academia has been extremely the graduate school within the Faculty demonstrated an aptitude for research interesting and eye-opening. Also, being of Architecture Building and Planning, and proposed ‘current’ topics they were able to let future employers know that is committed to creating opportunities passionate about - topics which were I am most likely going to be published for its students to extend their research innovative, in-depth and had the potential is an added bonus that has assured and writing talents and make an impact to be published in high-profile, refereed an interview everywhere I’ve applied in communities beyond the University journals. The three interns were each thus far.’ Allison also praises her of Melbourne. It is one of the factors that paid a bursary of $500 per week and supervisor Dr David O’Brien for making distinguishes the Melbourne School of were given office space to write up their the experience ‘fantastic’ and acting Design, its teaching program, knowledge research projects, to bring them to a as her mentor throughout the process. transfer and research activities. publishable standard, with the support of their supervisors. Allison, who aims to specialize in The MSD Summer Research Internships Indigenous Architecture, is currently program launched this summer embodies Allison Stout chose to refine her research working as a research assistant at the this spirit of engagement and student project on indigenous housing and University of Melbourne and has just development. It encourages high- community engagement – a topic borne started her own design practice. ‘I do achieving students across all MSD out of her experience working with hope to continue this sort of work as disciplines – architecture; urban design; indigenous communities in the Northern it has become a lifelong passion and urban planning; landscape architecture; Territory, Southwest Victoria and most pursuit,’ she says. property; construction management - recently Papua New Guinea. Her paper, to extend, refine and publish research ‘Giving voice to indigenous housing: a Christine Collier, another of the successful that they may have worked on within case study of design consultation with Interns, concurs with Allison’s positive a specific subject.T he program was ‘top end’ fringe communities’, identifies view of the internship program. Her specifically devised to encourage ways to negotiate different avenues paper ‘Urban Planning Regulations for coursework students to publish their of imagination across cultural divides. Ecologically Sustainable Development original research, with flow-through It outlines the consultative process (ESD) in Victoria: Beyond Building benefits back to both the student and employed in a MSD project to renovate a Controls’ explores the current and the Faculty. Developing and publishing derelict house in a town camp community potential ability of urban planning their research boosts the student’s near Darwin. The paper discusses the assessment mechanisms to achieve scholarship score employability, renovation project conducted in 2009, ecologically sustainable buildings, and by connection increases the and reflects on the collaborative and using the Victorian planning system Faculty’s publication profile. creative problem-solving process that as a case study. occurred during three-month consultation MSD students who had completed a and ten-day renovation periods. ‘Being a recipient of the internship has 25-point research project as part of their given me more confidence in my abilities. coursework were eligible to apply for the ‘During my studies, my passion for I worked closely my supervisor, Dr Alan summer internship program in late 2009. sustainable and socially aware design March, who guided me through the Eight applications were received and became focused on Indigenous Housing process and assisted in refining my assessed by a panel of Faculty academics and Architecture after completing a arguments and improving my writing - Professor Kim Dovey, Professor Philip design studio during my second year skills. This was fundamental to Goad, Professor Bharat Dave, Associate at the University of Melbourne,’ Allison successfully turning my thesis into an Professor Julie Willis and Associate says. ‘The studio was Dr David O’Brien’s article,’ Christine says. ‘The internship Professor Paul Walker. Following this first attempt to work withI ndigenous also gave me a better understanding competitive application process, four Australians after doing similar work of the nature of research and of the 8-week internships were offered and in Indonesia.’ wider research community. The three were taken up: by Christina Collier opportunity to interact with research and Matthew Ford, both Master of Urban For Allison being a MSD Summer students at the faculty gave me a Planning students, and by Allison Stout, Research Intern had numerous benefits. glimpse of what it’s like to be an a Master of Architecture student. ‘It gives the hard work put into writing academic researcher and has prompted a research paper a sense of realization,’ me to seriously consider undertaking she says. ‘Being a part of another a PhD.’ Atrium 13 | 2010
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
We’re in this together
