Archinect - Features

University of Melbourne Graduate Naveen John Thomas Pays Homage to Australia's Indigenous Communities

2020-08-18T13:18:00-04:00

Pulling focus towards the history of aboriginal cultures in Australia, University of Melbourne M.Arch graduate Naveen John Thomas used his thesis "MEMORIAL REPRESENTATION REMEMBRANCE" to highlight the importance of incorporating culture and history within architectural design and narrative.

Thomas shares, "the recent events around the killing of Mr. Floyd in the US and similar reports from Australia regarding the percentage of imprisoned among the First Nation population, only reiterates the importance of acknowledgement of the past, living with that acknowledgement and respect in the present and planning for the future [...] The aim should be to make the architecture communicate. It should communicate the stories, the history, and the purpose." Archinect connected with Thomas to discuss his thesis project and his observations with how the pandemic has influenced Australia and the architecture industry as a whole.

Archinect's Spotlight on 2020 Thesis Projects: 2020 has been an extra...

In Focus: Adam Gibson Captures Tasmania's Modern Architecture in Gorgeous, Moody Hues

2020-02-17T14:11:00-05:00

In Focus is Archinect's recurring series dedicated to profiling the photographers who help capture architecture and make the work of architects look that much better. In this series, we ask: What is their relationship to architecture? How do they work? What are their goals when capturing buildings?

For this installment, Archinect chatted with Australian photographer Adam Gibson. Based in Tasmania, Gibson documents the stunning work of the island's architecture scene in his unique style that often straddles the intriguing border between architectural and lifestyle photography.

KoningEizenberg on Designing with the Sun

2019-09-02T09:00:00-04:00

KoningEizenberg Architecture (KEA) was recently awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal for 2019, the country’s highest architectural honor. The Santa Monica, California-based office has a nearly four-decade-long track record of fusing thoughtful programming with formal pragmatism to create a hemisphere-spanning set of eye-catching projects that inspire both architects and laypeople alike.

We recently caught up with KEA’s founding principals, Julie Eizenberg and Hank Koning, to talk about the firm’s outsider roots, the need for collective action on climate change, and the importance of designing for the sun.

From New York to Melbourne, Architect Antony Martin Spills What He's Learned From His Variety of Residential Projects

2018-11-19T12:00:00-05:00

After working in New York City for a number of years, Antony Martin decided to move to Australia and set up a firm of his own. Since it's founding, MRTN Architects has become one of Melbourne’s top residential architects—their work striking a balance between responding to his clients' needs and finding what works best for a specific site.

For this week's Studio Snapshot, Martin talks about what he's learned from building his vast and varied portfolio of residential designs.

Melbourne's OOF! Architecture Isn't Afraid of Experimenting in Historic Neighborhoods

2018-09-10T11:39:00-04:00

For a relatively young practice, OOF! Architecture has impressively produced two of the most recognized residential projects to come out of Australia in the past few years. Working in heritage dense areas, particularly tricky renovations with tight constraints and tight budgets —such as their Hello House, a renovated two-bedroom Victorian-era home, and their Acute House, a renovation of an extremely decrepit, weatherboard cottage—are typical projects for the Melbourne-based studio.

Outside of the office, founder Fooi-Ling Khoo also serves on the board of directors at ArchiTeam, a cooperative organization for Australian architects working in small, medium and emerging practices. Here, Khoo talks about the firm's work and her role championing the voice of Australia’s small architectural practices.

Studio Gram from Adelaide keeps it fun and fresh as they grow their practice

2018-05-28T10:18:00-04:00

For Adelaide-based Studio Gram founders Graham Charbonneau and Dave Bickmore, two friends who met while studying architecture at the University of South Australia, being architects who take immense care in designing memorable spaces has always been a top priority. But as hard-working as they are in their collaborative studio, they stay true to integrating fun in the process — whether that's in the vibrant energy their projects reflect or in maintaining that important work-life balance.

For this week's Small Studio Snapshot, Charbonneau and Bickmore share what they've learned so far in running their growing practice, as well as their hopes for the future.

Branch Studio Creates a Stunning Residential Extension With Raw Charcoal-Rammed Earth, Timber, Steel and Glass

2017-08-31T00:20:00-04:00

“A Pavilion Between Trees” in Balnarring, Australia stands out nicely in its rural landscape without being overbearing. Designed by the aptly named Australian practice Branch Studio Architects, the 85 m2-building is a new, private residential extension comprising a bedroom, an ensuite, and incorporated ancillary spaces that allow its occupants to take a breather and slow down. The structure's quiet atmosphere reflects on idyllic, simpler times long before the days of our tech-driven lifestyles.

Touring some of the world's most attractive public housing projects

2016-08-09T09:24:00-04:00

Can affordable public housing be beautiful? It’s a question that for years was answered with indifference.

Adelaide's Pink Moon Saloon is a snug fit for a local alleyway

2016-02-09T20:34:00-05:00

The Pink Moon Saloon in Adelaide, Australia, almost looks like something inspired by a Roald Dahl book. The restaurant takes on the appearance of a traditional woodland hut, yet randomly resides between two ordinary office buildings in the midst of a bustling city avenue. The traditional façade resembles the type of cottage one might imagine nestled amongst a more rural landscape; or at least juxtaposed within an environment less urban than the twelve-foot wide alleyway it’s been built into.

Student Works: Cellular Tessellation pavilion lights the way in Sydney

2014-12-30T13:15:00-05:00

Part of an 18-day arts festival in Sydney, Australia, the Vivid Lights pavilion explores the pedestrian dynamic in touch and light. A collaborative research effort led by the Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University, the Vivid pavilion Student Works puts a human scaled experience in conversation with local architectural icons.

Working out of the Box: Daniel Dorall, Architect turned Maze Artist

2014-10-20T17:14:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Malaysia-born Melbourne-based sculptor and creator of fascinating miniature objects Daniel Dorall.

Are you an architect working out of the box? Do you know of someone that has changed careers and has an interesting story to share? If you would like to suggest an (ex-)architect, please send us a message.

Working out of the Box: Linda Bennett, Architect turned Jewellery Designer

2014-10-09T15:09:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Linda Bennett, co-founder of Architact Collective, a Melbourne-based DIY jewellery design outfit.

The Deans List: Chris Knapp of Abedian School of Architecture

2014-05-12T13:17:00-04:00

The Deans List is an interview series with the leaders of architecture schools, worldwide. The series profiles the school’s programming, as defined by the head honcho – giving an invaluable perspective into the institution’s unique curriculum, faculty and academic environment.

For this issue, we spoke with Chris Knapp, Discipline Leader of Bond University's Abedian School of Architecture in Queensland, Australia.

ShowCase: Abedian School of Architecture by CRAB Studio

2014-01-10T10:02:00-05:00

ShowCase is an on-going feature series on Archinect, presenting exciting new work from designers representing all creative fields and all geographies.

We are always accepting nominations for upcoming ShowCase features - if you would like to suggest a project, please send us a message.

In Focus: Ward Roberts

2011-12-20T13:28:08-05:00

In Focus is Archinect's series of features dedicated to profiling the photographers who help make the work of architects look that much better. What has attracted them to architecture? How do they work? What type of equipment do they use? What do they think about seeing their work in blogs?

In this feature, we talk to Australian photo artist Ward Roberts.