Emerging architects and recipients of the 2022 Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship, Victoria King and Genevieve Quinn have finalized their reports on improving the living conditions of those affected by catastrophic floods in 2022 and a new round of scholars has been announced.
The Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship was established in 2022, to honour the spirit of the late Paul Pholeros and his lifelong dedication to bettering Australian living conditions. Sponsored by the Paul Pholeros Foundation (PPF), two $3,000 scholarships are awarded annually to candidates whose proposals explore the social purpose of Australian architecture.
As part of the scholarship, students are required to explore a social or environmental issue in Australia and conceptualize solutions for improving the built environment for impacted communities. Applicants are given 12 months to complete their study and may choose to respond to issues such as social housing, sustainable resources, urban planning, climate change, rural development, First Nations housing or population growth. The outcome of the study has the potential to be applied and put into practice, thus contributing to better living conditions in Australian society.
The 2023 scholars, Isabella Reynolds and Michi Playford, have now commenced their research on their proposals titled ”Soft spaces: designing for pain in the public realm” and ”Cohousing as a solution to improve health and living conditions in Australia,” respectively.
They will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, Victoria King and Genevieve Quinn, who both elected to research the devastating 2022 east-Australian floods, with King’s study focused on Lismore and Quinn’s on Brisbane.
Victoria King was awarded the Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship in 2022.
Image:
Courtesy of the Paul Pholeros Foundation.
King’s report analysed opportunities for new housing as well as the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. The primary solution offered in the report focused on converting shops into shophouses, making homes more flood resilient while also preserving the unique character and heritage of Lismore’s city centre.
“Shophouses have inherent flood-resilient qualities, seen in many vernacular examples around the world. The potential for sensitive integration of shop-top development was also inspired by the characterful and sometimes under-utilized shopfronts that line the main streets of Lismore and many other regional town centres in NSW,” King said.
Victoria King’s report proposed using shophouses as a flood resilient housing model.
Image:
Courtesy of the Paul Pholeros Foundation.
Quinn’s report investigated ways for communities to self-construct small architectural elements that could withstand natural disasters and prevent displacement.
“My research topic looks at the idea of ‘building back better,’ a common phrase heard in the architectural world after a natural disaster such as flooding has occurred. I was interested in how this trend can be exclusive to those who may not own their home, those with disabilities or people who simply cannot afford an architect (around 98 per cent of Australians),” Quinn said.
“This question or curiosity led to diverse studies of temporary architecture, global communities post-disaster, best practices for community engagement, sustainable materials, government aid and protocols for natural disasters. A varied and multi-faceted approach was invaluable to me as an early career practitioner, looking to learn and develop my skills in various aspects of architecture.”
Genevieve Quinn’s report proposed using temporary shades and screens on unlined studs for privacy, following a flooding event.
Image:
Courtesy of Paul Pholeros Foundation.
King and Quinn said the scholarship allowed them both to pursue further work as an extension of their research.
“The scholarship was like a springboard that encouraged me to reach out and engage with community groups, local government and practitioners who are shaping the future of the Northern Rivers Region. Fortunately, it has also led to further work assisting with the Living Lab Northern Rivers, which is facilitating community talks, exhibitions and research from a Lismore shopfront,” King said.
“The experience was incredibly supportive, and it was refreshing to test ideas and discuss research directions with the diverse mix of professionals who are involved with the Foundation. It was also great to have an overlapping research theme with Genevieve, prompting new insights that helped shape my own work.”
For Quinn, the scholarship was the first step towards other explorations and research in greater depth. “Having the flexibility of the scholarship allowed me to explore these many facets without committing to a very particular output or result. In doing this, I feel that the research is more nuanced and prepared for further development.
“The scholarship provided me with the opportunity to gain independent research skills and pursue work that is not typically available to young graduates of architecture. I am committed to social justice in the architectural field, a topic that is often not highly funded or focused on. Being able to research topics surrounding affordability, equity and accessibility equipped me with the knowledge and authority to move forward in my career whilst holding on to my values and ethics.”
The Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship provides an opportunity for emerging architects to explore their passions and interests in architecture with the support of the PPF and its wider professional network. Every February, eligible applicants are invited to submit their applications. Following submissions, interviews and final selections, the study period begins sometime between May and June each year.
The PPF is currently planning a presentation event to be held in Sydney in October 2023, where past and present scholars will share their work with the profession and wider community. The event will also highlight PPF’s sanitation improvement programs in Nepal and will introduce the next plumbing/design team heading to Nepal in late 2023.
For more information regarding the scholarship, PPF’s programs and upcoming events, visit the Paul Pholeros Foundation website
Source: Architecture - architectureau