Creating viable and ecologically sensitive Throughout its history, the Faculty of Architecture, Building and cities through the inclusions of ESD Planning has received the generous support of alumni and friends principles in planning controls has long who donate each year to provide scholarships for our students and support our teaching and research staff. been an interest of Christine’s. ‘My particular interest in the nexus between building In the early 1960s a student appeal committee comprising Robert and planning regulation stems from my Peck (chairman), Margaret Suchestow and Miles Lewis in association undergraduate studies and professional with Prof. B.B.Lewis (Dean of Architecture), L.U.Simon (Director experience in the field of construction of Building) and Rai Rahni wrote: management. This experience exposed ‘The School of Architecture and Building at the University of me to the scant regard conventional building Melbourne is appealing for support to complete its building. There practices have for the natural environment have been appeals in the past, and the response has been generous. and prompted me to pursue a career which The building exists in spite of governmental indifference, and solely would allow me to influence the environmental because the building industry has loyally donated brick by brick, the bulk of the materials needed. performance of buildings from the outset. ESD in the built environment is definitely We are asking for more than this. The School has emerged as a research area I’m interested in pursuing a leader in the British Commonwealth, and locally as a centre for further in the future.’ building, architecture, and the arts. To maintain these functions the School MUST have research and testing laboratories, postgraduate The MSD Summer Research Internship facilities exhibitions spaces, and a library capable of serving the industry The School WILL have these because 700 students are program is just another way the MSD is asking, and will continue to ask, for help from every source. This supporting students to extend their research appeal concerns the whole business community. The building industry passions and impact their own futures. is vital to the economy of the country, and is as desperately in need To set up and fund the program, ‘Strategic of trained architects and builders as it is of adequate research and Initiative Funding’ was secured from the testing. We firmly believe that this project should be shouldered by Faculty of Architecture, Building and every company, every foundation, and every individual capable of Planning. The aim, however, is for the helping in any way. We are not merely struggling for existence; internship program to be self-sufficient we are planning to make this School the best in the world’. through external support. Today the Faculty of ABP is embarking on its next stage of evolution. Although the times have changed, our vision to create one of the world’s leading architectural and design centres remains the same. In their call to action at the time the students and staff asked that Giving opportunity: the community to invest in their future. Such foresight ensured there If you are interested in supporting the MSD was capacity to educate generations of students, many of whom are Summer Research Internship program and distinguished graduates, leaders throughout all of our professions. Once again, we are at a definitive moment and ask you to continue furthering the careers of high-achieving the tradition of investing in the future generation of graduates from MSD students, please contact Theo our Faculty. A Gouskos - [email protected] or phone: 03 8344 1191. A
MSD Summer Research Interns Christine Collier and Allison Stout Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 020 | 02021
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
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THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
1994 Reunion Richard Hanson (BPD (Bldg) 1992, BBldg 1994, MBA 2004)
The 1994 Bachelor of Building graduates The group was given a tour of the University, and he publicly made a held a reunion on the 18th November house and garden prior to dinner, personal commitment to this culture 2009 to celebrate 15 years since the which included a talk on the history by announcing his signing up to the completion of studies, as well as to of the house and Robin Boyd’s Dean’s Circle there and then! A number reacquaint themselves with old friends architectural philosophies. We were of others also subsequently made and to engage with the ongoing changes blessed with a balmy November night, significant contributions to the new at the University. The night was hosted which allowed the dinner to be held building fund, including other new by Professor Thomas Kvan, Dean of the in the central garden courtyard and Dean’s Circle members. Faculty of Architecture, Building and certainly added to the special feeling Planning, and it was his very generous of the night. I gave a vote of thanks on behalf of support which enabled the function the year group to Professor Kvan and to be held in the stunning surrounds Professor Kvan welcomed the guests, his generous hospitality. We will long of the Robin Boyd House in Walsh St, and gave an insight into the changes remember this special night. It was a South Yarra. occurring at the University, particularly great opportunity to catch up with old with regard to the Melbourne Model friends and 15 years of news. It was Of the 30 or so graduates from that and the Faculty of Architecture, Building also great to hear of the continuing year, 22 were able to attend, which is and Planning. He also mentioned the strength of the Construction and remarkable given that quite a number exciting proposed new building to house Property programs which all of the are now living and working overseas. the Faculty, and the design progress attendees benefitted so much from, Also, there was the current head of the which has been achieved so far. Paolo and which we to wish to continue to Property and Construction Department, Tombesi gave insights into the current see prosper. Many also noted their Paolo Tombesi, and Peter Williams, the development of the curriculum and willingness to contribute to the programs former head of the Bachelor of Building other recent achievements. with the further development of close program and personal friend to many links with industry, to assist with making of the year group. Peter Williams gave a warm and heartfelt the courses as relevant and practical speech which was appreciated by all. as possible. A He also encouraged the year group to develop a culture of giving back to the Atrium PAGE 13 | 2010 022 | 023
