RMIT Architecture & Urban Design

AGUIS SCORPO ARCHITECTS - BIVA ON BANK ADDITIONS FEATURED ON ARCHITECTURE AU!

Additions to BIVA on Bank have just been completed. Aguis Scorpo Architects designed the commercial addition next to the 1880 gothic revival bank in South Bank, Melbourne. The revitalisation to the site is an ode to the demolished 1970 extension. RMIT Architecture Lecturer Claire Scorpo was one of many in the all-female team that brought this incredible project to life.

Claire Scorpo in ArchitectureAU:
“Our focus was on creating a form that would complement the bank rather than compete with it – creating a companion building, rather than something separate and unrelated.”

Agius Scorpo architects is a Melbourne practice led by RMIT Architecture Lecturer and alumna Claire Scorpo and RMIT Architecture alumnus Nic Agius.

Read more on ArchitectureAu: https://bit.ly/4ikgJdh

Image 1 Credit: Thurston Empson

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A FEW IMAGES FROM THE FIRST RMIT ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY 4 LECTURE SERIES:
LYONS: PAULA FOX MELANOMA AND CANCER CENTRE

As part of the Technology 4 2025 Open Lecture Series, Lyons Director Hari Pliambas, presented their recently completed Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre.

The lecture series has been designed to capture five prominent Melbourne architecture and structural engineering practices presenting five key, current and award winning projects. It is an open lecture series held in the RMIT Design Hub. All are welcome to attend.

Technology 4 is a course in the third year of the RMIT Bachelor of Architecture Design program and is coordinated by Amy Muir.

See the full list of upcoming Technology 4 Lectures here:
https://bit.ly/41ZRd7i

Technology 4 LYONS Poster: https://bit.ly/3QVSXrY

Image 1-2: RMIT Architecture Lecturer Amy Muir
Image 3: Peter Bennetts

CONGRATULATIONS TO RMIT ARCHITECTURE ADJUNCT PROFESSOR KERSTIN THOMPSON ON AN AIA HONORARY FELLOWSHIP!

Kerstin Thompson has been named one of ten Architects internationally to be given the title American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honorary Fellow (FAIA).

The American institute of Architects was founded in 1857 in New York. The fellowship started in 1952 to promote the shared interest in the advancement of the Architecture profession. Honorary Fellows are selected from Architects across the world in recognition for exceptional contributions to architecture and society.

RMIT Architecture Alumna, Masters of Architecture Design Studio Leader and Adjunct Professor Kerstin Thompson is Director and founder of Kerstin Thompson Architects which is a practice that includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni and sessional staff.

Image Credits: Jessica Lindsay

RMIT ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO BALLOTING PRESENTATIONS, SEMESTER 1 2025 - ON CAMPUS!

Presentations will be held on Tuesday 25th February 2025. Please note that the balloting presentations are on campus only.

This semester, ballot forms will be accessed via Canvas. Further instructions and links will be provided at the ballot presentations.

DATE (in person): Tuesday 25th February 2025
TIME: Bachelor of Architectural Design - Design Studios available from 12.30pm
TIME: Master of Architecture Design Studios available from 5.00pm
WHERE: RMIT SAB 80.02.007 Lecture Theatre

Visit Architecture (BP250 + MC163) Canvas page.
Link: https://rmit.instructure.com/courses/58220

Link for Design Studio and Electives Posters:
http://architecture.rmit.edu.au/category/balloting/ (available Monday 24th February)

RMIT ARCHITECTURE ALUMNI & STAFF EXHIBITING IN THE ROBIN BOYD FOUNDATION HOUSE SHOW

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Celebrating 20 years of the Robin Boyd Foundation's custodianship of Walsh Street, House Show brings together architects, designers and artists for an exhibition that diffuses process and discourse throughout the residence!⁠
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Tickets are available via the .boyd.foundation :
https://robinboyd.org.au/event/house-show-exhibition/

WHEN: Saturday 15 February – Sunday 23 February

Image 1 - 3: Future Naarm: First Light, RMIT A&UD Immersive Futures Lab - Vei Tan, Patrick Macasaet, Shuming Ivy Zhou + Zechen Huang. Photography:

Image 4-6: Montague: Adapting Density, RMIT Architecture Associate Lecturer Lauren Garner. Photography: Michael Pham (4) & Lauren Garner (5-6)

Image 7-8: Recomposed (2024 – 25), Indian ink and pencil on paper, MUIR. RMIT Architecture Lecturer Amy Muir

Image 9-10: City Bins (2022), Salvaged City of Melbourne bins, Simulaa, RMIT Architecture Associate Lecturer Anna Jankovic & Andre Bonnice Photography: Michael Pham

2025 TRAVELLING STUDIO: NETHERLANDS – VELOCITY - THE WHY FACTORY @ TU DELFT

Just a heads-up for our 2025 Travelling Design Studios.

