The 2024 Barry McNeill Graduate Prize was announced at an exhibition on Friday 22 November 2024, showcasing the work of shortlisted graduating students from the University of Tasmania’s Master of Architecture program.
This year, the panel awarded Hamish Saul with the Barry McNeill Graduate Prize, and gave a commendation to Mia Larsen.
The jury commented that “the panel was faced with a hard decision as always, presented with eight outstanding candidates and a range of projects demonstrating the breadth and depth of their interest and talents.”
“In the spirit of Barry McNeill’s legacy, ‘learning by doing’ was exemplified across the cohort’s work and the panel would like to commend each candidate for the passion and particularly high standard of outcomes presented.”
The evening also included the announcement of the Board of Architects of Tasmania’s 2024 Prize in Professional Studies, which was also awarded to Hamish Saul. This prize recognises excellence in Professional Studies in the Master of Architecture course at the University of Tasmania, and was presented by Board of Architects of Tasmania member, Cath Hall, of 1+2 Architecture.
The citations from the jury are as follows:
Hamish Saul – Barry McNeill Graduate Prize winner
Hamish is an accomplished maker with a keen architectural mind. With a diverse portfolio of carefully considered projects across a range of scales, his conceptual architectural interests are also evident through research and writing.
Already challenged by building projects of his own (and others’) designs, and having benefitted from invaluable practice experience, he is now pushing conceptual boundaries, as evidenced through his montaged project for the largely demolished Hobart Tepid Baths Pool. In reconsidering the historic fabric through filmic devices such as editing, projection and re-assembly, the outcome provides fresh insight into adaptive re-use.
Hamish’s communication skills, together with his clearly evident design potential and enthusiasm to practice, make him a worthy recipient of the Barry McNeill Graduate Prize.
Mia Larsen – commendation
Mia’s passion for bamboo and specifically her research into laminated bamboo is but one of her interests in taking architectural thinking in new directions. Her exploration of materiality and environmental impact is evident across all her projects.
Her Transient Cinema project provided a carefully considered response to site and materiality with subtle, yet persuasive outcomes. This along with the rest of her highlighted body of work and experience in making, demonstrated an acute awareness and interest in social, cultural and sustainable practices. Mia’s willingness to research and explore diverse outcomes toward an architecture of ‘well-being’ is to be applauded and encouraged.
The panel were confident Mia’s organisational and leadership skills, together with her design sensitivities and forward-thinking approach provide a solid foundation for a career in architecture.
The shortlisted students also included Michael Mountain, Alastair Scott, Jessica Murphy, Kate Kynaston, Xing Ting Ng and David Hodson.
The annually awarded prize is made possible by prize sponsors, JAWS Architects and VOS Construction and Joinery, and the jury panel, who this year consisted of Leigh Woolley, of Leigh Woolley Architect; Abby Hibberd, of JAWS Architects; Josh Mulcahy, from VOS Construction and Joinery; and Katie Katos, of the Australian Institute of Architects.