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
From the Faculty
Exhibitions, Lectures and Expeditions
Catherin Bull and Kim Dovey recently took This photographic exhibition, held in The first exhibition in ourABP Alumni part in the Prime Minister’s National Summit association with the Green Fields, Brown Retrospective Series for 2010, profiles for the Future of Australian Urban Centres Fields, New Fields Australasian Urban the practice and vision of one our most and Cities. They were ‘expert contributors’ History/Planning History Conference, prominent graduate architects – in the Designing the City working group, presented images of heritage sites, and Daryl Jackson. The exhibition entitled led by Pru Sanderson (CEO of VicUrban). challenged our perceptions what defines ARCHITECTURE: A cultural confluence ‘heritage’. of change: structure / form / programme Paul Walker participated in the 2009 / expression was presented in the World Architecture Festival (WAF) late last The exhibition WOOD/cardboard: Wunderlich Gallery from 19 to 30 April. year, as a representative of Architecture furniture, prototypes, models, by Established in 1965, Jackson Architecture New Zealand, the New Zealand media Hamish Hill and Alex Selenitsch 1992- is an international practice with offices in partner of WAF. Paul published a piece 2010 ran in the Wunderlich Gallery from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, on the WAF in the Jan/Feb 2010 edition 22 March to 16 April. Hamish Hill and Alex London, Vietnam and China. The practice of Architecture Australia. Selenitsch have taught a furniture elective encompasses a range of experience and at the Faculty of Architecture Building and Philip Goad was guest speaker at and expertise including schools and universities; Planning since 1992, and their creative opened the exhibition Wilson Hall: Centre libraries; sports arenas and recreational interaction in the workshop extends over and Symbol of the University in the Leigh spaces; commercial offices; hospitals; the same period. That interaction formed Scott Gallery in the Baillieu Library in March. hotels; and airports. Major projects include: the subject of the exhibition, which brought The exhibition, which documents the Reed Etihad Stadium, the Sydney Conservatorium together individual and collaborative works. and Barnes Gothic Revival design, as well of Music, Wesley College, the MCG’s as the modern Wilson Hall, has been The first event in the2010 Dean’s Lecture Southern Stand, the University of Ballarat, curated by the Conservation Program Series saw the prominent Chilean architect and the Australian Film, Television & Radio within the Cultural Collections of the Mathias Klotz travel from Santiago to School. The ABP Alumni Retrospective University Library and is on show Melbourne to present a fascinating lecture Series is intended to highlight the until 17 May 2010. to a capacity local audience. The lecture extraordinary range and contribution to gave us a very personal insight into his the urban environment of alumni from Also in March, Philip Goad was guest architectural practice and vision. Mathias all professional programs within the Faculty speaker at an event held at the Robin Boyd has achieved international recognition of Architecture, Building and Planning, House, South Yarra. This was the first event for his residential, commercial and public both recent and past. As Professor for bequest donors as part of the University architecture. His work encompasses a Philip Goad noted: of Melbourne’s Heritage Society calendar, concern for the environment, local history an initiative of the University’s ‘The exhibition shows the diversity of and culture and a strong sense of place. Advancement Office. Jackson’s practice and the extent of his In May, we hosted William Cobbett, collaborative reach, and the international Manager of Cities Alliance (Washington Jianfei Zhu travelled to Nanjing, China in and national presence of his work. Above D.C.) who presented an intriguing Dean’s early April to present in a workshop ‘Words, all, it shows his ongoing commitment to lecture on the challenge of scale in a Drawings and Translations in Architecture’ an idea of the city as a place that is vital, rapidly urbanising world. at Southeast University (31 March – 4 April). in flux but cognizant of its past, resilient It was the first event in a six-year long The Faculty also hosted Erika Esau, Visiting and robust, and as a place where buildings, project titled ‘AS Contemporary Architecture Fellow from the School of Humanities at their spaces and the spaces between are Theory Forum’, jointly organized by the The Australian National University, in March. microcosms of the world of propinquity and AA School of Architecture, Southeast Erika presented a free public lecture on the all the social structures that coalesce as University, and SMAG (Shanghai Modern architecture connections between Australian the city of today.’ A Architecture Group). and Californian house design based upon Strewth: That’s Heritage!, coordinated research for her new book Images of by Andrew Saniga and Hannah Lewi, was the Pacific Rim: Australia and California the first BPA exhibition for 2010, held in 1850-1935. This intriguing lecture drew the Wunderlich Gallery in February. a large audience passionate about architectural heritage and design.
