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Swanston Academic Building, RMIT University
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND: Lyons Architects was commissioned by RMIT to design the Swanston Academic Building (SAB), a $220m project and the centrepiece of the University's portfolio of significant architecture on its Swanston Street Campus. The 'vertical campus' houses a range of innovative student-centred learning spaces developed around collaborative pedagogies. It is one of the largest teaching and learning facilities in Australia and the largest construction project that RMIT had undertaken. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Lyons' architecture demands thinking about issues that are "larger" than architecture; its commitment to making identity-driven spaces expresses collective and individual identity, hierarchy and complexity, individuality and autonomy. Through architecture, Lyon questions institution and social order, education and commodification. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The building is one of Melbourne's most prominent architectural features, winning the 2013 AIA National Award for Public Architecture. It also won: High Commendation at the 2013 World Architecture Awards in Singapore, the world's largest architectural awards program; the 2013 Australian Construction Achievement Award by Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia; and the Infrastructure and Buildings Award at the 2013 Premier's Sustainability Awards by Sustainability Victoria, also receiving 5-star Green Star Education Rating from Green Building Council of Australia. It received extensive peer review in 2013: Mark Magazine #46, Oct/Nov, pp.102-113; Archiworld vol 212, cover and pp.22-31; Interior World vol 113 pp.6-13; Architecture Australia, 101 (5); and SMH (Aug). In 2012, it featured online in Architecture Australia (Nov); The Age (Jul); Dezeen (Nov); Architecture and Design magazine (Oct). Lyon was interviewed in Architecture Australia about this project (online, Nov 2013)
Ceramic Studio
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND: This is a commissioned work for a building to house a ceramics studio on a rural property covered by box ironbark woodland. The project contributes to the discourse on environmental sustainability through an innovative engagement between the building and the surrounding landscape. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: An innovative site-based approach to making architecture has been developed - where ideas concerning time, place, process and patterns of living are revealed by the building. While small in scale (and budget), the project demonstrates multiple ways of engaging the landscape. Siting of the building is derived from a careful study of existing conditions to minimise destruction of the fragile landscape. Readings of the surrounding landscape have impacted upon the form, placement, interior, types of opening, colour and material palette, and use, to strike a profound relationship between the building and its setting. RESAERCH SIGNIFICANCE: 'Momentum' was commissioned by Geoffrey London, the Victorian State Government and edited by a team of distinguished academics and practitioners, including (Shane Murray) Monash University and Philip Goad (the University of Melbourne). It was published by the prestigious Miegunyah Press imprint of Melbourne University Press. Aside from the significant peer review of inclusion in this book, 'Cermanic Studio' has been featured in the following keynote lectures delivered by Richard Black: the annual WH Roberston Memorial Lecture (2011) Curtin University of Western Australia; the Bau(sh) and Bogen lecture series, Faculty of Architecture, University of Seigen (2011), Germany; and RMIT Graduate Research Conference, University of Sint-Lucas, Ghent, Belgium. The project has led to interviews on RRR FM (10.10.2011) show 302 - "Times Two Architects", and ABC Radio National "The Architect-Designed House" (31.12.2012)
Glowhouse
No full textResearch Background: The practice of architecture is associated with the patronge of large institutions, commercial organisations and wealthy individuals. Architecture is not conventionally seen as being able to work in a low cost context, as this is odds with a culture focussing on the highly crafted and custom made building. Internationally, practices such as Rural Studio have sought to challenge this model through a combination of donated materials and self-build processes. Locally, architectural practice has not sufficiently engaged with such alternative means of producing architecture. Research Contribution The Glowhouse provides a case study in the producing architecture within highly limited means. The project, a children's 'Cubby' was designed and built using donated materials for a charity organisation. The traditional concerns of architecture; high quality finishes, crafted assembly and designer fixtures, were foregone for an inexpensive provision of space and an "off the (bunnings) shelf " tactility. Rather than attempt to create a normative architecture within these parameters - to see them as limits - the Glowhouse demonstrates the design opportunities that emerge from detaching architectural design from its conventional concerns. Research Significance The Glowhouse was exhibited in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show It was also published in Momentum, New Victorian Architecture, a major survey publication of recent contemporary architecture in Victoria, produced by the Office of the Victorian State Government Architect. This publication engaged nationally and internationally regarded architectural critcs to select and write upon architecture practices seen as providing a significant contribution to architectural design culture in Victori
SL Foundation Prototype
