XYX Lab - Monash University

PhD Scholarship for
Designing Dignity: Civic equity through public bathroom architecture

This scholarship is set within the ARC Discovery Project “Designing Dignity: Civic equity through public bathroom architecture” funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project awarded to Professor Nicole Kalms and Professor Emily Potter (2026-2028).

The project will undertake new research to analyse the value of public bathroom architecture using place-based methods to reimagine these modestly-scaled buildings as outward demonstrations of civic innovation and inclusion for future Australian communities. This innovative approach will shift the current focus on public bathroom design from a pragmatic, minimalist view of technical and ergonomic specifications to an ambitious, multipurpose concept – where a responsive network is shaped by the complexities of rapid urban change, population growth, housing stress and social insecurity.

The PhD student will be located in XYX Lab at Monash University, Australia’s most innovative research group dedicated to inclusive urban design. Located in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, they will work with Professor Kalms and a Post Doctoral Research Associate.

The XYX Lab, co-directed by is a team of interdisciplinary design researchers exploring gender-sensitive design practices and theory. XYX Lab research brings together planners, policy makers, local government and stakeholders to make tangible the experiences of underrepresented communities in urban space and planning.

Please see the instructions -- this position has a two-stage selection process.
Please share with your networks.

EoI closes: Wednesday 8 April 2026, 11:55pm AEST

LINK in BIO

Are you a woman who lives, works, or studies in the City of Casey and would like to take part in a workshop on your experience of travel, community, and local life?

This 3.5-hour workshop is part of a PhD research study examining how women move through and use their local area. Together, we’ll discuss what currently works well, what’s missing, and how the design of public spaces could make Casey’s suburbs safer and more connected for women.

📍 City of Casey
📅 15th of February 2026
🥗 Lunch provided
💳 Honorarium provided

Click the link in our bio to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

For more information, please read the Explanatory Statement linked within the EOI.

For any questions, contact Isabella Webb at [email protected]

・・・
PhD candidate and spatial designer in the XYX Lab, Isabella Webb, shares how her research on gender-sensitive urban design takes on new significance with this year’s International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘March Forward: Taking Bold Steps to Turn Commitments into Action.’

“My research is about addressing the mobility gaps and the feelings of isolation experienced by women in these areas. These spaces, between urban and rural, are often neglected when it comes to infrastructure and community-building efforts,” says Isabella

“International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality is not a one-off event but an ongoing effort. Structural change is needed from the top down—government, urban planners, and designers need to commit to creating spaces that support women’s mobility, safety, and opportunities,” says Isabella.

By highlighting the real experiences of women, her research seeks to influence urban planning and policymaking that truly benefits women and marginalised groups.

Read the full article via the link in our bio.

・・・
This International Women’s Day we are spotlighting research by women that explores important issues for women including safety, accessibility and equality.

Samantha Donnelly is a researcher and advocate for women in refuges, shedding light on the urgent need for better-designed spaces for those fleeing domestic violence.

“I saw firsthand the immense pressure that women’s refuges work under—finances, safety concerns, and the needs of women and children escaping violence.”

“We must create spaces where women can thrive—spaces that allow them to rebuild their lives free from violence,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly believes that International Women’s Day should not just be a celebration but a call for action.

“Why can’t we have a focus on women’s issues all year long? The government should announce new policies every year to improve women’s lives.”

Read the full article via the link in our bio.

Illustrations by Samantha Donnelly.

・・・
Common Ground x International Women’s Day 2025

We’re excited to introduce the speakers joining us for Common Ground x International Women’s Day 2025 - bringing unique perspectives across Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture.

Nikhila Madabhushi
An architect, researcher, and educator, Nikhila’s research-based practice focuses on decolonising and participatory design. Her work bridges academic, public, and professional discourse, with a deep commitment to co-creating applied research with diverse communities across Australia.

Ana Ćalić McLean
With 15 years of experience, Ana finds inspiration in life’s smallest moments of wonder. Her work blends inventive concepts with thoughtful exploration - driven by curiosity to deliver meaningful, resonant design solutions.