C over: Associate Professor Justyna Karakiewicz Page 4-5: Mike Thomas and Jonathan Long, Page 6-7: Sarah Crowley, Master of Architecture Page 2-3: Joel Lee, Master of Architecture Master of Architecture Page 14-15: Tim Clarke, Master of Architecture Atrium 13 | 2010
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Congratulations
Three projects from the Faculty of For full details of this significant Congratulations to Tony Arnel (alumnus), Architecture, Building and Planning have achievement for our Faculty, read Victorian Building Commissioner, on been selected as finalists to exhibit in the the Venice Biennale story on page 14. being awarded the Australian Institute Australian Pavilion at the 2010 Venice of Architects Inaugural Leadership in Congratulations to Anna Hurlimann, Architecture Biennale, the world’s most Sustainability Prize. This is a wonderful Clare Mouat and David Nichols for important architecture event. The winning recognition of Tony’s contribution to policy a very successful outcome of the 10th ABP projects are: development in the area, and is reflected Australasian Urban History, Planning in the increase in the standards of » Symbiotic City (Steve Whitford with History conference held in the Faculty sustainable building practice. James Brearley, BAU Brearley Architects in February. & Urbanists) Several of our recent MSD graduates Congratulations to Alan March, whose have distinguished themselves by being » Mould City (Peter Raisbeck, Nicola paper ‘Institutional Impediments to awarded major architecture prizes. Dovey and Simon Wollan, as part Planning Professionalism in Victoria, Fiona Lew won the BlueScope Steel of Colony Collective) Australia’ was selected by the Global Glen Murcutt Student Prize for her Planning Education Association Network’s » The Fear Free City (Justyna indigenous housing project, announced International Board as a ‘Global Best’ Karakiewicz, Tom Kvan with Steve at the inaugural Australian Achievement paper for the period 2007-9. The paper Hatzellis, WSH Architects) in Architecture Awards (AAA) in March; will be republished in Dialogues in Urban and Daria Leikina won the Bates Smart/ and Regional Planning Volume 4 in 2011. University of Melbourne prize. A
Key events coming up books
DEAN’S LECTURE SERIES 2010 GRANT SUCCESS Qinghua Guo’s book The mingqi Pottery Buildings of Han Dynasty China 206 BC–AD Jane Wernick (Jane Wernick Associates, Carolyn Whitzman secured an Australian 220: Architectural Representations and Consulting Engineers, London) Development Research Award with Represented Architecture was published Engineering Delight - collaborations the Nossal Institute on Global Health: in March by Sussex Academic Press. on projects to make you smile ‘Improving access for people with disabilities In this fascinating publication, Qinghua through inclusive infrastructure development examines a particular type of mingqi 3 August, 2010, 7pm in rural and urban PNG’ (2010-2013). - pottery buildings unearthed in China. Carrillo Gantner Theatre Carolyn will be working with Jennifer Day Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Centre on this important research. Dr Muharem (Harry) Karamujic launched The University of Melbourne his book The Determination of Home Sun Sheng Han was recently successful For full details visit: www.msd.unimelb. Loan Interest Rates and an Empirical in an international grant application edu.au/events/deans-lectures/wernick Assessment of their Cyclicality and to the Asia Pacific Network for Climate Seasonality on 24 March. Harry is a Senior Change Research (March 2010) on a CONFERENCE Lecturer in Property and Finance in the two year project entitled ‘The impact Faculty and worked with the National Bank AUBEA 2010 of spatial parameters on GHG emission: of Australia before becoming an academic. Construction Management(s) a comparative study between cities Australasian Universities Building in China and India’. He will lead an EYES 2009, featuring a collection of Education Association 35th international team of researchers from innovative projects and research by Annual Conference China and India to work on the project students and staff in the Faculty, was 14-16 July, 2010 in 2010-2012. launched in March. This year the EYES Faculty of Architecture, publication is a set of three books based Building and Planning, on three distinct themes: Communities, The University of Melbourne Cities, Global. Copies of EYES 2009 are For full details visit the MSD website - available through the University of www.msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/ Melbourne bookshop. conferences/aubea2010/
P age 19: Brandon Wong, Master of Architecture PAGE 024 | 02
Atrium Atrium 13 | 2010 13 | 2010
contact Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning University of Melbourne THE ARCHITECTURE OF ENGAGEMENT Victoria 3010 Australia – CREATING COMMUNITIES phone + 61 3 8344 6417 www.abp.unimelb.edu.au
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Published by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning Authorised by Professor Tom Kvan, Dean Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning, May 2010 ISSN 1447-1728 The University of Melbourne CRICOS provider code: 00116K