Global Knowledge for Local Action: Scholarships Equip Architecture Students to Tackle Climate and Construction Challenges

The Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Chapter has announced Maitri Gohel and Lucinda O’Neill as the recipients of the 2024 Philip Y. Bisset Planning (Architecture) Scholarship. This esteemed award, which provides each recipient with $15,000 in grant funding to support international research highlights the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development in architecture.

Both recipients have demonstrated exceptional insight into issues critical to Queensland’s built environment. Maitri’s multidisciplinary experience at Hassell across diverse sectors informs her passion for adaptive reuse and regenerative design. Her research investigates why adaptive reuse is more widely embraced in European architecture, focusing on how circular economy principles and urban regeneration contribute to cohesive, sustainable designs. “By exploring how these practices and policies can be adapted to the Queensland context, I aim to identify opportunities for systematic change in design and sustainability while supporting the evolution of our profession,” said Maitri.

The judging panel praised Maitri’s thoughtful and collaborative approach, emphasising her ability to connect policy reform with practical solutions, ensuring her research delivers actionable outcomes.

Lucinda O’Neill’s program involves participation in a six-day workshop in Turin, Italy, followed by four weeks of investigation into innovative material applications in Italy and Belgium. Her project focuses on studying materials that address pressing issues such as sustainability, affordability, and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on applying advanced materials like hempcrete, waste-derived bricks, and other sustainable options to Queensland’s built environment.

“My research will explore the role of advanced materials in shaping sustainable architectural practices,” said Lucinda. “I aim to understand how materials can address barriers in implementation, such as public perception, legislation, and industry practices. By applying these findings to Queensland’s construction industry, I hope to contribute solutions to challenges posed by material shortages, rising costs, and the need for climate-conscious design.”

The judging panel praised Lucinda’s focus on material study as having significant potential to impact the profession. “Her project aligns with critical conversations around the National Construction Code and the challenges facing Queensland’s construction industry,” the panel noted.

“These scholarships are not only an investment in two exceptionally talented individuals but also a reflection of our commitment to shaping a resilient, innovative architectural profession for Queensland,” said Anna Svensdotter, Queensland Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Architects. “Maitri and Lucinda’s work addresses critical challenges, such as sustainability, affordability, and construction innovation, offering insights that will benefit our state as we prepare for the 2032 Olympics and beyond.”

The announcement comes at a time when supporting today’s architecture students is more vital than ever. Having navigated their tertiary education during the disruptions of COVID-19, today’s students are entering the profession amidst a cost-of-living and housing crisis that is impacting every facet of society. Scholarships like the Philip Y. Bisset Planning (Architecture) Scholarship provide crucial support, enabling students to pursue excellence in their studies and professional development.

“These scholarships are essential for ensuring that Queensland’s architects continue to uphold the highest standards in design, innovation, and community building,” Svensdotter added. “The challenges faced by today’s students demand more than academic rigour—they require additional resources to allow our future professionals to thrive and lead in an increasingly complex world.”

ENDS