Atrium 16 | 2011
CITIES AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 02 | 03
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
NADER TEHRANI VISIT 04 STUDENT PROFILE: LUCIANA FORNARI COLOMBO 18 TRANSFORMING MELBOURNE 07 MSD Dean’s Honours Awards 2010 20 Corbett Lyon leads MArch Studio ‘Mutations, 10 THE FORMATIVE HISTORIES WALKING TOUR 21 Hybrids and New Species’ REEL REUNION 22 OCCASIONAL ADDRESS: CORBETT LYON 11 GIVING FORM 24 GENDER-INCLUSIVE CITIES & THE RIGHT TO THE CITY 12 IDENTITY, DIVERSITY AND INDIGENOUS 25 HONG KONG – COMPACT AND VOLUMETRIC 14 PLACE-MAKING IN MELBOURNE ACADEMIC PROFILE: DR MARCUS WHITE 17 FROM THE FACULTY 26
Dean’s Message
The theme of this issue of Atrium, our As you will remember, the team of John Engaging with our local built environment first edition for 2011, is Cities and Urban Wardle and Nader Tehrani were selected practitioners is also important to us and Environments, looking at urban infrastructures, to work with our Faculty to design the new we were thrilled to launch a new initiative morphologies and governance. As urban building. In March, Nader Tehrani travelled this year called the ‘MSD Director’s Series’. populations grow around the region and from Boston to Melbourne to launch our This exclusive series of informal talks by in Victoria, this theme encompasses 2011 Dean’s Lecture Series (DLS) and to high profile architects and designers was much of what our Faculty focuses on in spend time with students, staff and members launched in April by Timothy Hill, who our teaching, research and engagement of the professions in Melbourne. Scott delivered an irreverent tribute to the Oxo activities. The theme is particularly relevant Drake writes about Nader’s visit on pages measuring cup, at the Robin Boyd House. as we enter the next phase of our ambitious 4-6: a visit which was defined not only by new building program, as this is Nader’s hugely popular public lecture but In this issue of Atrium, we have various conceptualised as a research platform also by his generous engagement with our ‘voices’ writing about urban environments for design and construction in an urban Melbourne School of Design students. and the way we create and occupy city context. The project took a significant step spaces. Sean Sweeney outlines the significant in 2009 with an international competition The DLS is the primary context in which transformations that took place in Melbourne to design a landmark architecture building we bring inspirational and successful during his tenure as Executive Director for the University of Melbourne. At the practitioners from across the world to of Major Projects Victoria. Carolyn Whitzman start of this year, the University Council our Faculty, as part of our commitment writes about female friendly cities, based gave their assent for us to move to the to international discourse. We have also on her ‘Gender Inclusive Cities’ research. next stage to design and document the recently hosted Colombian landscape Carolyn’s project is also the basis for an project. This is significant as it means architect Martha Fajardo, who presented international Travelling Studio to Montreal we can engage with the design team a Dean’s Lecture on the urban transformations in July, to be led by herself and Clare Newton. and move toward construction, backed that have taken place in Bogotá, Medellin Corbett Lyon highlights the fact that our by significant fundraising which will be vital and Cartagena. She challenged us to world is becoming increasingly complex to achieve our vision for a new kind of re-think the way we design urban spaces, and challenges our graduates (and all academic space. As the year progresses, to create sustainable and affordable of us) to provide ‘top down’ leadership in I look forward to sharing more about our ‘landscapes of happiness.’ Later this regard to sustainability, globalization and ambitious building program with you. year, we will host American architect the multiple challenges which face our James Timberlake and another Colombian, urban centres. Barrie Shelton, who joined the architect Lorenzo Castro. us as Associate Professor in Urban Design Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
last year, examines one of the most We are always pleased to engage with our Fabrication summer workshop led by compact and sustainable cities in the large alumni community. One example of our Ex-Lab (Experimental Design Lab). world, Hong Kong, in his piece about this was the presentation of a special film The installation was part of the 2011 the recently published book The Making event, held in March, showcasing Archi St Kilda Festival and exposed the work of Hong Kong: From Vertical to Volumetric. Review films of the 1950s and 1960s, of our students to a public audience in The book was co-authored by three members created by some of Australia’s foremost the thousands. It is another example of of ABP: Barrie Shelton, Justyna Karakiewicz architects and designers from this ‘golden our Faculty’s diverse studio and workshop and myself, and draws on our individual era’. The screening was a huge success outcomes engaging with people beyond experiences and insights into possible with over 200 alumni attending and drew the university. lessons for sustainable city form. Finally, interest from ACMI and the International on the theme of cities and urban environments, Melbourne Film Festival. Peter Jones, Our rich events culture continues in 2011. Hannah Lewi encourages us to experience who coordinated the event, gives a detailed Check out the ‘From the Faculty’ section architecture at the street level by taking review of this special night on page 22. in this issue to read more about our recent her iPod walking tour which she uses in and upcoming exhibitions, public lectures her teaching and can be downloaded In this issue, we also profile the achievements and other activities. You can also visit our from the Apple App Store. of one of our newest staff members, Dr website to access our regularly updated Marcus White, who has been named the calendar of events: http://www.msd. There are many ways in which your support National Emerging Architect of the Year at unimelb.edu.au/events/. has significant impact for our students. the Australian Achievement in Architecture This is evident in the piece on Identity, Awards presented in March, and one of our Please do come to visit us and enjoy Diversity and the Metropolis: The Inaugural talented MSD students, Luciana Fornari, some of our extensive offerings. Hon. Evan Walker Design Studio Exhibition, recipient of a prestigious MacGeorge a studio and exhibition led by Jefa Greenaway. Travelling Scholarship. Tom Kvan Supported by the Christopher Wren Club Front Cover Image: in honour of one of their members, the The cover of this edition of Atrium features Photography by Jas Johnston exhibition showcased student work from a photograph of an installation on St Kilda the 2010 Master of Architecture studio beach, which was designed, fabricated which focused on indigenous place-making. and constructed by a group of students You can read about it on page 25. who participated in a Digital Design and Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 04 | 05
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Nader Tehrani Visit
Scott Drake
During the week of March 21 to 25, the the visceral, the tactile, and the experiential It is now possible for the detail to be the Faculty was pleased to host the visit of are always embedded in architecture. generator of the design; no longer the Nader Tehrani, principal of Boston based This physicality is what connects end point or expression or a prior idea, NADAAA Architects, and head of the architectural ideas and their manifestation it is instead the site of ideation, a code Department of Architecture at MIT. through construction. for what is possible in architecture. Much of the week was spent working in collaboration with John Wardle and Ironically, it is processes of digital fabrication Wardle then asked about the idea of Associates, the two practices having that have focused attention on the longevity or adaptability; the contrast joined forces to with the commission to importance of details. While the digital between design for purpose (such as design the new building for the Faculty extends techniques of repetition and with a new building) and design for of Architecture, Building and Planning mass production that characterized timelessness. Tehrani suggested that the at the University of Melbourne. Other modernism, it also opens up the possibility latter had often been misinterpreted as events included the first of this year’s of a new kind of craft. This is not a nostalgic relevance to any time or any period, but Dean’s Lecture Series, a floor talk for regression to handmade artifacts, but that it was best understood through work the opening of an exhibition of NADAAA’s a situation where the hand of the artisan that speaks directly to its time but which work in the Wunderlich Gallery, and a can be captured through digital fabrication has the ability to resonate with issues that studio session with masters students techniques. Tehrani noted that the computer are relevant architecture over the long term. from the Melbourne School of Design. came into architectural education shortly after his own graduation. In contrast In the rest of his lecture – titled “Practical The Dean’s lecture, held on the Tuesday to the mythologies that the resultant pedagogies and pedagogical practices” evening and attracting an audience of automation would diminish the importance – Tehrani addressed themes learnt from nearly 500 people, commenced as a of authorship, it had instead created a the intersections of teaching and building. conversation between Nader and John new space in which human touch could Beginning with images of Wardle’s work, Wardle. The discussion began with the be expressed. The ability with digital he identified themes that paralleled those issue of legibility, the communication fabrication to craft the processes of of his own practice: issues of construction, of both design ideas and the process design and making, rather than the final of the body in architecture, and of of making through architecture. Tehrani product, meant that architects could specification as a mechanism for building. noted that regardless of the architect’s be secure about the role of the author He explained how these issues had been intention, the public reads architecture, without being sentimental about it. largely overlooked at the time of his own but in many different ways. No longer education, which was instead characterized does a single code or language The fact that digital fabrication allows by a shift from the Postmodernist interest communicate to a united audience, direct translation from idea into reality in historical typologies into the challenges who are now equipped broader access means that it can overcome linear faced by architecture in the light of to knowledge and culture. But regardless processes of idea generation, followed post-structuralist and deconstructivist of the reading, it is always the case that by documentation, followed by fabrication. theory. Neither, he argued, properly
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2.
