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Foundation architects

5 November 2008

Andrew Devine and Laura Courtney
Andrew Devine and Laura Courtney

It almost goes without saying that many of our finest buildings are works of art, but a new course at Monash University is strengthening the link between art and architecture.

Concerned that over the years the role of the architect in the building process had diminished, the designers of Monash University's new architecture course have put the architect back on centre stage.

The new course, offered for the first time this year, is set within the framework of the Faculty of Art and Design. Monash is the only university in Australia to tangibly link architecture with art.

Foundation Professor Shane Murray said the course asserted the pivotal role of architectural design in architectural education, research and practice.

"There was a great deal of planning that went into the design of our subject content, our resources, and our studio space," Professor Murray said.

"Our team of researchers and lecturers are among the best in the country and bring industry experience to the educational experience and encourage students to grow their creativity and their careers."

Students Laura Courtney and Andrew Devine are working to graduate from the five-year course in 2012 with a Bachelor of Architectural Design and Masters of Architecture.

"I had wanted to study architecture for a while but was not set on any course in particular," Ms Courtney said.

"However, when I heard about the course at Monash it drew me instantly because of its heavy focus on art alongside architecture."

Now with the first year almost complete, her expectations are being fulfilled.

"We have fantastic opportunities, being situated in an art and design school, to explore different media and ways of representing our designs with the keen input from other sectors of the faculty," Ms Courtney said.

Andrew Devine was two years into an industrial design degree before transferring to the new course.

"I am fascinated by the way in which architecture defines how we live our lives," he said.

"I believe that the quality of our day-to-day life is determined by the quality of our built environment. The complexity of social and cultural aspects embedded in architecture is quite fascinating."

For Mr Devine, architecture is a lifetime journey.

"It is an area where you can explore and express your ideas and concepts. It is a place where you can constantly question why things are the way they are and look for solutions as to how they could improve the quality of life."

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