Saturday, November 26, 2011

Masters of Architecture Graduation Exhibition

Wow. What an excellent venue for a graduation exhibition! Who ever organised this Masters of Architecture Graduation Exhibition obviously knew what they were doing (& had the money/resources  to do it)! Inside the always cool Pier 2/3 in Walshbay the FULLSCALE201:1 Exhibition created a fantastic atmosphere full of makeshift milk crate chairs (which we could probably do more with in the Red Centre), lively music, free drinks (more of that too please), a lot of faculty who's who (including the Dean), a lot of Architecture Studies and Architectural Computing graduates and of course the whole purpose for the event: the nine graduation studios. These nine graduation studios explored everything from revitalising Newtown to designing architecture for Alzheimer sufferers, presenting some great solutions and fascinating ideas. But what was really impressive was the quality and use of physical (and some digital) models to investigate, communicate and understand graduates solutions to the various studios. The use of different materials, methods & approaches was really evident and eye opening for any undergraduate student (especially when you see these things with your own eyes); seeing how clay can be used to develop an idea or how a model can be constructed to clearly communicate a solution was particularly enlightening (perspex is awesome!).  

A rather interesting exhibition presenting the work of students who know what they're doing. I only walked away feeling a little disappointed that we as undergraduate students don't really get an opportunity to get to know these Masters students and gain a better understanding of the thinking that influences the these newest Australian architecture graduates. 

If you have the tomorrow (Sunday 27th before 12noon) time then go check out FULLSCALE201:1, it's an interesting visit. If you can't make it then you can also always check out the website here.




















Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Bachelor of Architecture Studies Graduation Exhibition 2011

This time a big congratulations to the 2011 graduating year of Bachelor of Architecture Studies! Obviously a tremendous effort on everyone's part, not only in the graduation projects but also in the organisation of yet another successful UNSW BE Graduation Exhibition! The graduation studio was made up of two sub-studios:- an urban studio & a regional studio. The two studios represented two extremes in which the urban studios required students to compose resolves for a student hostel up to 50m above the ground while the regional studio pushed students almost completely below the ground as a mean to deal with the harsh climate conditions. A very interesting exhibition indeed with some fascinating (& well constructed) models on show! Well done everyone! 

And to those of you graduating, you've been at the FBE for three/four years, what could make it a better place for students to study? Have your say in the 2011 FBESoc Community Survey!


Urban Studio
Urban Studio
Urban Studio
Urban Studio
Regional Studio
Regional Studio
Regional Studio

Regional Studio
Graduation Exhibition 2011 Presentation
Graduation Exhibition 2011 Presentation

Discussion: UNSWTV goes Architectural!

https://tv.unsw.edu.au/62C1B761-05A9-11E1-A6DE0050568336DC


Peep the link to all of the 2011 Utzon lecture series lectures! These were superb events, and having attended only a few I am looking forward to watching them all! Even though most students will be approaching holidays, keep your minds informed and your clothes light because this summer its going to be hot! (both metaphorically and physically)

Friday, November 18, 2011

FBESoc's Annual Community Survey 2011


















FBESoc's first Annual Community Survey is up & running! Here's your chance to be honest and tell us how you think we did, how we could improve next year and give your suggestions on what needs to change. Its only sixteen short questions that could change how the FBE student community looks forever!

So please don't get lazy, raise your voice, share your thoughts and help contribute to the BE community!

Link: FBESoc's Annual Community Survey 2011
Closing date: 31st December 2011

Bachelor of Architectural Computing Graduation Exhibition

Firstly, a big congratulations to everyone graduating from Architectural Computing this year! I'm sure its been a long three years full of ups & downs but it all seems to have come together nicely; the amount of effort, thought, dedication and good ideas was clearly clear in all the grad projects (more than once did I hear people exclaim "Cooool!"). Secondly, a big congratulations to everyone for organising a very successful (& packed!) graduation exhibition at the Tap Gallery, it was a fun, intimate & warm atmosphere full of applied technological gizmos that I'm sure everyone will agree was a nice change from the Red Centre Gallery! So, Congratulations again everyone and thank you for setting an awesome graduation exhibition precedent for the rest of us!

Outside the Tap Gallery on Palmer St 

FWD: THINKING

The intimate entrance & the first piece of applied technology

ARCH COMPUTING 2011

 DOWNSTAIRS

 UPSTAIRS

UPSTAIRS (is that Rem Koolhaas on the left!?)

And for those of you not graduating, be sure to check out the website for details on the grad projects! http://architecturalcomputing.com/grad2011/


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Upcoming BE graduation exhibitions & 2011 flyers

It's too late to see the Planning, Landscape & Interior graduation exhibitions :( They've already happened. If you're doing your best to take a glimpse at the graduating BE talent then this is a friendly reminder for the upcoming Architectural Computing (17th Nov), Architecture Studies (19th Nov), Masters of Architecture (25th Nov) and Industrial design (28th Nov) Graduation Exhibitions. Of course not forgetting the COFA ANNUAL on the 26th November at the Roundhouse. 

Be sure to check out the original post for more details as well as the flyers below! Hope to see you there!