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Images: 1 Spiral stair, Hinman Research building renovation, Georgia Institute of Technology 2 Nader Terhani engaging his Melbourne audience 3 Construction of mezzanine, Hinman Research building renovation, Georgia Institute of Technology
addressed the core or architectural practice scale details, and 3D models combined balustrades or fluoros hung vertically, show and theory, namely construction. For him, with images of assembly and inhabitation a rigour of detail applied to the simplest materiality is a fundamental consideration. to present a many-sided picture of a single materials. The use of suspended insertions He illustrated this through the geometry of project. The final panel even showed the is intended to enable a rich and saturated drawing, such that ability to connect two submission for Progressive Architecture program while still allowing the space to points with a line in ruled surface demonstrates awards, a curiously concentrated version be transformed for large scale events or its buildability. Materials that can fold in one of the entire exhibition. installations; a strategy of construction direction but not another can be used to that ensures long-term flexibility. enliven the skin of a building, thickening the The Georgia Tech project is located in the wall to allow spatial programs to intersect Hinman Building, originally designed by Paul During his visit, Tehrani demonstrated to all and overlap. Masonry, rather than following M Heffernan. Into a large space with a high of us here at Melbourne University that rare the repetitive rule of a single bond, can twist ceiling and clerestory windows, Tehrani and and valuable skill of combining successful and shift through corbelling, screening, and his team designed an insertion in the form practice with academic work. His ability to folding to give variable permeability that of ‘crib’ hanging from above. Access to the provide thoughtful and intelligent commentary can reflect and respond to the needs of crib is via a straight-run staircase formed on key architectural issues in both verbal the program. by folding pair of steel floor joists folded and built form has been inspiring to all of us. downward. A second stair, this time spiral, We look forward to a successful collaboration The idea of exploration through construction is also hung from the ceiling, and clad with with John Wardle Architects as they work was also demonstrated in an exhibition on wire mesh. It appears like a giant birdcage together with the Faculty to turn vision into display in the Wunderlich Gallery. Rather that has been distorted as the weight of the reality. Keep an eye out for details. than present a catalogue of finished projects, stair has dropped down to touch the floor the architects chose to show one project in below. The drawings hint at the adjustments Scott Drake is Assistant Dean (Facilities) comprehensive detail: the renovations to the needed to meet budget, with an earlier version and Assistant Professor in Architecture. College of Architecture at Georgia Institute of the spiral stair seemingly forgone to keep of Technology. Here drawings of plans, large costs down. Other details, such as plywood Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Since the late 1980s, successive State Governments have embarked on a relentless program of civic projects which have changed the face of Melbourne.
Transforming Melbourne
SEAN SWEENEY
In this article I will outline the significant Since the late 1980s, successive State folly: one that held few practical benefits. and ongoing transformation of Melbourne Governments have embarked on a relentless The reality, as it turned out, could not have that occurred while I was Director of Major program of civic projects which have changed been further from the truth. Projects Victoria. the face of Melbourne. The reason most people join the construction industry and, Early in my tenure, I read a quote by John As the article ‘Today’s City Created in the the reason most senior people within the Denton about the impact that major civic Past’ published in the last edition of Atrium industry remain, is it is one of the few industries projects have on us. In this quote he noted Atrium reveals, the modern transformation where you have the chance to leave your that these major projects become the visible of Melbourne began in the 1980s with the mark in a visible way. For practical people reminder of successive governments and, visionary work of Evan Walker and David this is an enormous motivator. The opportunity in this way, become a legacy of the successive Yencken. It was their leadership in urban to make a difference at MPV was a big governments for the people they serve. This planning which initiated Melbourne’s rejuvenation. attraction for me. quote affected my view of the role of Major Projects Victoria in a profound way. It is fair The Cain Government soon displayed similar Around the same time as I joined Major to say that most project delivery organisations leadership by promulgating a special purpose Projects Victoria, I enrolled at the then are driven to strive for outcomes in terms of project delivery unit which was tasked with Melbourne University Private in a Master time and cost on a project by project basis. delivering projects of such significance and of Public Infrastructure. I thought this would They seldom think in terms of the legacy potential risk that they needed a special complement the role I was embarking on that their projects will represent. Given focus. This unit was initially called the Office with Major Projects Victoria. On submission Major Projects Victoria’s potential to impact of Major Projects, which evolved into what of my draft Master’s thesis, I was encouraged Melbourne’s built environment, I believe it is now known as Major Projects Victoria (MPV). by my supervisor Associate Professor Colin was crucial that we viewed our role in terms It is a point worth noting that planning without Duffield to consider doing a PhD. A number of the legacy we would leave behind. This execution remains a largely academic exercise. of my peers politely informed me that subtle change of thinking affected everything embarking on such a commitment at this we did from then on. stage of my career was an indulgent > Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 08 | 09
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1. Atrium 16 | 2011
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Another major change in thinking during MPV and the Faculty of Architecture Building My farewell function was held in the my time as Executive Director of Major and Planning were high positive and Redmond Barry Room on Level 46 of 50 Projects Victoria was in our relationship productive experiences for me and they Collins Place, which overlooks the Yarra with University of Melbourne. We subtly impacted their thinking in regard River. From this vantage point, I counted believed that it was crucial to engage to these sites and our analysis of them. almost 20 projects which Major Projects with and support the activities of Victoria has completed over the past 20 Universities who taught the future While this was occurring, I was proceeding years in that immediate vicinity. There practitioners of our industry. Being with my own PhD research which triggered is no other city in Australia that has had enrolled in a PhD at Melbourne made another change in my thinking. A PhD such a sustained and intense period it the obvious institution for me to focus highlights the importance of research of “city building”. Going back to John this engagement. and data. The construction industry Denton’s quote - what sort