SUPER STUDIO 2023 results

SUPER STUDIO 2023

THE BRIEF

During the week of 20 – 27 July SONA members across the country participated in Super Studio 2023.

Responding to a national brief with a theme of reimagining ‘third spaces’, participants were invited to speculate on design interventions that make ‘third places’ thrive, bridging the gaps between individuals and promoting social cohesion.

2023 Volunteers & supporters

Super Studio could not go ahead without the generous contributions of volunteers from the architectural community that contribute their time and expertise to help deliver this program for our SONA members.

super studio NATIONAL winner

Queensland

One Square Metre Initiative

CREATORS: Gregory Holmes, Lauren Stegman, Patrick Wolfe

UNIVERSITY: Undergraduate Sudents, University of Queensland

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Our proposed response to the brief is addressing the under utilised third spaces of existing telephone booths within the environment. This iconic Australian urban typology, were once high traffic visual signifiers enabling users communication and connection to others through the process of dialing numbers. Through the advancement of hand held mobile devices, technology has rapidly altered and still continues to shift how we communicate and connect to others. Mobile phones have fixed themselves as essential objects within the everyday, but through this process how does the telephone booth now operate within the urban fabric and who do they serve? A recent study from communication company Telstra reports that through their 15,000 existing telephone booths, last year 11 million phone calls were made, and more than 230,000 were to emergency services and hotlines (Telstra, 2022). Instead of rendering these spaces as obsolete, it shows that they still provide critical and necessary services to people. At large, these people are vulnerable community groups that utilise these free services to connect with others and community groups and the removal of these integral micro spaces will further disadvantage and isolate people.

Our intervention aims at not providing a one band aid solution to these social issues, but attempting to help assist in the process of re-connecting individuals to the resources and amentities they deserve. As the telephone booth is an already exisiting built infastructure, they are an ideal third space to be retrofitted to maximise and enhance their function and purpose. Through minimal design interventions, these designated communication spaces transform into site specific essential capsules, now containing showers, laundries, co-op food pantries, lockers/storage and community notice board and resource information. Still included in these adapted telephone booths is the phone itself, but they now exist alongside a compartmentalised space that operates as an intermediate infastructure to people in need.

Much like the ‘overlooked’ perception of the telephone booth; they exist, they are prelevant in society and are need not to be disregarded.

Penn, Andrew. “Why We’re Making Payphones Free for Calls around Australia.” Telstra Exchange, May 6, 2022. https://exchange.telstra.com.au/why-were-making-payphones-free-for-calls-around-australia/.

JURY CITATION

The jury was impressed by the thoughtfulness and consideration of this team’s interpretation of the ‘Third Places’ theme, and its design intervention was grounded deeply in the context of resilient communities.

Their design response was highly unique, and contemplated the keywords, ‘re-imagining’ and ‘reorient’, in an imaginative manner. Taking a once ‘ordinary’, and often overlooked urban interface and re-imagining it with an innovative vision.

Their research in examining the past and current situation of their chosen location was evident in their design communication, which illustrated a high level of clarity in their understanding of ‘reorienting’. They developed a great understanding in their immediate context, and position, and then proceeded to identify the necessary transformations to determine who, or what would be impacted by their design.

The jury was particularly impressed by their design communication which detailed how this intervention would be successful at both urban and detailed scales. There was a thoughtfulness in utilising an existing network and reimagining it to establish community participation and as an apparatus for bridging social divide – thereby reorienting with sustainability, seeking to ‘make the most with what we’ve got’ in relation to existing infrastructure.

All these elements were woven together to form an elegant simplicity in its overall approach.

super studio national runner up

victoria

Pigeon house studios

CREATORS: Safa El Samad, Youssef Ibrahim

UNIVERSITY: Masters and Undergraduate Students, Monash University & Deakin University

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

We chose a familiar space, Schoolhouse studios in Coburg, which is an old coles supermarket converted into an artist collective. After examining the exterior of the site, we saw potential to improve the connecting loading dock and courtyard. Here is our recipe to reorient an under-utilised public courtyard into a regenerative feeding space.

1.Observe a neglected or ostracised specimen located nearby. (In our case, the pigeon).

2. Create a space for said specimen to thrive. (We drew inspiration from ancient dovecotes).

3. Use recycled paper and clay from the neighbouring artist residence and engage the public to help build pigeon towers.

4.Feed the pigeons permissible food waste aided by signage.