3rd year Bachelor of Architectural Computing Graduation Exhibition


When:  6pm-9pm 17th November, 2011
Where: Tap Gallery Sydney, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, NSW
Event: www.fwdthinking2011.com / http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118681821568482

3rd year Bachelor of Architecture Studies Graduation Exhibition




When:  5pm-8pm 19th November, 2011




Masters of Architecture Graduation Exhibition


When: 6pm to 9pm Friday 25th November, 2011


Discussion: Future of American Foreclosure






Here is a short video of Jeanne Gang of Gang studios (of Aqua tower fame), discussing her firms approach to the issue of residential and industrial foreclosure in a suburb of Chicago. I thought this video was interesting for a number of reasons. One, it shows how in the professional world, the process of presenting/critique is very similar (at least in the context shown here). So its important not to neglect the skills and experience of presenting at university, because as architects/designers, conveying your ideas is of utmost importance. Also, the process that is spoken about is given as much importance as the finished product, which is extremely important in projects that need a certain sensitivity to the individuals involved. Furthermore, it is interesting to think about the treatment of derelict industrial sites in Sydney, and what opportunities are available in that type of land use. Peep the video and discuss below!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Discussion: World Architecture Festival Winner

We take a look at a winner at the recent World Architecture Festival awards. This very simple Orthodox Church by Marlon Blackwell architects really does show that there are architectural opportunities with every project, and that good architecture can give back in many practical, and in this case, spiritual ways. Let us all use this as an inspiration!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Student Opportunity: Wallpaper* magazine's Graduate Directory 2012

Graduating this year? Just pinned up your gradproject? Then enter your portfolio/gradprojects into Wallpaper magazine's Graduate Directory 2012 by November 11th 2011 (five days to go!) & be featured in an international design publication! Imagine including that in your resume! Categories include #Architecture & #Design, meaning all 2011 FBE graduates can enter! Nominations via twitter using @wallpapermag #grads & either #Architecture or #Design. Check out the website for more details!


Friday, November 4, 2011

Discussion: Change & design, Norman Foster



Here is a very interesting video covering the design, use and legacy of Norman Fosters Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building in Hong Kong. It covers an issue that is seldom discussed in design, and that is the issue of change. More specifically, the inherent features of a design that will accommodate change in both use, and in user groups. Foster identifying that the only constant is change, and showing the manner in which adaptability was considered in the architecture poses a very important issue in what contemporary design needs to consider. Rapid advances in technology and work practice mean that workplaces will become obsolete very quickly, and having architecture as an adaptable feature greatly accommodates, and enhances the effectiveness of workplaces and corporations. Check out the video and appreciate the beautiful tower!

Guide to the 2011 Graduation Exhibitions


















So its that time of the year again when you get to have a good old fashioned snoop at this years calibre of work being produced by your graduating peers. That's right, its graduation exhibition time! & since we all know we're all still stunned by the end of semester all nighters, we've compiled a handy guide to the graduation exhibitions happening not only at UNSW but also at USYD & UTS. That right, we've put together the ultimate Guide to the 2011 Graduation Exhibitions happening all over Sydney so you can take the best snoop of other peoples ideas you've ever had (then steal them & use them in your own projects)!

University of New South Wales - BE, COFA

4th year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Graduation Exhibition
When:  6pm -9pm 4th November, 2011
Where: Ground Floor Gallery, Built Environment Red Centre

4th year Bachelor of Interior Architecture Graduation Exhibition
When: 6pm to 9pm, 8th November, 2011
Where: Red Centre Gallery & Mezzanine, Built Environment Red Centre, Kensington Campus, UNSW
Event: http://re-form2011.com/

3rd year Bachelor of Architectural Computing Graduation Exhibition
When:  6pm-9pm 17th November, 2011
Where: Tap Gallery Sydney, 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, NSW
Event: www.fwdthinking2011.comhttp://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118681821568482

3rd year Bachelor of Architecture Studies Graduation Exhibition
When:  5pm-8pm 19th November, 2011
Where: Ground Floor Gallery, Built Environment Red Centre, Kensington Campus, UNSW
Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115326915241586


Masters of Architecture Graduation Exhibition
When: 6pm to 9pm Friday 25th November, 2011
Where: Pier 2/3, 13 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney


COFA Annual 2011- Bachelor of Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media
When:  Opening Night 6pm 25th, Exhibition 26th-30th November, 2011
Where: , Kensington Campus, UNSW
Event: http://www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/events/cofa-annual/

4th year Bachelor of Industrial Design Graduation Exhibition
When: 28th November - 2 December, 2011
Where: Ground Floor Gallery, Built Environment Red Centre, Kensington Campus, UNSW

University of Sydney - Architecture

aMaze - Faculty of Architecture 2011 Graduate Exhibition
When: 1st-8th December, 2011
Where: Tin Sheds Gallery/Wilkinson Building, University of Sydney
Event: http://www.amaze2011.com/

University of Technology, Sydney - Architecture


UTS Architecture INDEX 2011 
When: Opening Night 6pm-10pm 2nd December, 2011
Where: Kensington Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW
Event: http://www.utsarchitecture.net/index.php/general/2011/index-2011 / http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294706413887409

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Discussion: The nature of urban areas




Better Living Through Density from Db+P, Architects on Vimeo.


We take a look at this short video by DB+P architects discussing the nature of urban areas in the United States, and the relationship density has to carbon produced per person. It is a very good explanation of the benefits of mixed density living in our cities, and the needs cities will have to meet in the future in order to accommodate increasing populations. The relevance to architecture is that great care should be exercised when designing for density. Architects must take care to design buildings that do not alienate, but rather add to the amenity and experience of all those who come into contact with the building. I only hope many naysayers out there can watch this video and be convinced of the advantages of density in city and urban areas.