of a legacy is generally resistant to both. However, were we leaving behind? I was enormously Two areas of interest were design quality this exposure changed my approach proud that in the last three years of my and sustainability. In both these areas to dealing with many of the problems tenure, projects managed by Major Major Projects Victoria worked actively we faced delivering our major projects. Projects Victoria had won over 40 with the University on post graduate international, national and state awards. design collaborations. Two significant I was also fortunate to have worked These projects have greatly contributed examples of this were the support and for Major Projects Victoria from 2004 to to Melbourne’s built environment and involvement MPV had with two post 2011. I was involved or responsible for have enhanced its justified reputation graduate design projects: one under the delivery of a suite of Commonwealth as the design capital of Australia. the direction of Professor Chris Ryan and Games projects including the Athlete’s the other led by Professor Catherin Bull. Village, the Swimming Pool and William Sean Sweeney is an alumnus of These projects considered two major sites Barak Bridge, The Austin and Mercy the Faculty of Architecture, Building in inner Melbourne: the land to the east Hospital, The Australian Synchrotron, and Planning. of Federation Square and the land to the the redevelopment of the Melbourne north of Southern Cross Station. Both Showgrounds, The Melbourne Recital Images 1. Melbourne Recital Centre/MTC Centre/Melbourne Theatre Company, 2. AAMI Park 3. Melbourne Convention Centre these sites were being analysed by MPV All photographs by Peter Glenane to assess what could be done with them. The Melbourne Convention Centre and The outcomes of these design projects the new sports stadium (AAMI Park). challenged my paradigms about what Projects under way when I left MPV in was possible and appropriate use for February included redevelopments of both sites. These collaborations between Hamer Hall and the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre. Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 01010 | 11| 02
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Corbett Lyon leads MArch Studio: ‘Mutations, Hybrids and New Species’
LOUISA RAGAS
One of the defining aspects of the Melbourne Corbett Lyon is a Director of Lyons, an ‘I was delighted that ABP Professorial School of Design (MSD) is the inclusion architectural and urban design practice Fellow, Corbett Lyon accepted the invitation of successful practitioners to lead design based in Melbourne. The firm designs to lead an MArch Design Thesis Studio studios within our Master’s programs. MSD projects which are expressive of a contemporary says Professor Goad. ‘Professor Lyon is not students are not only taught by world-class experience of local and global culture - only an outstanding architect and a gifted academics on staff, but have the opportunity a world of ideas, new media, technologies design teacher. Our students relished their to take individual subjects, such as the and rapidly changing urbanism. Lyons is contact with him and the relevance of his Master’s Architecture Thesis studio, which also interested in the history and culture studio’s intellectual challenge. They were are facilitated by highly experienced of ideas and how ideas can be used to create encouraged to experiment and test their practitioners and innovative design thinkers. meaningful contemporary architecture. propositions. This is exactly the sort of Their creative and technical expertise and design practice that we want to promote industry knowledge is of immense value to The ‘Mutations, Hybrids and New Species’ in the MSD: design as an ongoing process MSD students, who are about to embark on studio reflects this commitment to ideas of iteration and exploration. It’s a form of their own professional careers. As part of our and how they define the design process. practice that will ensure our graduates aim to produce world-class graduates, the Corbett challenged the students to explore earn a distinctive form of leadership within involvement of practitioners in our graduate the genealogy and taxonomy of architectural their chosen profession.’ programs ensures they are industry focused. types, focusing on how these have evolved and transformed in response to context, Giovanni Veronesi, a student who undertook Professor Philip Goad, Director of the MSD, social and political drivers, the advent of Lyon’s studio believed that the design studio believes that involving leading architects new technologies and altered cultural and offered some great opportunities for in the MSD’s studio program is vital in economic conditions. Students had to locate reflective thinking: extending students’ understanding of design themselves within this research framework principles and current industry challenges. to make speculations on new typologies: ‘It helped me to understand what are my grafted/recombined hybrids, genetically ambitions and goals are as an architect… ‘One of the key aims of the Melbourne modified mutations and emergent new Nothing is radically new or original, it is School of Design is to foster strong species in response to a self-defined a consequence of what preceded it. In relationships with leading design practitioners, forecast of future realities and needs. response to this cardinal principle, to achieve to get them into the design studio and ubiquity in time and context, a design needs facilitate direct contact with students over As Corbett stated in his studio outline: to grasp the fertility of the forces that generated an entire semester. In this way, leading ‘The concept that architecture imitates the present, mastering and reverberating designers can explore and speculate nature is not a recent revelation. It’s an idea them in to the future. Understanding such together with graduate students on possible that has deep roots in the philosophical forces and how they interact has been the design futures. The benefits are great. It’s study of architecture and this approach first hermeneutical research part of this not about traditional design instruction but provided a means to answer such questions studio … The key advice came during a a form of collaborative design research. This as: What are the generators for the future studio session where I was reminded of the is the culture that we want to see develop city? What are the generators for these poignancy of need as an architectural goal.’ and thrive within the MSD: the studio as new types? What is the new DNA?’ design laboratory.’ Early in the studio, students developed their Corbett Lyon also inspired many Professor, architect and creator of the theoretical research component in groups graduating MSD students when stunning Lyon House Museum, Corbett of three or four. These concepts were then he delivered his Occasional Address Lyon is one such local practitioner who, individually expanded and developed into at the University of Melbourne Conferring along with graduate architect Christina detailed design propositions. The resulting of Degrees Ceremony in December Bozsan, led a Master of Architecture designs were an urban proposal, a new 2010. You can read an edited version Thesis studio in 2010 with the intriguing building or a small insertion, with the level of his speech on Page 11. title ‘Mutations, Hybrids and New Species: of resolution appropriate to the scale of Typological Speculations on the Future City.’ intervention/insertion/scheme/policy.
Images Student work from the Mutations, Hybrids and New Species studio 1. Art work in the Docklands by Sheng Dongqing 2 & 3. Waterlily City by Xiliu.
