Brisbane-based architect Clare Kennedy has been named the recipient of the 2024 Dunbar Fellowship, recognising her innovative research into circular design practices that aim to redefine Australian architecture. Kennedy, the Director of Five Mile Radius, will use the Fellowship to investigate sustainable design methodologies in Thailand, Indonesia, and China, focusing on material efficiency, community engagement, and regenerative practices.
Kennedy’s research proposal stood out among a competitive field for its potential to address one of architecture’s most pressing challenges: transitioning from resource-intensive models to sustainable, closed-loop systems. “Clare’s project exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking innovation that the Dunbar Fellowship was established to support,” said Anna Svensdotter, Queensland Executive Director. “Her ability to connect international insights with local application aligns perfectly with the vision of the late Adjunct Professor Jennifer Taylor.”
Kennedy expressed her gratitude and vision for the project: “The Fellowship is a perfect opportunity to explore how ingrained practices of reuse and resourcefulness can shape new frameworks for Australian architecture. At Five Mile Radius, we focus on how local, frugal approaches to material sourcing can be applied across all scales of construction. I’m excited to bring this research into practice through future collaborations that embed circular thinking into the Australian industry”
The research will culminate in an educational program, public lecture, academic publication, and a toolkit to help architects adopt circular practices. By partnering with studios such as Sher Maker in Thailand and Ibuku in Indonesia, Kennedy will gather insights into how sustainable design can be implemented in both commercial and community settings.
“Clare’s work highlights the importance of learning from global best practices to inspire local innovation,” Svensdotter added. “This research has the potential to position Australian architecture as a leader in sustainable design.”
Kennedy’ practice, Five Mile Radius, has consistently championed material efficiency and low-impact design. The outcomes of her research, supported by the Dunbar Fellowship, are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the architectural profession in Australia and beyond.
About the Dunbar Fellowship
The Dunbar Fellowship was established as a result of a generous bequest left to the Australian Institute of Architects by the late Jennifer Taylor. The Fellowship is awarded by the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute. The Dunbar Fellowship funds Queensland architects to conduct research in Asia and/or the islands of the South Pacific Ocean (excluding Australia and New Zealand), that contribute to the advancement of architecture and its practice in Australia.
Read more about the Dunbar Fellowship here.
About the Australian Institute of Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession and works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.
For all further media inquiries, please contact:
Rhiannon Dow, on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects at +61 7 3828 4102 or rhiannon.dow@architecture.com.au