5. Utilise the pigeon droppings (a super fertiliser) to grow a native garden and veggie patch.

6. Enjoy the auditory experience of the pigeons coo as you sit in nature.

7.Engage the neighbouring NGO (open table and their initiative “no waste cooking club”) to facilitate cooking classes of said pigeons.

8. In an age of global meat shortage, reorient your perception of edible poultry while exploring a new cuisine eaten in many cultures for centuries.

9. That’s all, you’ve created a regenerative system where you feed the pigeons your food waste so that they may feed you.

JURY CITATION

The runner-up project presents a playful and creative approach to reimagining the ‘third space’ of the ‘car parking lot’ as a space to process and harvest organic matter, fostering community formation through this transformative act. The design response was impressively illustrated, joyfully communicating the potential of this intervention.

Responding well to the central theme of ‘reorienting’, the project stood out by keenly observing an everyday and much maligned part of the city, pigeons, and fearlessly tackling complex issues with a playful spirit. The strong sustainable and closed-loop approach and ‘making the most of what we’ve got’, ‘Pigeon House Studios’ demonstrated a thoughtful consideration of the interaction between humans and non-humans.

Overall, this runner-up project exemplifies creative thinking and innovative problem-solving, writing a new narrative in the face of resource scarcity, and leaving a lasting taste.

super studio state winners

New South Wales

ReConnect Refugees: Reorienting the Third Space for Renewed Hope

CREATORS: Helen Hirmiz,

UNIVERSITY: Undergraduate Student, University of Technology Sydney

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Imagine. Just imagine you are living a normal, peaceful life and then, out of the blue, you find yourself having to abandon everything you hold dear in a bid to preserve your life. Terrifying, isn’t it? Sadly, this is the harsh reality millions of refugees have experienced and continue to endure worldwide. According to UNHCR statistics, in Iraq alone, a staggering 1.2 million individuals remain displaced. The majority of these displaced individuals are currently residing in refugee camps, trying to rebuild their lives amid challenging circumstances.

Refugee camps are DULL and DEPRESSING, they contain no water, food & electricity access, no bathrooms, no community centres, no jobs and most importantly no belonging. Hence, the problem always lies as the departure time is not obvious, they may stay a week or for years.

The project “ReConnect Refugees” aims to create a dynamic and engaging space that encourages refugees to come together, share experiences, and rebuild social ties which provides a sense of belonging. By reorienting the third space, it seeks to foster a supportive atmosphere that empowers refugees, promotes skills development, and provides resources for their personal and collective growth. This initiative recognises the importance of a well-designed and thriving third space in contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of refugees in the camp.

The orientation of the space focuses to embrace nature by planting trees throughout the camp. This serves a dual purpose: first, providing free food to the camp’s inhabitants, and second, creating ample shade to naturally cool the weather in the area.

This project has been inspired by “Zaha Hadid Architects unveils modular tent classrooms for Refugees” where all the parts are dismantable and can be reassembled somewhere else as the camps are temporary. It’s also inspired by a UTS project “Future of Living” where stones are utilised as seats to make connection with nature and also consider the cost of the project as is made in a poor area.

“ReConnect Refugees” reimagines all the necessities in the third places for the temporary life of refugees in Dohuk camp and allows them to live a luxurious simple life along with nature while awaiting new hope and a better life for the future.

Australian Capital Territory

Something in the Nothing

CREATORS: Jacob White, Henry Ecklund, Ciaran French

UNIVERSITY: Undergraduate Sudents, University of Canberra

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

‘Something in the nothing’ emerges as an interactive light field, consciously suspended above and with-in desperately unexplored spaces. This response found influence through the ever-evolving digital era, it envisions transcendent spaces that foster meaningful human connections beyond the confines of routine comfort and urban expectations.

The light field is a symbiotic relationship between technology and architectural expression that draws in strangers to a light-filled, captivating, tangible space. Its adaptive design injects itself into the built environment of surrounding structures and landscapes, honouring the integrity of the existing with the integration of the new.

The design employs the requirement of voice and motion activation, creating verbal and physical interaction among strangers and acquaintances. Each spoken word and step taken become catalysts, orchestrating a symphony of emotive lights that descend upon activation.

‘Something in the nothing’ conceals intentions, born from the core belief that activation in space, generates a compelling cause. Activation achieved through conversations and gestures, creating a reactive moment continuingly unfolding around those in space, transforming once dormant urban canvas’ into vibrant living rooms for society that reignites unexpected human-interaction.