1. 2. 3. Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Occasional Address
Professor Corbett Lyon
An edited version of the University of The second thought I’d like to leave with Which brings me to my third point – that Melbourne Occasional Address given you is that as a graduate of Melbourne there with this skill base, and your contribution at the Conferring of Degrees Ceremony comes, I think, an expectation that you will as leaders, that each of you has a unique in December 2010. provide leadership in whatever role and in opportunity to make a tangible contribution whatever field you end up pursuing. to the world’s future – to make a difference. Can I begin by congratulating you – the graduands – on reaching this Many of you will go on to provide this In 1910 Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech important milestone in your personal leadership within existing enterprises; some at the Sobornne in Paris in which he made and professional lives. of you will establish your own. Others will a distinction between people who stand on go on to lead institutions or communities, the sidelines - as observers, commentators As you make the transition today from the or even countries. and critics - and those who actually step academy into the field I’d like to speak with into the arena and through hard work, drive you about three things which I believe are Our world is becoming increasingly complex and determination set out to make a difference. important for you to think about, or at the and challenging – increased social inequity, very least to reflect on. scarcity of resources, the question of the He went on to make the point that these long term sustainability of our planet, people who step into the arena could Firstly, what does it mean to be a graduate erosion of distinctive cultural differences expect to encounter their fair share of of this University? Secondly, how might I through globalization and the multiple setbacks as well as successes but provide leadership in my chosen field, and challenges facing our cities. This is your what was important was that they were perhaps most importantly, how might I make generation’s future and they, that is, your inspired to set their own course and a difference to the shaping of our future? peers, will be looking to you to provide to make a difference. leadership on these key questions of your time. What does it mean to be a graduate of the The opportunities for all of you to make University of Melbourne? In completing your I don’t believe that this will be delivered a contribution are as exciting and as varied degree it’s often difficult to step back and by professionals who work in isolation in as we have graduates here today – as look at what this time has meant for you. disciplinary ‘silos’ – rather these challenges architects you might take the next steps But I’m sure that in three or four, or even will be met by people who are able to lead in sustainable design, the planners among ten years time you will look back on this across disciplines – professional to professional. you may develop new ways of enhancing period here at Melbourne as some of the most Indeed one of Melbourne University’s the amenity of our cities; others will enjoyable and productive years of your life. distinctive strengths is in encouraging its contribute to the field of knowledge and students to collaborate and to put their others to the shaping of our built environment. Here, within the confines of the academy, integrated knowledge to work for the you have had the unique opportunity to common good. So in reflecting on these three thoughts develop and test your values and attitudes, today – the value of your Melbourne to extend your capacity to think critically So the kind of leadership which is needed University education, your generation’s and creatively and to develop specialist for our time is not ‘top down’ leadership expectations of you to provide enabling skills, all of which give you the ability to in which authority is asserted through leadership, and committing yourself to frame new perspectives on our world. privileged professional knowledge. Rather, making a difference, can I congratulate you using the multidisciplinary skills that you all on the wonderful achievement that you This skill set is an immensely valuable thing have developed here you are able to provide are celebrating today and wish you the that you can now take with you as you take what I would describe as an inclusive kind very best for your future endeavors. your place as emergent practitioners. of leadership - where you act as a lead enabler, or facilitator, across disciplines Corbett Lyon is a Professorial Fellow And I hope that along with this sense of and involving multiple stakeholders. This and Visiting Professor in Architectural achievement that you’re also feeling a sense type of leadership is something that you are Design at the University of Melbourne of gratitude at having had this opportunity able to demonstrate in many settings and and Director of Lyons. – even the privilege – of studying here at across many scales - at the level of a project Melbourne; learning from your peers and I’m team, working within local communities, sure from the many teachers and mentors leading a major urban project or facilitating who have encouraged and challenged you stakeholders at the scale of a nation. along the way. Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 12 | 13
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Gender-Inclusive Cities and the Right to the City
Carolyn Whitzman
‘Gender Inclusive Cities’ is a three year The aim of the project is to create cities The Travelling Studio we are conducting in (2009-2012) action research project funded that are inclusive and respect the right of all July is a unique opportunity for Melbourne by the UN Trust Fund to Eliminate Violence people, including women, to live, work and School of Design students to engage with Against Women. It is also the name of move around without fear or violence. Gender some of the researchers from Women in a MSD Travelling Studio in Montreal that Inclusive Cities seeks to identify the factors Cities International and also to examine a is being coordinated by myself and Clare that cause and perpetuate inequalities range of issues in relation to a neighbourhood Newton in July 2011. and exclusion, as well as the policies and in transformation in Montreal. The programme approaches that enhance neighbourhood, Pointe St. Charles, is The action research project is being women’s inclusion and “right to the city’. a post-industrial working class community coordinated by Women in Cities International, facing gentrification and also threats to a knowledge exchange network based in The first stage of project consisted of heritage. Housing, sustainable transport, Montreal, involving both researchers and developing baseline indicators of gendered and economic transformation issues will grassroots women’s organizations from fear and violence in the four cities using be examined through a gender lens, as around the world. I have been involved in similar methodological tools: community well as access to public space and to local Women in Cities International since its creation mapping, street surveys, focus group decision-making. in 2002, when it developed the first International discussions with groups ranging from Conference on Women’s Safety. The Third municipal councillors to domestic workers For more information on this research project: International Conference on Women’s Safety and homeless people, and policy reviews. recently took place, in November 2010 in This critical work has been completed and Women in Cities International: Delhi, India. is published on the Women in Cities website: http://www.femmesetvilles.org/
The Gender Inclusive Cities research project http://womenincities.org/pdf-general/ Upclose podcast on Gender Inclusive Cities: works with four cities that have previously gicp_baseline.pdf http://upclose.unimelb.edu.au/episode/351 undertaken work on preventing public violence against women, using partnerships between The second stage of the project is to pilot Gender Inclusive Cities on youtube: local government and grassroots community interventions designed to reduce the public http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= organizations as a mechanism. The four vulnerability and exclusion women and girls ec3f1Ph1F_8 cities involved are: Delhi, India; Rosario, face, and promote their access to and Dr Carolyn Whitzman is an Associate Argentina, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and understanding of their rights. There will be Professor of Urban Planning. Petrovadodsk, Russia. an evaluation of the effectiveness of the tools developed, and also a preliminary sense of whether these interventions are making a real impact on women’s differential use of, and comfort in, public space. Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Images supplied by Carolyn Whitzman Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 14 | 15
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Images from The Making of Hong Kong, including (at bottom) the book’s cover illustration by Justyna Karakiewicz Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Hong Kong - Compact and Volumetric