Studio Leaders:
Prof Winy Maas & Leo Stuckardt (MVRDV/ The Why Factory @ TU Delft),
Dr. Ben Milbourne & Alexander Moorrees (RMIT Architecture)

This Master of Architecture traveling studio is a collaboration between The Why Factory @ TU Delft and RMIT Architecture. RMIT Architecture students will travel to The Netherlands during the semester for an intensive collaborative workshop with the Why Factory @ TU Delft.

The VELOCITY studio will investigate the relationship between mobility and urban form. The studio will continue and expand the investigation the earlier Superloop and On the Move studios which aimed to contribute to understanding sustainable transport systems for cities. This studio will map how much can we reach in 30min? How much can we reach in 10min? and specially how much can we reach in 200seconds? Both in terms of the macro urban form and typological ramifications of different transport forms.

Refer to the Ballot session for more detail on the studio curriculum.

PROPOSED TIMELINE:
Semester 1 2025, Wednesdays 6-10pm Weeks 5-9 in Melbourne, Followed by intensive workshop at TU Delft, Weeks 9-12 (12-23/05/25).

TRAVELLING TO:
Delft, Netherlands [Delft is 20 mins by train away from Rotterdam and 50mins from Amsterdam

Studio Poster: https://bit.ly/3Q9xGKX

An information session will be held for traveling studios at 12:30pm Wednesday 19th of February, in 100.05.004A

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

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HOUSING ATLAS – PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY AT RMIT DESIGN ARCHIVES

Last semester, Master of Architecture students contributed to this research through KTA’s practice-led design studio program. Housing Atlas is part of a nationwide initiative running across schools of architecture, building a shared resource—an Atlas of Housing for Australia.

The studio’s research informed two primary outcomes:
1. Documentation and analysis of selected local housing exemplars, compiled as part of the Housing Atlas for Australia.

2. Sensitive transformation of an exemplar, framed through a particular issue.

The Atlas will address a critical gap in current regional research, representing essential knowledge for scholars and architects alike. Comprising student research and documentation from across the country, the resulting database will form an invaluable guide to assist in the intensive delivery of new housing throughout Australia.

From forming a brief to articulating a detailed design response, students have tested how these exemplary works can be adapted, reworked, or built upon to meet the growing needs of future Australia.

Drop by and explore the work.


Student Works:
Sophie Beckerleg
Ee Min Lim
Eunseo Lee
Qianhui Li
Christopher Christian
Surya
Cara Banks
Rithik Rengaswamy
Ravikumar
Mingjie Cao
Stephanie Gouder
Marcela Vichi Ruberth
Sousata Vanna
Lucas Toppi
Vimalpreet Kaur

Studio Leaders:
Kerstin Thompson
Leo Showell
Hannah Wilson
Olivia Peel
Caleb Lee

Contributors:
RMIT Design Archives

Exhibition Coordinator:
Lauren Garner, RMIT Architecture Associate Lecturer

Photography: Leo Showell,

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR DESIGN PRACTITIONERS: Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship 2025-26 at the American Academy in Rome. APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

RMIT Architecture and the Alastair Swayn Foundation have joined forces to offer an international fellowship for Australian architects, landscape architects and design professionals looking to advance their practice.

Providing the opportunity to spend eight weeks at the American Academy in Rome, the Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture (ASF-RMIT) Affiliated Fellowship supports the growth and development of early to mid-career designers who are emerging leaders in their fields.

The American Academy in Rome is a leading centre for independent studies and advanced research in the fine arts and humanities. In this setting, the Affiliated Fellow will work towards a specific project of their choice, cultivating their practice and making new interdisciplinary connections in the creative city of Rome and its surrounds.

RMIT Architecture forms part of the multidisciplinary School of Architecture & Urban Design within RMIT’s College of Design & Social Context. It is globally recognised for design excellence and innovation, and revered for its focus on driving cultural change through design.

The Alastair Swayn Foundation is dedicated to supporting the knowledge, research and education of all things Australian design. Through its philanthropic endeavours, the foundation supports individuals, groups and organisations in their pursuit of excellence and knowledge enhancement.


Applications Open 31 January 2025.
Applications Close: 11 March 2025.

For more information and to apply, please visit the link in bio:
rmit.edu.au/asf

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on behalf of all of us in RMIT Architecture to all our Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Design students who graduated at the graduation ceremony at Marvel Stadium. Well Done! Keep in touch and remember you will always be welcome at RMIT Architecture and Urban Design and you now join our international Alumni network.