In the modern era where the digital realm casts a shadow on genuine encounters, this design presents itself as a beacon of change, encouraging all that interact with it to rediscover meaningful conversation, celebrate diversity and embrace vulnerability. The light field poses to revitalise moments of storytelling and rekindles the spirit of community.

In the realm of architecture, ‘something in the nothing’ is an ode to the intangible – the emotions, connections and memories that weave the fabric of the human experience. A testament to the transformative power of design, the light field breathes life into once-forgotten spaces. Spaces now thriving under the ever-complicated condition of human interaction – celebrating moments, stories, emotions and connections that weave a tapestry of shared experiences.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Transforming Bus Interchanges to foster community interaction and reduce antisocial behaviour

CREATORS: Brodie Hannon, Christina Chan,

UNIVERSITY: Undergraduate Sudent, Charles Darwin University

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

With the increased evolution of digital technology into our everyday lives, face to face interactions have become less common. Now, more than ever, we recognise the importance of physical ‘third places’ to foster social interactions.

Public spaces like bus stops provide an opportunity to converge and connect with others in the community. Unfortunately, there is an increased presence of antisocial behaviour at bus stops and interchanges, this provides an opportunity to redesign the standard concrete jungle bus interchange into a vibrant third space, that through its design will provide opportunities for positive social interaction, increase sustainability measures to move with current and future technology and reduce antisocial behaviour.

Observing the behaviour and challenges at our local Casuarina Bus Interchange we noted a series of design changes that could increase safety, prioritise community engagement and improve environmental impacts whilst also transforming the transport hub into a welcoming space.

Our design approach focused on:

An open and well-lit layout to ensure clear visibility and natural surveillance.
Public art installations and interactive digital art projections to inspire community engagement and spark conversation, these artworks would be an ongoing collaboration to continually bring in new art and highlight local artists and attractions.
Increased vegetation and green spaces to reduce concreted spaces, allow alternative natural shaded seating areas
Comfortable shaded seating thoughtfully placed to face other seating and foster face-to-face interaction
Accessible and clean amenities that are inclusive in nature.
Electronic charging facilities for future EV busses.
Water capture and storage to maintain the increase in trees.
Solar panels on the interchange roof to contribute to EV power and lighting the facility during the evenings.

These changes intend to transform the space to a welcoming environment that is engaging, comfortable and instils pride and a sense of safety in its users.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Artlley Pavilion

CREATORS: Ha Thanh Le, Xilong Zhang, Janica Ng

UNIVERSITY: Undergraduate Sudent, University of Adelaide

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Artlley Pavilion is an innovative and interactive outdoor structure designed to provide a unique artistic experience, breaking the barriers of societal labels and boundaries. Humans are surrounded by labels and boundaries. We categorize other people based on their age, gender, but also sometimes label ourselves by our occupation, race or belief. Boundaries can be our identity but can also be our limit. Art offers everyone a chance to unleash their creativity and emotion by removing the constraints imposed by age, gender, race, and other social labels. Hence, the Pavillion is created, offering everyone a chance to be an artist and gather people from all walks of life.

Inclusive

The pavilion’s primary focus is to break free from the limitations imposed by societal labels. By providing a creative box for art display, the pavilion empowers young artists to showcase their artwork and trade their artwork with other artists without fear of judgment.

Adaptive

Using computational design in conjunction with site analysis, the pavilion can become a responsive structure that responds to site context. As a result, the pavilion can be installed in different alleys based on its context. For example, the arrangement of the module avoids blocking entry to nearby houses and creates a fast track route for people to get through the site. This modular arrangement can change based on the information input from site analysis.

Sustainable

Beside the use of low embodied energy materials to ensure a reduced carbon footprint during construction, the positive impact of extending objects’ life cycle should not be overlooked. The pavilion gives another chance to artworks of artists and art students by being traded or shredded and compressed into paper brick. Additionally, the pavilion’s modular design allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, minimizing waste and enabling easy relocation to other locations.

TASMANIA

Good Day Stranger

CREATORS: Mellisa Lau, Jia Pei Lim,

UNIVERSITY: Masters Students, University of Tasmania

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

We seek to bridge the gap between the digital world’s limitations and the sensory richness of outdoor experiences. Our installation revolves around fostering social interaction and community engagement, capturing the essence of a third place—a versatile gathering spot for work, study, leisure, and creativity.