BARRIE SHELTON
It is fifty years since the appearance of the Hong Kong is one of the world’s three more intense activity, more local convenience, late Jane Jacobs’ Death and Life of Great densest cities with some of the most and a radical overhaul of public transport American Cities, which is more quoted today mixed-use urban districts, and a public modes and routes. Further, we should not than ever before. In it she was profoundly transport system second to none. Indeed, close our eyes to cities that are obviously critical of the emerging suburban sprawl, close to 90% of trips are made by public different and examine places that are most separated uses and large areas of cities that transport and per capita energy use for experienced in designing density. Hong Kong had ceased to function outside of standard moving about the metropolis is the lowest and many other East Asian cities are places working hours. Her message was for higher amongst high-income cities. The entire that offer different attitudes to urbanism and densities, and mixed most things – activities, territory has an average density of more than approaches to urban design. building types and conditions, hours of use, 300 people per hectare and the built-up etc. Her reasons were mostly social, urban areas more than twice that. It has All three authors have direct experience economic and cultural. She may not have more tall buildings than New York but unlike of East Asia. Tom Kvan spent much of his used the term, ‘compact city’ but she was in New York, its tall buildings are not so much childhood in Hong Kong and returned there effect an early advocate. More recently there concentrated towards the centre as continuous as an architect and later, as Professor of have been countless commentators calling from centre to periphery. As a small footprint Architecture at the University of Hong Kong. for compact city forms with environmental or compact mega-city, it probably has no rival. Justyna Karakiewicz taught at the same considerations their prime concern, for small university, while completing her PhD at footprint urbanism is one response to the By contrast, Australia, together with most RMIT on high density urbanism. Initially crisis of global warming. However, for many of North America, has spawned the world’s Barrie Shelton came to know Hong Kong critics this last aspect does not replace lowest density large cities, with some of by lecturing there en route to Japan, whose Jacob’s reasoning but is additional. Further, the most separated land use patterns and cities and urban traditions were the subject the aspects stressed most in current urban highest use of private motorcars. The three of his previous book, Learning from the debate are higher densities and interconnected authors of The Making of Hong Kong: from Japanese City: West Meets East in Urban public transport systems as a way forward Vertical to Volumetric, all FABP staff, are three Design. Until recent years, there has been to reducing urban energy use and Australian residents who believe that the future little design literature generated on Asian carbon emissions. of our cities must lie, in part at least, in far urbanism that has reached a world audience. denser and substantially different forms, While this is changing fast, we believe that too much attention is being directed to wow
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factor mega-projects, quirky designs and This the starting point for our portrayal of associated lifestyles. We project Hong mind-boggling general statistics of growth Hong Kong as a volumetric as well as vertical Kong as deserving of more attention from and development; and too little is turning to city – where form, movement infrastructure designers and planners, speculate on its more fundamental aspects of urban structure, and activities are widely configured to operate future forms, and at least imply overt specific morphologies, component typologies increasingly in a 3D and multi-directional adaptation for other places. and systems, and how these come together manner – hence our title. Volumetric qualities to work effectively as compact city forms. are now evident in all kinds of structures and Lastly, the publication is part of an ongoing infra-structures, across urban Hong Kong: program of investigation of Asian and Our backgrounds and beliefs brought us elevated express walkways, elevated volumetric ‘working models’ – city quarters together to investigate the experience of escalator streets, tower and podium centres, and their building and space typologies. one city, Hong Kong, in the making of small multi-level market and mixed use community Further, the program includes graduate footprint urban forms. We are fully aware that centres, drive-up high-rise warehouses, ‘Travelling Studios’ with other leading it is the product of unique circumstances: the multi-level transport systems in all senses universities from the Asian region plantation of a tiny Western (British) colonial of the word (operating at and across many and beyond - thus integrating teaching settlement in an Eastern (Chinese) cultural levels with vehicles that are themselves and research. setting, and waves of refugees flooding into multi-deck, including double-deck elevators in a tight physical island-and-peninsular setting buildings), etc. Further we analyse such forms The Making of Hong Kong: from Vertical of rugged hills and little level land. In our book, in many illustrations, using consistent graphic to Volumetric is by Barrie Shelton, Justyna we step back before British settlement to show techniques in shades of red and black. Karakiewicz and Thomas Kvan and published that multi-level high-density structures with by Routledge, London & New York (2011). multi-level movement were a rural ‘volumetric’ We argue that higher densities are necessary building phenomenon in the immediate for more than ecological reasons extending For further details visit: region where Hong Kong grew. these to include changes in demographic www.makingofhk.com/makingofhk.swf structure, economic organisation and Barrie Shelton is Associate Professor of Urban Design.
The co-authors of The Making of Hong Kong – Barrie Shelton and Justyna Karakiewicz and Tom Kvan – with Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne (2nd from left)
Image opposite HAW’s Foyn-Johanson House (2009) in Northcote Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Academic Profile: Dr Marcus White
LOUISA RAGAS
One of the Faculty’s newest academics Marcus White is a Director, along with said the jury was overwhelmed with has been recently awarded a prestigious Stuart Harrison, of Harrison and White the breadth of experience and dedication national architecture prize. Dr Marcus White, (HAW), a Melbourne-based architectural to the architecture profession that who joined ABP in January as Lecturer in practice which formed in 2006, after a series Marcus exhibited. Digital Design in Architecture, was named of project collaborations between Marcus the inaugural National Emerging Architect and Stuart. They are driven by new ideas ‘Dr Marcus White is an architect, urban of the Year at the Australian Achievement and a fresh, engaging approach to architectural designer, director of his own practice and in Architecture Awards (AAAA), run by the challenges and use the latest in digital a university scholar, who has been a lecturer Australian Institute of Architects, in March. techniques. An example of this is the and research fellow at RMIT SIAL, and now stunning Foyn-Johanson House (2009) lectures at the University of Melbourne. The award was judged on a range of in Northcote (pictured below) which uses His architectural work has been extensively criteria including excellence in architectural sustainable recycled plastic screening published and exhibited throughout Victoria practice, research or education, contribution on the rear façade. and he has an impressive list of awards and to community and industry activities related research grants against his name. A point of to architecture and involvement in official HAW have had work exhibited at the Venice difference identified by the jury with this entry AIA activities. Biennale (in 2008 and 2010) and at the was Marcus’ demonstration of excellence in Victorian State of Design festival (2009). practice, research and education which are ‘The award is a wonderful recognition of They won a commendation at the 2007 equally outstanding,’ Mr Balsammo noted. my work in education, research and practice, Architecture Australia Unbuilt competition says Marcus. But I also see the creation for their environmentally sustainable urban Working in education strongly informs of the National Emerging Architect Prize design proposition ‘A Real Walking City’. Marcus’ efforts in practice, and vice versa. as a hopeful sign that the institute and the Harrison and White were commended by profession are moving towards new level of the judging panel for their ‘bold yet sensitive ‘You learn quite a bit by teaching. What generosity and support for young practices.’ design proposition’, for the Seaford Life I learn there feeds back into the work I do Saving Club and Dune Restoration in practice and what I do in practice informs ‘It is a pretty tough climate for young architects competition entry. how I teach,’ says Marcus. today. If we think back to 1950s to projects like the Melbourne Olympic Swimming – a Several of HAW’s projects have been ‘Being embedded in current architectural major public building – it was designed by profiled in the media and in industry thinking when you work at a university McIntyre and Borland when they were about publications such as Architectural Review certainly keeps the brain ticking over! The 25 years old. These kinds of opportunities Australia and Monument. award also goes some way to validating my don’t really exist much today.’ choice to continue navigating the often very In presenting the National Emerging rocky road of simultaneously working as an Architect of the Year award, Jury Chair academic and architectural practitioner.’ and EmAGN President Anthony Balsammo Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 01818 | 19| 02