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS also to all our RMIT Bachelor of Architectural Design students who also graduated. Well done and we look forward to seeing you soon next year in the Masters program.

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all the School of Architecture & Urban Design design-practice PhD students.

Our best wishes for a venturous, impact-full, prosperous and joyous future. We look forward to seeing your work develop and keep in touch!

WELL DONE!


Image: RMIT School of Architecture & Urban Design Associate Dean, Dr. John Doyle

NEW INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR DESIGN PRACTITIONERS: Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome. Applications Opening 2025

We are excited to announce that applications for the third Alastair Swayn Foundation–RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship at the Academy in Rome will open in January 2025. This prestigious eight-week residential fellowship offers early to mid-career Australian architects, landscape architects, and design professionals a unique opportunity to advance their practice within a vibrant interdisciplinary community.

The fellowship provides accommodation, meals, and a stipend to support travel and project expenses. During the residency, fellows will have access to the Academy's extensive resources, including its library, archives, and participation in various programs such as lectures, concerts, and site visits. This immersive experience is designed to foster professional growth and facilitate meaningful connections within the rich cultural context of Rome.

Upon returning to Australia, fellows are expected to deliver a public lecture to share insights gained during their residency. This initiative underscores the Swayn Foundation and University's commitment to advancing Australian design practice through global engagement and knowledge exchange.

For more information on eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit our website. We encourage all eligible design professionals to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to enrich their practice and contribute to the broader design community.

To find out more, please visit the website:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/architecture-and-urban-design/alastair-swayn-foundation-fellowship


Image: Learning From Corviale presented by Simon Robinson (OFFICE), recipient of the 2023 Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome.

RMIT ARCHITECTURE ALUMNI SHORTLISTED FOR THE AA PRIZE FOR UNBUILT WORK 2025

The AA Unbuilt Prize recognizes innovative architectural concepts in Australia that have not been constructed, fostering exploration and debate in the field, and highlighting the creative potential of architects and designers.

The AA Prize for Unbuilt Work 2025 Shortlist:
Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct, Canberra, Australia – Djinjama with COLA Studio, Hassell and Edition Office in collaboration

Hassell is a practice that includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni such as Ingrid Bakker who is Principal, Board Director and Co Leader of Commercial and Workplace sector.

Edition Office is a practice that includes RMIT Architecture Alumni Directors Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland.


Congratulations to all projects!


Read more on ArchitectureAU:
https://bit.ly/4g0JudL


Image Credits: Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct, Canberra, Australia – Djinjama with COLA Studio, Hassell and Edition Office in collaboration

Post 4 of 4 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS:

RMIT Architecture congratulates our staff, adjunct professors and alumni on their success at the 2024 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS.

This year's National Architecture Awards showcase Australian Architecture practices that have developed projects with a sense of connectedness and community under multiple categories.

Small Project Architecture

National Awards
Dwaarlindjirraap Suspension Bridge – Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects and ARUP
Photo: Peter Bennetts

The founding directors of Iredale Pederson Hook are Alumni of the RMIT Architecture design-practice research Masters (Adrian Iredale and Finn Pederson) and PhD program (Martyn Hook).


Sustainable Architecture

The David Oppenheim Award
Campbell House Private Office – Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Photo: Cieran Murphy

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni including RMIT Architecture PhD Alumnus Director Tim Greer.



View the full list of awarded projects: https://bit.ly/3YNR2Jt

Post 3 of 4 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS:

RMIT Architecture congratulates our staff, adjunct professors and alumni on their success at the 2024 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS.

This year's National Architecture Awards showcases Australian Architecture practices that have developed projects with a sense of connectedness and community under multiple categories.

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

National Awards
Mansard House – Studio Bright
Photo: Rory Gardiner

Studio Bright includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni such as RMIT Architecture Alumna Director Mel Bright.


Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

The Robin Boyd Award
Naples Street House – Edition Office
Photo: Tasha Tylee

Edition Office includes RMIT Architecture Alumni Directors Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland.


National Awards
Burnt Earth Beach House – Wardle
Photo: Trevor Mein

Wardle includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni and RMIT Architecture Alumnus founding Director John Wardle (design-practice research Masters).


National Commendation
Maitland Bay House – Studio Bright
Photo: Rory Gardiner


Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

The Frederick Romberg Award
Ferrars and York – Six Degrees
Photo: Dan Preston

Six Degrees includes numerous RMIT Alumni including Director Simon O’Brien.


