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Designs on architecture

16 July 2008

Left to right: Head of Architecture Foundation Professor Shane Murray, Minister for Planning Justin Madden, Dean Faculty of Art & Design Professor John Redmond, Nader Tehrani from Boston Architecture firm Principle Office dA, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins.

Monash University's new architecture program, and its new Caulfield architecture studios, were launched by Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden last week.

The course is the first new architecture course in Australia in 30 years. Monash Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Richard Larkins, said the program had been developed in conjunction with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Faculty of Art & Design.

The course is unique in Australia in that it sits within an art and design school.

The first year of the program involves drawing and theory units common to design students. As well as studying building technology, design, architectural theory and history, students will take electives in complementary art and design disciplines including industrial design, furniture, sculpture, glass and digital media.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Architectural Design will automatically progress to the Master of Architecture and be qualified to work as architects and advise on a range of built environment issues including environmental sustainability and urban design.

Art & Design Faculty Dean Professor John Redmond said the program would emphasise creativity and innovation.

He said architecture was normally offered within a framework of planning and building technology, and few courses were offered within an art school.

"Art and architecture are inseparable in history; we even classify them in the same terms. At its core, architecture is a design discipline," Professor Redmond said.

This vision, being implemented by Professor Shane Murray, the Foundation Professor and Head of Architecture, is already coming to fruition with an outstanding group of 65 first year students, an exceptional staff of architectural practitioners and an innovative research program focusing on contemporary housing and issues to do with affordability, sustainability and the nature and quality of different materials.

The re-fit of part of the Caulfield Art & Design building has created innovative spaces comprising flexible design studios, academic and research offices, administration and meeting rooms, a CAD/CAM laboratory and a series of informal areas for students and staff.

Mr Madden complemented Monash for investing in the discipline of architecture. He said architects were problem solvers and Melbourne architects were recognised internationally for their ability to find solutions to complex issues as well as contribute to the enjoyment of life and the beauty of the built environment.

Professor Murray said Monash Architecture looked forward to an exciting future.

"We have already created an exceptional environment for our students and staff. This new course promises to produce outstanding graduates of the highest calibre, distinguished by their proficiency with architectural design not only as an agent for achieving inspirational buildings but also as a contributor to our social and environmental sustainability.

"In addition, we will make a significant contribution to the knowledge base of architecture through a rigorous and relevant research program," Professor Murray said.

Professor Murray was a tutor in architecture at RMIT when Mr Madden studied architecture in the 1980s.

The launch of the program took place in the new studios at a function attended by Melbourne's architectural community and visiting internationally acclaimed architects Nader Tehrani, Hailim Su and Bjarke Ingels.

For more information on studying architecture at Monash visit the Faculty of Art and Design website.