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Student Profile: Luciani Fornari Colombo
Louisa Ragas
Luciani Fornari Colombo is an international A: As a Norman MacGeorge Scholarship available sources. Access to primary sources, PhD student in the Faculty of Architecture recipient you were able to conduct Mies’s own explanations of his theoretical Building and Planning and a recent recipient significant research overseas’. Where projects, has also been illuminating. These of a prestigious Norman MacGeorge Travelling did you travel to and what did why? explanations can be found in Mies’s letters, Scholarship. With a passion for the architecture For two months, I travelled throughout which are unpublished and only available in of Mies van der Rohe, Luciani travelled to North America to consult Mies van der Rohe’s archives such as at the Library of Congress. some of the great design centres of North original drawings, office papers, and other The insights and support from the interviewees America to investigate the phenomenon relevant documents. These documents are has been very important as well. of ‘theoretical projects’. Atrium spoke to available in renowned institutions such as Luciana about her research, the work of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the A: Would you encourage other University Mies van der Rohe and the value of travel. Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, of Melbourne students to apply for a the Library of Congress in Washington DC, Norman MacGeorge Travelling Scholarship? A: Describe your research topic and and the Art Institute of Chicago. In these This scholarship is remarkably generous, what you hope to uncover and achieve: cities, I also interviewed historians and making a research trip of considerable duration My thesis looks at the phenomenon architects who had the opportunity to meet in high-cost cities possible. In my case, ‘theoretical projects’: projects undertaken Mies personally or who have outstanding it afforded more than financial aid. As as a self-imposed challenge to develop knowledge on his work. Among the a member of the scholarship committee, generic architectural ideas able to inspire historians interviewed are Phyllis Lambert, Prof. Graham Brawn, kindly introduced me future designs. In order to achieve a deeper founder and director of the Canadian Centre to a potential interviewee. After receiving understanding of this phenomenon, I for Architecture, former Mies’s client, and the interviewee’s positive response, I was adopted as a case study Mies van der colleague; Barry Bergdoll, Chief Curator encouraged to invite other participants and, Rohe’s theoretical projects. There is abundant of Architecture and Design at the Museum like this, to include interviews in my fieldwork literature on this architect’s work, but so far of Modern Art in NY, and Professor of trip. This enabled me to meet prestigious none have looked at it from this perspective. architectural history at Columbia University; scholars and architects, and to receive their In this sense, the role of theoretical projects Franz Schulze, Professor of Art Emeritus at valuable contributions. in his career has been largely overlooked. Lake Forest College and Mies’s biographer; In my thesis, I argue that theoretical projects and Kenneth Frampton, Ware Professor at A: What are your career goals once are important as a tool in the development Columbia University. Among the architects you complete your PhD? of architectural ideas and can provide the interviewed are Arthur Takeuchi, Associate I would like to publish the thesis as a book means for its more efficient application in Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology with prestigious publisher. I would also like architectural practice, research, teaching, and Mies’s former student; and Dirk Lohan, to pursue an academic career, and to keep exhibition, publication, and competition. Mies’s grandson, who worked with Mies in in touch with the architectural practice, perhaps In Australia, for example, competitions projects such as the New National Gallery in through theoretical projects. As my research such as the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work Berlin. In addition, renowned architects such deals with the work of an internationally have stimulated the production of theoretical as Stanley Tigerman and Bernard Tschumi renowned architect, and with a phenomenon projects, by seeking speculations on the have shared their own experiences in the of generic nature, I believe its outcomes futures of architecture. Yet, not all projects design of theoretical projects. will be relevant to different places around the presented in such events are theoretical. world, including my home country of Brazil Theoretical projects are not only unbuilt. A: How did this international trip expand and Australia. I hope that in a general sense your conceptual ideas and enhance my work will serve life, and its daily challenges. Images your research? As Mies van der Rohe once stated, ‘Life is 1& 2. Farnsworth House (1946-51, Plano) what matters, in its fullness, in its spiritual 3. Federal Center (1959-64, Chicago) My thesis has benefited immensely from this 4. IIT Robert F. Carr Memorial Chapel research trip. I discovered theoretical projects and concrete interconnection’. of Saint Savior (1949-52, Chicago) that Mies designed along his career than 5. Seagram Building (1954-58, New York). I had previously identified through readily Luciana is supervised by All photographs by Luciana F. Colombo Associate Professor Julie Willis. Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
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THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
MSD Dean’s Honours Awards 2010:
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Innovation
The Faculty of Architecture, Building Master of Landscape Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Prize: and Planning celebrated the outstanding Architecture (300 point) 1) Excellence in Property: Benjamin Hui academic achievements of Melbourne Year 3: Fiona Johnson 2) Excellence in Quantity Surveying: Ario Wibowo School of Design (MSD) students and staff Master of Urban Planning at the annual Dean’s Honours Awards in Year 1: Madeleine Beart, Paul Fleckney URBAN PLANNING May. The annual Awards are an opportunity Year 2: Jason Gilbert, Elanna Nolan Ernest Fooks Memorial Award: to reflect on and celebrate the achievements Madeleine Beech of our brightest postgraduate students Master of Planning and Design and inspirational academic staff. The Dean’s Millie Ramsay FACULTY RESEARCH AWARDS Dean’s Prize for Published Honours Awards have a strong tradition, Master of Urban Design with many recipients being amongst our Year 1: Kristie Howes Postgraduate Research most accomplished alumni, working across First Prize: Crystal Legacy the built environment professions both in In addition, over 20 students were recognised Australia and overseas’. Various awards for their achievements in a particular subject Equal Second Prize: Stephen Pascoe were presented on the night by Faculty or discipline. This suite of awards is strongly and Milinda Pathiraja supported by benefactors, including high staff members, with Professor Tom Kvan John Grice Award: Award for excellence giving awards to our highest-achieving MSD profile companies and organizations such in a PhD or Masters’ thesis completed in students who made the Dean’s Honours List. as Bates Smart Pty Ltd, AECOM, Australian any given year by a research postgraduate Institute of Building and the Australian student in Architecture - Dr Iris Levin Azriel DEAN’S HONOURS LIST Property Institute. Partnerships such as Graduate Diploma in Property Valuation these reflect our Faculty’s strong connections Graham Treloar Fellowship for Early Joong Kewk with the built environment professions, Career Researchers: Dr Stanislav Roudavski Master of Architecture (200 point) and demonstrate that the industry sees the Academic staff were also recognised for Year 1: Edward Blanch, Matthew benefit of investing in the futures of talented their achievements in creating and facilitating Chamberlain, Christopher Loh, Lindsey students. The winners of these awards are innovative