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND: SL Foundation Prototype is an experimental project by Roland Snooks exploring the potential of robotic fabrication techniques to make complex architectural forms. It develops and articulates a behavioural approach to architectural design that draws from the logic of swarm intelligence and operates through multi-agent algorithms, pointing to the architectural paradigm that has developed out of complexity theory, computation and a focus on emergent phenomena. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: This work explores the implications of architectonic geometry through a robotically-fabricated ceiling prototype. The use of robotically-controlled hotwire cutting makes it possible to fabricate each component with unique geometry, overcoming the need for traditional jointing or connection of the components as the geometries are able to intersect and be precisely cut to fit each other. This fabrication technique has made complex geometries generated by the multi-agent algorithms feasible to construct. This work is an original contribution to architecture, extending algorithmic research to examine the feedback between robotic fabrication techniques and digital design processes. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The project was part of Studio Roland Snooks' contribution to Melbourne NOW. The studio was selected as one of six emerging architectural practices for the Incubator Room exhibit. Melbourne NOW featured 175 exhibits from individuals and groups, with a focus on art, architecture and design. It was the largest show the NGV has mounted. Opening weekend attracted 18,400 visitors. The show received extensive local, national and international media attention
Knuckle house
No full textResearch background: In 2009, the researcher was commissioned to design a new house on an existing site in Northcote. The commission can be read as a part of a broader field of investigation into techniques of design in complex urban environments. The project extends the research of, amongst others, Atelier Bow-Wow, LAB Architecture Studio and Foreign Office Architects. Research contribution: The design explores versioning processes in architectural design using generative modelling software (Grasshopper for Rhinoceros). The form of the house is generated from a series of shells, that have been deformed in response to urban and environmental influences. The outcome of this is an "open-ended ontology" for the project, whereby the design can be understood both as part of series of potential formal results within the urban field, and as a organisational system that provides a series of differentiated but functionally indeterminate spaces within the house. In both cases design is understood as a enabler of mulitple outcomes. The design employed a novel system of fabrication that is new to residential construction in Melbourne. Research signifcance: 'The Kunckle House's' significance is demonstrated through its commendation in the ArchiTeam Awards 2013 (Residential New category). ArchiTeam is Australia's largest organisation of small architecture practices. The house has been peer reviewed in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald (Jenny Brown 'Design knuckles down to encourage the flow', 23 Jan 2014) and 'ArchitectureAu' '2013 ArchiTeam Awards', 22 Nov 2013. It was also exhibited in No Vacancy gallery in QV, Melbourne from 20 Nov - 1 Dec 2013. Early computer renderings of the design were published in the Royal Institute of Architects Victorian chapter's professional journal, 'Architect Victoria', in Autumn 212 ISSN: 1329-1254
La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora Campus
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND:Lyons Architects won the commission for the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science from a design competition sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects. It is designed as a world-class facility for molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research, teaching and learning. The $55m, 6 storey building provides approximately 2700m² of learning space - including wet and dry labs - on the lower three levels, and 18 research labs on the upper floors. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Lyons' architecture sought a transformative effect in terms of the architecture and identity of the campus by breaking the mould of existing 1960s and 1970s architecture. The work brings together conceptual and functional expressions based on the integration and flow of research activities and collaborations between researchers and students, eg. the façade is visually a metaphorical expression of cellular research, and the flow of the building is designed around the University's model for creating student pathways. The project demonstrates Lyon's ongoing research and experimentation into architecturally technical projects, folding together the deeply conceptual and the deeply functional in complex syntheses. It is also a contribution to sustainable architecture, receiving 5 Star Green Star (Design) from the Green Buildings Council of Australia. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The project won Commendation for Public Architecture at the 2013 AIA Victorian Architecture Awards. The AIA awards are the most prestigious in the design and construction industry in Australia, vital to public and peer recognition of outstanding contributions in the fields of architecture and the built environment. The project received extensive peer review: Who*s Who, International Magazine of Space Design (Vol 106, 2013, pp 36-43), A+I Architecture + Interiors Magazine, (Vol 34, 2013, pp76-83) and online in: Designboom, Architecture Australia, Dezeen and ArchDaily (all Apr 2013)
Cove Knot, Ray Bramham Gardens Public Arts Project
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Cove Knot' was one of four shortlisted projects (from 46 expressions of interest) for the City of Darebin's Ray Bramham Gardens Public Arts Commission. The commission honoured the work of Ray Bramham, a well-known engineer in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The researchers' work, 'Cave Knot', was a curling shell-like structure that cast a shadow over the seating within sculpture. The four shortlisted works received 88,000. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Cove Knot' performed at multiple levels and challenged the conventional nature of art works in public space as being only objects in the landscape. The form of the work celebrated the cultural diversity of Darebin (and the suburb of Preston) by actively mapping the passing of time via the tracking shadow of the sun. The sculpture acted as a shelter, it improved public safety by providing an observation space and it contributed to local identity. The form generation was also innovative; the researchers explored construction techniques of engineered primitive geometries and rapid prototyping technologies to minimise material and structural redundancy. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This was one of four shortlisted projects from a field of 46. The selection process, outlined in the attached Darebin City Council minutes, was rigorous. The 'Cove Knot' proposal outlined how councils could use public art works to engage with a range of demands. The design itself was generated through a thorough consideration fo geometric primitives and innovative construction techniques