Isabella Webb
Isabella’s research focuses on women’s safety and inclusion in urban environments. Through participatory methods and an intersectional lens, she explores how design interventions can foster more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cities.

Join us for an evening of engaging discussions and relaxed group conversations - an opportunity to hear from and chat with these experienced voices across these design disciplines.

📅 Thursday March 6th, 2025
🕒 6:00 - 8:30pm
📍 Brickworks Melbourne Design Studio, 367 Collins St, Melbourne
🎟️ Tickets available via the link in bio

We can’t wait to see you there!



office
studio

RECRUITMENT CLOSES FRIDAY 🌟 Do you know someone who lives in Melbournes South-East? Please share this post with them.

Join a study on women's access to transport and public spaces. Your time and expertise are valued, and an honorarium will be provided at each stage of your involvement.

Scan the QR code, or click on the link - https://forms.gle/8STayBH2gDGYgyou7

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The City of Casey includes the suburbs and localities of Beaconsfield (part), Berwick, Blind Bight, Botanic Ridge, Cannons Creek, Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam, Hampton Park, Harkaway, Junction Village, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst (part), Lysterfield South, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South, Pearcedale (part), Tooradin (part) and Warneet.

Want to improve how you and others move around your local community? Or do you know someone who might be interested and lives in the City of Casey?

Please share this important PhD research with your networks. Or, to express interest, please click the link in our bio or scan the QR code.

🗣️ Call for Participation: Share Your Story 🗣️ Michelle Hamer’s powerful exhibition, I'm a Believer, gives voice to those whose chronic health issues have been marginalised and overlooked. To support this important work, Nobody Knows invites you to anonymously share your experiences of dismissive language, disbelief, and gaslighting in the patient-doctor-community relationship.

Hamer encourages you to submit your story or that of a loved one—whether typed, handwritten, or in any language and form. Your contributions will be included in a limited edition artist book as part of the project's ongoing extension.

🔗 Upload or type your story here - https://www.lindenarts.org/exhibitions/linden-new-art/michelle-hamer/nobody-knows/

Monash University’s XYX Lab supports this project but is not a project of the Lab itself.

🚶‍♀️ Upcoming Keynote and Walking Tour with Professor Nicole Kalms 🚶‍♂️at vpela's State Planning Conference

Prof Nicole Kalms is excited to present a keynote presentation and lead a walking tour around Lorne, discussing how gender-sensitive placemaking can enhance urban safety and address community inequities. Proudly sponsored by Tract Consultants, this engaging tour will provide real-life examples of how thoughtful urban design can make a difference.

Nicole will be presenting with several other incredible speakers:
> The Hon Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning
> Anna Meares OAM, Chef de Mission, Paris Olympics
> Nick McKenzie, Australian investigative journalist

We look forward to seeing those who have booked for this event!

Monash Art, Design and Architecture

📢 New Publication Alert 📢 Tegan Larin's recent article, "Gender and Sexual Minorities and Disaster: Balancing Structural and Agentic Perspectives," has been published in the July 2024 edition of the Australian Journal of Emergency Management.

This article provides a thorough examination of how gender and sexual minorities experience and respond to disaster situations. Larin's analysis balances structural factors with individual agency, offering valuable insights for improving disaster management and response practices.

For an in-depth exploration of these critical issues, access the full article in the latest journal issue — https://ow.ly/aPRT50T1J6O

The YourGround NSW Baseline Insights Report is now available, offering valuable insights into how women and gender diverse people experience public spaces across New South Wales. Developed by CrowdSpot and Monash University’s XYX Lab, this report maps out areas of safety and discomfort to drive improvements in public safety and inclusivity.

The YourGround NSW Baseline Insights Report is now available, offering valuable insights into how women and gender-diverse people experience public spaces across New South Wales. Developed by CrowdSpot and Monash University’s XYX Lab, this report maps out areas of safety and discomfort to drive improvements in public safety and inclusivity.

This report is an essential resource for Dr Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, complementing her Strategic Plan, which was launched in March 2024.

Access the full report here - https://ow.ly/KMo050T1Ji9

Monash Art, Design and Architecture