curriculum and teaching and across Ong, Sonya Parton, Robert Ventresca outlined below: the disciplines in Architecture, Building Year 2: Madeleine Beech, Joanne ARCHITECTURE and Planning. Nataprawira, Justin Bolton, Marina Carroll, RAIA/Bates Smart Graduate Prize: Full details of the award winners Anna Jeffery, India Mackie, Stephanie Poole Joanne Nataprawira are on the ABP website. Master of Architecture (300 point) Elizabeth Bennett Prize for Computer The Faculty of Architecture, Building Year 1: Joshua Haddad Applications: Kean Foo and Planning gratefully acknowledges the Master of Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE benefactors of the 2010 prizes and awards: Management (200 point) The Neil Fraser Award for Sustainable Mrs Noemi Fooks Year 1: Sudha Venkatesh Landscape Design: David Heymann Mrs J A Stosius Year 2: Sida Guo AECOM Australia Prize for Urban Design Alasdair and Jenny Fraser Master of Construction and Landscape Architecture: Caroline Luiz Australian Institute of Building Management (300 point) Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Year 1: Christina Vasin PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION Australian Property Institute Australian Institute of Building Prize: Bates Smart Pty Ltd Master of Property (200 point) Marcus Jankie Year 1: Cameron Jones Chartered Institute of Building Year 2: Danielle Lawes Chartered Institute of Building Award CoreNet Gobal (Australian Chapters) (UG): Marcus Jankie Graham Treloar Fellowship Master of Property (300 point) Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd Chartered Institute of Building Award Year 1: Michael Prosser Royal Australian Institute of Architects (PG Coursework): Sudha Venkatesh Master of Landscape Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Architecture (200 point) Australian Property Institute: Carl Barrile Year 1: Carlia Bates Corenet Global Corporate Real Estate Year 2: Caroline Luiz (CRE) Award: Peck Sam Master of Landscape Hansen Yuncken Prize: Annie Chan Architecture (300 point) and Angela Joseph Year 1: Kira Grover Harry Wexler AIQS Prize: Melissa Evans Year 2: Dermot Egan
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THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
Reel Reunion
PETER JONES
On 25 March 2011, 40 alumni celebrated on competitive sport; prudery in the arts; The challenge after our one-night festival 50 years since commencing architecture sexism; governmentalism in education; was put for the next generations of alumni studies in 1961. The reunion compass was facadism in our lives; economic rationalism to reintroduce the student films of the ‘70’s extended forward and back a decade to and racism for visiting students and to ‘90’s. The last frame was played by 1995. involve another 100 alumni – all associated immigrants. Were they ‘boat people’ with ten unique films created between who clambered down from Polywoodside – Old celluloids in their cans, never die – so 1953-1967 by University of Melbourne captured as a Dickensian before-shot of we were fortunate to have encouragement students and graduates. what years later needed a National trust from those of the Australian Centre for the restoration committee with Peter McIntyre Moving Image (ACMI) in conjunction with For this special film event, people flew in chair? Homage was paid on the night to `Australiamediateque National Film and Sound from the U.K, Mumbai, Singapore, Perth, his special success – the spawning of the Archives to foster-home the original masters. ACT and Sydney. The screening was held Mouldie generations. What was that in the in the Prince Philip Theatre and was hosted film he was malevolently mixing in a beaker? Some might say these short films were, by the Melbourne School of Design (MSD) ‘every day’. Others might say it another and Faculty of Architecture, Building and Thanks were given to those who carried way – that this giant pile of celluloid contained Planning. Tom Kvan, Dean of the Faculty, the cans safely for half a century. Eric Kerr that tiny bit of … MAGIC. and Philip Goad, Director of the MSD wove camera for the five early films. Mrs introduced the evening. Muriel Kerr rummaged and retrieved them. Peter Jones was co-producer, vibes Gary Patterson nurtured the other five. I player and actor in the 1964 architectural Twelve alumni recalled what it was like to buttonholed Nigel Buesst, who directed the student film Façade. have been part of these productions: Peter professional nip, tuck and metamorphosis McIntyre (1953, 1958); Robin Cuming (1953); into the form seen that night. Nigel was Howard McCorkell (1959); Chris Seddon the cinematographer who shot Façade and (1960); Tamara Winikoff, Anne Cunningham years later Squizzy Taylor. Another Revue and Claudia Esdaile (1961); Stephen Adorjan Film photographer from outside was the (1963); Max Hipkins (1964); Hugh O’Neill avant-garde John Scott who filmed John (1965); Tony Green (1966) and Garry is an Architecture Student, 1965. His work Martin (1967). later made the cover of Time. Student Russell Hagg directed the 1960 and 1961 The audience responded to the universal films and later worked with Kubrick. The themes captured in the short films – attitudes 1963 student film – A ½ hour of a day in of cynicism to advertising; philistinism to the life of Robin Beckett was said to have domestic architectural heritage; ultra-emphasis been shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Images 1. Peter Jones, Peter McIntyre, Ondine McGlashan 2. Dr George Michell, Peter Jones, Sally Anderson Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
We’re in this together
The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning has always received generous support from alumni, friends and industry partners to create opportunities for our talented students.
As a Faculty, we are committed to ensuring that our students - the next generation of built environment professionals - understand the need for sustainable solutions in the creation of urban centres. Now more than ever we have an opportunity to make a significant impact on our environmental and social futures by managing urban change.
But how do we do this? One key way is by ensuring that our students develop interdisciplinary knowledge, where sustainability principles are embedded as a way of thinking and collaboration is the preferred mode of practice. To achieve this it is clear we must create a new, flexible academic space and an inspirational, world-class curriculum.
We have embarked on creating a new building for the Faculty which will be unique in Australia: it will be a centre of transformational education and research into sustainable cities and an exemplar of sustainable infrastructure. In particular, it will allow students and researchers to explore sustainability issues across multiple disciplines in a living and pedagogical building that can be adapted to changing needs, designed to provide ongoing feedback to students and researchers for real-time learning. Therefore, the facility If you are interested in obtaining itself will be the platform for training a special DVD showcasing the 10 our future leaders engaged in planning, architecture films please contact ABP designing and constructing cities and events - [email protected] communities here and abroad. If you have already registered your interest, you do not need We invite you to join with us to support to do so again. our endeavours. By supporting our community of students and researchers and our building project, you are making a significant investment in the educational, environmental and economic health of the built environment professions for future generations. Atrium PAGE 16 | 2011 02424 | 25| 02
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THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
From the Faculty
WELCOME BOOKS
Dr Marcus White joined the Faculty at the Congratulations to recent Master of Urban The Making of Hong Kong: From Vertical beginning of the year as Lecturer – Digital Planning graduate Elanna Nolan, who was to Volumetric, co-authored by Barrie Design in Architecture. Marcus was named this year’s recipient of the Women’s Planning Shelton, Justyna Karakiewicz and Thomas the inaugural National Emerging Architect Network Rising Star Scholarship. Elanna Kvan, was launched by Professor Glyn of the Year at the Australian Achievement won for her essay entitled ‘Going Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University in Architecture Awards (AAAA), run by the to Town: gender, youth and the city.’ of Melbourne in late February. The book, AIA in March. Sponsored by Lockwood, published by Routledge, examines Hong Congratulations also to alum Alexandra the award was judged on a range of criteria, Kong, one of the most compact cities and Chu (BArch Hons 1997) founder of the including contribution to community sustainable cities in the world. The launch Anken Group, who won the Australia Post activities related to architecture, was a huge success with over 100 alumni, Sustainable Development Award at the involvement in official AIA activities and staff, practitioners and friends the event AustCham Australia China Business showcasing excellence in architectural held in the Atrium. The space was adorned Awards