Glowpear Urban Garden
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND: The Glowpear Urban Garden project won a Gold award for product design in the Home and Garden cateogory at the 2014 Melbourne Design Awards. Designed by Simon Lockrey with Glowpear TM co-founders Lloyd Fenn, Nathan Pollock, and Joel Anderson, Urban Garden is a modular self watering planter for the urban environment. It has an iconic, contemporary design aesthetic, designed for small urban spaces such as balconies, courtyards, decks and patios. It is a compact unit for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in small spaces. It uses an internal water reservoir and wicking system, requiring minimal garden maintenance. The Urban Garden has recently been awarded a Good Design Selection by Good Design Australia, now short listed for the most significant national design award, the Good Design Awards. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: This project is part of Lockrey's ongoing focus on bringing practical experience to sustainability research projects in product design and engineering. It demonstrates his engagement with industry, policy makers and wider community sectors through research into sustainable product and service design principles, especially through the themes of life cycle assessment, technology, marketing and strategy. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of the Glowpear Urban Garden project is that it is recognised by the Melbourne Design Awards, which celebrates creativity,courage and innovation in design. The Award program is part of the broader social enterprise platform, the Design100, designed to provide broad recognition to emerging and established designers around the world. The Urban Garden was included as a curated entry in the Awards by Design100, is design registered globally, and widely available commercially in Australia, Asia, Canada and the USA. It has received extensive attention in the media, including UnCrate, Design Milk, HypeBeast, Adore Home Magazine, House and Garden, Better Homes and Gardens, Herald Sun and DZine
The Matter of Landscape: Sustainable Design Strategies for RMIT City Campus: Part 2
No full textRESEARCH BACKGROUND 'The Matter of Landscape' is a multi-stage research project to design, develop and evaulate green roofs. Stage 1 was a finalist in the ACTS Green Gown awards (learning and teaching for sustainability category). Stage 2, which built on existing work from stage 1, involved designing, developing and evaluating green roofs to demonstrate best practice sustainable design. It was high commended in the ACTS Green Gown awards (Skills for Sustainability category). Stage 2 focussed on designing biodiversity pilot green roof modules, tested planting modules at a larger scale, using larger tree species, shrubs and ground covers and on environmental performance and user satisfaction. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION Green roofs are increasingly seen as the symbol of 'green' and 'sustainable cities' because of the ecosystem services that they provide. The list of benefits attributed to green roofs is broad and widely shared. These benefits are rarely quantified or qualified. This project has focussed on developing and testing an evaluation framework that enabled further refinement of design guidelines, identified future avenues of research and further contributed knowledge towards the sustainable benefits of green roofs. Academic refereed publications and conferences relating to sustainable discourse and policy are forthcoming. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE Many of the claimed sustainability benefits of green roofs remain anecdotal. This research extended on previous sustainability evaluation frameworks by developing and then trialling a post occupancy evaluation of green roof modules. Dissemination of outcomes has also been a key focus. Strategies have included conference presentations, a book chapter along with providing a 'hands on' learning experience for the wider public through facilitating workshops such as the Green Roof Workshop at Melbourne Open House (26-27 July 2014)
The magic lies in the spaces between
No full textCourtney Coombs' The Magic Lies in the Spaces Between (2019) is a permanent neon installation commissioned by Brisbane City Council for Bothwell Lane, Mount Gravatt. The work extends Coombs' ongoing practice of finding significance in everyday moments and overlooked spaces, responding directly to the site as a suburban pedestrian walkway. Measuring 600 x 199.3 cm, the neon text functions as both practical illumination for the laneway and a poetic intervention that invites contemplation about the spaces we move through daily. The title suggests that transformation and connection happen not in grand gestures but in the quiet, in-between moments of urban life. By placing text-based work in this transitional space, Coombs transforms a functional walkway into a site for reflection, encouraging users to consider the potential for meaning and magic in mundane infrastructure. The work reflects Coombs' interest in making visible what is often overlooked, using minimal means to create maximum impact. As a public artwork, it demonstrates how contemporary art can engage with suburban communities through accessible, poetic language that speaks to shared human experiences of movement, transition, and the search for connection in everyday environments. The commission represents Coombs' approach to public practice as an extension of their broader investigation into small gestures that can shift how we understand and inhabit urban space.<p></p>