The project highlight is the colourful tubes integrated throughout the continuous structure. Rather than relying on devices, we evoke the nostalgia of playful interactions, like using DIY paper cup phones and saying hi over fences to make friends. Each tube’s end is connected, facilitating spontaneous conversations, free from preconceived notions.

To extend the reach of connections, we employ advanced technology. Unoccupied tube ends connect to a cloud system, linking to other installations elsewhere. With motion sensors detecting individuals from different cities or countries, the area of connection becomes limitless.

We chose the Library on the Lawn near Melbourne Central’s State Library Victoria, with a diverse user group, including students, library-goers, shoppers, and workers. From our analysis and findings, we propose a three-module design that interconnects different functions.

“The Exhibit” module provides a platform for showcasing handcrafted products, talents, and local culture’s beauty. “The Indulge” invites people to unwind, engage in leisurely activities, and enjoy moments of relaxation. “The Endeavour” module facilitates personal and group pursuits, encouraging individuals to achieve their goals through work, study, or simply reading.

The design incorporates recycled plastic and locally gathered waste rubber, representing the authenticity of the community.

Inclusivity and equity are embraced in our design. For individuals with hearing impairments, the colourful tubes inspire physical conversations. For the visually impaired, Braille-coded raised dots along the tubes explain the design, with vibration providing notification.

This innovative project seeks to enrich community bonds, stimulate cultural exchange, and serve as an adaptable installation in various settings, connecting people and fostering lasting friendships.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

PMQ

CREATORS: Pulu Zhou, Qi Cao, Melany Diaz

UNIVERSITY: Masters and Undergraduate Students, University of Western Australia

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

We have selected ‘Cathedral Square’ as our site, situated in the heart of Perth. This versatile venue combines arts, culture, and entertainment, offering a myriad of meaningful services. With its potential to facilitate strong connections among individuals and self-discovery, it holds the promise of becoming a thriving hub in the community.

Our concept, ‘Disconnect to Reconnect,’ draws inspiration from the surrounding premises, targeting residents, students, employees, and passersby. Our designs offer various outdoor functions tailored to individual needs, aiming to create a vibrant community that enhances area publicity and fosters strong bonds among like-minded individuals.

‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ consists of two key approaches. Firstly, we offer the existing different communities of the Cathedral Square the opportunity to work together and take advantage of their resources to create a vibrant community. Secondly, we encourage individuals to disconnect from technology and the external world to practice self-awareness by offering individual capsuled space, during this process, individual may establish a more profound connection with society.

The Cathedral Square is surrounded by A church, a library, an Art Museum, and a children school. However, all this organizations are working independently. Our project offers a system of rails and modules for people to establish marketplaces, organize fairs, host events, and create engaging conversation areas while maintaining order in this structured area. These rails also serve as bonding ribbons that brings cohesion to the surrounding organization and foster a thriving community.

Egg has held symbolic significance both in art and religious contexts, representing “new beginnings or purity amidst the surrounding chaos.” The egg-shaped capsule is soundproofing and has an embodied lounge chair for people to sit back and relax. The dome skylight allows individuals to star or cloud gaze, providing another means to reduce stress and practice mindfulness.

The combination of these elements presents a striking contrast and provides an unusual experience for individuals who wish to disconnect and find tranquility, or those seeking to connect with others amid today’s fast-paced world.

victoria

Pigeon house studios

CREATORS: Safa El Samad, Youssef Ibrahim

UNIVERSITY: Masters and Undergraduate Students, Monash University & Deakin University

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

1.Observe a neglected or ostracised specimen located nearby. (In our case, the pigeon).

2. Create a space for said specimen to thrive. (We drew inspiration from ancient dovecotes).

3. Use recycled paper and clay from the neighbouring artist residence and engage the public to help build pigeon towers.

4.Feed the pigeons permissible food waste aided by signage.

5. Utilise the pigeon droppings (a super fertiliser) to grow a native garden and veggie patch.

6. Enjoy the auditory experience of the pigeons coo as you sit in nature.

7.Engage the neighbouring NGO (open table and their initiative “no waste cooking club”) to facilitate cooking classes of said pigeons.

8. In an age of global meat shortage, reorient your perception of edible poultry while exploring a new cuisine eaten in many cultures for centuries.

9. That’s all, you’ve created a regenerative system where you feed the pigeons your food waste so that they may feed you.