for the Group’s showcase Anken practice, research or education. You can with illustrations by Justyna Karakiewicz Green warehouse. read more about Marcus on page 17. from the book printed on huge banners. Read Barrie Shelton’s article on pages 14-16. Also at the 2011 Australian Achievement in Architecture Awards, alumnus Anna UPCOMING EVENTS Another book recently published by Rubbo was a recipient of the Neville Routledge is Urban Coding and Planning, Quarry Architectural Education Prize and which features entries by Qinghua Guo alumnus Jefa Greenaway was presented Dean’s Lecture Series 2011 and Barrie Shelton. Qinghua Guo writes with a Dulux Study Tour Prize. Jefa is the on the historical interplay of planning and first indigenous registered Architect in James Timberlake coding in Beijing from the Ming to Mao Victoria and jury of Dulux Study Tour felt Partner, Kieran Timberlake, Philadelphia eras, including the period of Japanese that Jefa’s ‘solid project experience and Tuesday 23 August, 7pm occupation. Barrie provides the Australian as the director as of his own practice, has Carillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, case study, tracing the ‘pendular swings’ begun to chart a direction to cement Sydney Myer Asia Centre in spatial concepts and planning ideas himself as a contemporary emerging Lorenzo Castro that have underpinned the framing of architectural practice.’ Architect, Bogota codes for Adelaide’s ‘Square Mile’ since the city’s foundation. The Elisabeth Murdoch Chair in Landscape Tuesday 4 October, 7pm Architecture appointment has been Carillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, Robert Crawford’s new book Life Cycle finalised.Professor Gini Lee, currently Sydney Myer Asia Centre Assessment in the Built Environment was Professor of Landscape Architecture at For full event details and to register visit: published in March by Spon Press (Taylor QUT, will join the Faculty in July of this year. http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/ and Francis). Life cycle assessment enables the identification of a broad range of Professor Miles Lewis will be retiring on deans-lectures/ potential environmental impacts occurring 30 June, after TBC years with the Faculty. ABP Alumni Retrospective Series across the entire life of a product, from its Miles will continue to be connected to the Exhibition: ARM Architects – design through to its eventual disposal or Faculty, through his various with teaching They’re not butchers are they? reuse. The need for life cycle assessment and research activities. We will be celebrating 6 June -1 July 2011 to inform environmental design within the his many achievements and contributions built environment is critical, due to the in coming months. Wunderlich Gallery, Architecture Building complex range of materials and processes “The architecture of Melbourne-based required to construct and manage our Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) is like buildings and infrastructure systems. CONGRATULATIONS no other in Australia. It may have no counterpart anywhere in the world.” (Professor Phillip Goad, New Directions Congratulations to Jillian Walliss in Australian Architecture, 2001) who won the Edward Brown Award for Teaching Excellence. This is a significant For an up to date listing of all Faculty achievement and reflects the excellent events visit: www.msd.unimelb.edu.au contribution that Jillian has made to teaching in the Faculty. Atrium 16 | 2011
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & PLANNING
EXHIBITIONS, EXPEDITIONS and LECTURES
ABP’s Ex-Lab (Experimental Design Lab) John Wardle. There was a high level the Architectural Profession in Capetown launched into the year with a summer of interest in this event, with the Carrillo which reviewed the relationship between workshop on Digital Design and Gantner Theatre almost full to capacity the South African accreditation system Fabrication: an intensive 4-week course and over 200 people having registered and the Commonwealth Association which introduced architecture students before any active promotion was undertaken. of Architects. Clare is Chair of the CAA to advanced digital modeling and Comments afterwards noted that it was Validation Panel. parametric design software. Thirty five the best lecture on architecture many had Jianfei Zhu spoke on ‘Scale and State: students participated in the workshop attended. Nader has also spent time during Beijing of the 1420s’ at a Conference at which culminated in the design, fabrication his visit engaging with students in a studio Wolfenbüttel in Germany on 17 March. The and construction of an installation on St session and giving a floor talk as part talk was part of the joint research project Kilda beach, as part of the 2011 St Kilda of his exhibition currently showing in the sponsored by the University of Freiburg, Festival in February. The installation is the Wunderlich Gallery. Read more about Leiden University and the Chinese cover image of this edition of Atrium. Nader’s visit of pages 4-6. Academy of Social Sciences on the The Identity, Diversity and The Metropolis: Colombian landscape architect Martha formation of statehood in late imperial The Inaugural Hon. Evan Walker Design Fajardo presented the 2nd lecture in our China and early modern Europe. Studio Exhibition, led by Jefa Greenaway Dean’s Lecture Series in early May. The Alan March travelled to Florence in April followed in March. This intriguing exhibition focus of her talk was the transformations to attend the IDER 2011 conference of student work from the 2010 Master which have recently taken place in Bogotá, on international disaster response and of Architecture studio of the same name Medellin and Cartagena in regard to transport, planning, hosted by the University of focused on indigenous place-making. public spaces, art and culture, education, Florence, Centre for Civil Protection and Jefa Greenaway, Director of Greenaway social urbanism and social inclusion. Risk Studies (CESPRO).The main theme Architects, is a descendant of the Wailwan/ The Faculty launched an exciting new of the conference was ‘Community Gamillaraay people and the only registered series called the MSD Director’s Series in Resilience’ – the impact of climate change Indigenous architect practicing in Victoria. April, which will feature four yearly lectures and natural and man-made disasters. The exhibition was generously supported by some of Australia’s leading thinkers by the Christopher Wren Club. Richard Tomlinson was in Singapore in contemporary design, architecture and recently and delivered two talks at National On 25 March we presented a unique planning. This inaugural series began with University Singapore (NUS). One talk was cinematic event – a screening of short films Timothy Hill, who delivered an irreverent for the Master of Science Environment by University of Melbourne architecture talk on the Oxo measuring cup to an students and one for Master of Public students from the 1950s and 1960s. The exclusive audience at the Robin Boyd Administration and Master of Public Policy screening showcased a collection of films House in South Yarra. ‘To be fully charmed students in the Lee Kuan Yew School of created by some of Australia’s foremost by the Oxo measuring cup requires some Public Policy. architects and designers from this ‘golden imaginative role playing as a cocktail era’. Identities such as Robin Boyd, John bartender, since its appeal is experiential Gollings, Dimity Reed and John Denton, as rather than graphic,’ says Timothy. Timothy well as Melbourne architectural landmarks, is a Director at Donovan Hill, is one of were captured in these films in a period Australia’s leading architectural practices, before the extensive urban transformations whose output encompasses furniture of the 1970s. Over 250 alumni and friends commissions, public art projects, the filled the Prince Philip Theatre and enjoyed Brisbane City Centre Master Plan, landscapes, the cinematic experience which was laboratories, commercial office towers enhanced by a lounge area, where and domestic houses. cocktails and choc tops were served. Clare Newton was in South Africa in late Read more about the event on page 22. March as a Visiting Board member on a We launched the 2011 MSD Dean’s validation visit to the School of Architecture, Lecture Series in March with a lecture by Planning and Geomatics at the University American architect Nader Tehrani. The talk of Capetown. She also attended a special featured an introductory conversation with meeting of the South African Council for PAGE 028 | 02
contact Atrium Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning University of Melbourne 16 | 2011 Victoria 3010 Australia phone + 61 3 8344 6417 www.abp.unimelb.edu.au CITIES AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Published by the Faculty of THE UNIVERSITY Architecture, Building and Planning OF MELBOURNE Co-editors: Louisa Ragas FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, & Michele Burder BUILDING & PLANNING Design: Studio Binocular Authorised by Professor Tom Kvan, Dean Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning, May 2011 ISSN 1447-1728 The University of Melbourne CRICOS provider code: 00116K