View the full list of awarded projects: https://bit.ly/3YNR2Jt


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Post 2 of 4 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS:

RMIT Architecture congratulates our staff, adjunct professors and alumni on their success at the 2024 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS.

This year's National Architecture Awards showcase Australian Architecture practices that have developed projects with a sense of connectedness and community under multiple categories.

Heritage Architecture

National Commendation
St George’s Performing Arts Centre – Kneeler Design Architects
Photo: Scott Burrows

Kneeler Design Architects was founded by RMIT Architecture Alumnus Director Robert Bienvenu.


Interior Architecture

The Emil Sodersten Award
Burnt Earth Beach House – Wardle
Photo: Trevor Mein

Wardle is a practice that includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni and RMIT Architecture Alumnus Founding Director John Wardle (design-practice research Masters).


National Awards
Cox Architecture Adelaide Studio – Cox Architecture
Photo: Timothy Kaye

Cox Architecture includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni such as Directors RMIT Alumni Phillip Rowe and Christopher Foy.


National Awards
Geelong Arts Centre (Stage 3) – ARM Architecture
Photo: John Gollings

ARM Architecture includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni and staff including Director Mark Raggatt and founding directors RMIT Architecture Adjunct Professors, and design-practice research masters alumni Professor Ian McDougall and Howard Raggatt.


International Architecture

The Jorn Utzon Award
The Embassy of Australia, Washington, DC – Bates Smart
Photo: Joe Fletcher

Bates Smart includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni such as Director Steve Jones and Associate Director Frank K Lau.


View the full list of awarded projects: https://bit.ly/3YNR2Jt


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Post 1 of 4 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS:

RMIT Architecture congratulates our staff, adjunct professors and alumni on their success at the 2024 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS.

This year's National Architecture Awards showcases Australian Architecture practices that have developed projects with a sense of connectedness and community under multiple categories.

Commercial Architecture

National Awards
Sanders Place – NMBW, Openwork and Finding Infinity
Photo: Peter Bennetts

NMBW includes RMIT Design practice research PhD Alumni Directors Nigel Bertram and Lucinda McLean.

Openwork is the practice that includes RMIT Architecture Industry Professor Director Mark Jacques.


National Commendation
Campbell House Private Office – Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Photo: Cieran Murphy

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni including RMIT Architecture PhD Alumnus Director Tim Greer.


Educational Architecture

The Daryl Jackson Award
River’s Edge Building, University of Tasmania – Wardle
Photo: Adam Gibson

Wardle is a practice that includes numerous RMIT Architecture Alumni and RMIT Architecture Alumnus Founding Director John Wardle (design-practice research Masters).



View the full list of awarded projects: https://bit.ly/3YNR2Jt


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Post 3 of 3 RMIT ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS & STAFF AT THE AIA 2024 VICTORIAN HONOURS EVENT AND END OF YEAR PARTY PRESENTED AT THE STATE LIBRARY

The Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter () hosted the 2024 Victorian chapter 2024 Victorian Honours Awards at The State Library on Monday, 25 November. The evening began with the Honours Presentation and transitioned into a vibrant End of Year Party. The event awarded a range of AIA members accepting fellowships and prizes from across the architectural spectrum. We Congratulate RMIT Architecture Alumni and Staff who have been awarded, commended and shortlisted Honours awards.

Gender Equity and Diversity Prize Winner
Simona Castricum
RMIT Architecture Alum Simona Castricum is an Architect, musician, radio broadcaster and researcher. Simona is the recipient of the inaugural Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Prize ().

Fellows:
Karen McWilliam FRAIA
Karen McWilliam is an alumna of RMIT Architecture.

Stephanie Bullock FRAIA
RMIT Alumna Stephanie Bullock is a Director of Kosloff Architecture ().

Monique Woodward FRAIA
RMIT Alumna Monique Woodward is a Founder and Creative Director of WOWOWA ().

Robert Bienvenu FRAIA
RMIT Alumnus Robert Bienvenu is a Director of Kneeler Design Architects ().


Honorary Fellow:
Dr Fleur Watson Hon. FAIA
RMIT Architecture & Urban Design PhD Alumna Dr Fleur Watson is an Associate Professor of Interior Design and Board Member of Open House Melbourne ().


Life Fellows:
Stuart Harrison LFRAIA
RMIT Architecture Alumnus Stuart Harrison is the Founder and Director of Harrison White Architects.

Ann Lau LFRAIA
RMIT Architecture Alumna Anna Lau is a Director of Hayball Architects and is also serving on the RMIT Master of Urban Design Industry Advisory Committee ().

Image Credit: Charlie Kinross