2023 Volunteers & supporters

creative directors & national jury

Kathryn Neale

Super Studio Creative Director & National Jury

Andrej Vodstrcil

Super Studio Creative Director & National Jury

Lisa Garner

Super Studio Creative Director

Millie Cattlin

Super Studio National jury

state AND territory jury members

VIC – Dr Dingwen Bao | RMIT

VIC – Wesley Perrott | COX

VIC – Caleb Lee | National winner Super Studio

VIC – Nithya Ranasinghe | National winner Super Studio

VIC – Michelle Gan | Wardle Studio

VIC – Claire Ward | Maynard Architects

QLD – Kaytee Warren | QLD Super Studio winner 2022

QLD – David Gowty | Hassel

QLD – Lucy Stefanovic | QLD Super Studio winner

QLD – Dr Peyman Akhgar | Griffith University

QLD – Andrew Wilson | University of Queensland

WA – Sharaan Muruvan | Hillam Architects

WA – Ahmed Elsayed | Mands Architects

WA – Stephanie Alama Chavaz | Super Studio winner

SA – Veronica Soebarto | University of Adelaide

SA – Waleed Moughraby | Woods Bagot

SA – Nicholas Marchesan | GHD Design

SA – Reem Daou | Graduate Uni SA

ACT – Sally Farrah | University of Canberra

ACT – Jane Cassidy | GHD Design

TAS – Loren Bates | Terrior

TAS – Liz Walsh | Cumulus

TAS – Xing Ting Ng | Super Studio winner

NSW – Marguerite de Villiers | SJB

NSW – Kangcheng Zheng | NSW Super Studio Winner

NSW – Rod Brown | Architectus

NSW – Milly Meares | Together Design

NT – Maiya McKenna | Rossi Architects

NT – Marc Pilla | Ashford Architects

Mentors

VIC – Rory Hyde | University of Melbourne

VIC – Cesar Taboada | Kadar & Bradley

VIC – Mary Ann Jackson | Visionary Design Development

VIC – Emlyn Olaver | Olaver

VIC – Gunali Ajgaonkar | University of Melbourne

VIC – Hayden Federico | Buchan

VIC – Isabella Etna | Buchan

QLD – David McEvoy | Datum Studio

QLD – Sarah Ainsworth | Wilson Architects

QLD – Gina Taylor | Nettletontribe

QLD – Grant Hinds | DesignInc

QLD – Colin Strydom | Design and Architecture

QLD – Kayteen Warren | Super Studio Winner

WA – Yang Yang Lee | Mode Design

WA – Daniel Aisenson | With Studio

WA – Emily Van Eyk | Mt Eyk

WA – David McLoughlin | Development WA

NSW – Caio Peculius | PMDL

NSW – Joshua Bell | PMDL

NSW – Olga Mladenovic Cvjetkovic | PMDL

NSW – Amandine Simonetti

NSW – Hongyu Huang | Super Studio winner

NSW – Bronwyn Litera | Litera Trotta

NSW – Marguerite de Villiers | SJB

NSW – Debjani Sakar | Jacobs

SA – Liam Moroney | COX

SA -Mykaela Dearinger | GHD Design

SA – Arkadius Belov | ARM

TAS – Yao Tian | JAWS

TAS – Jeremy Holloway | Liminal Studio

TAS Rui Shen Chong | Liminal Studio

TAS – Kate Shepherd | Cumulus

NT – Paul Bartsch | Troppo

design day speakers

Mille Cattlin | The Projects We Do Together

David Neustein | Other Architects

Grace Mortlock | Other Architects

Prizes – Office Immersions

QLD – Fulton Trotter

QLD – DWP

QLD – Nettletontribe

QLD – Mclellanbush

NSW – Jacobs

NSW – PMDL

SA – Architectus

SA – SMFA

SA – Brown Falconer

TAS – Cumulus

VIC – Architectus

VIC – Bayley Ward

WA – MJA

WA – Klopper & Davis

VENUE HOSTS

QLD – University of Queensland

VIC – Buchan

TAS – University of Tasmania

ACT – University of Canberra

WA – Curtin University

NSW – University of Sydney

ACT – ACT Chapter Office

SA – SA Chapter Office

NT – Charles Darwin University

2023 SUPER STUDIO SPONSOR

The Institute acknowledges and thanks the 2023 Super Studio sponsor – Alspec.

Australian owned and operated, Alspec is the market leader in the design and distribution of innovative aluminium systems to the architectural, residential, industrial and home-improvement markets. Continuous investment in research and development ensures the latest technologies and design principles are applied in their extensive range of aluminium systems and products.

SUPER STUDIO 2023 results