Brisbane-based architect and director of Five Mile Radius Clare Kennedy has won the 2024 Dunbar Fellowship – established as a result of a bequest left by late architect Jennifer Taylor – for her research into circular design practices.
Kennedy, whose practice has long championed the use of sustainable local materials in construction, will use the fellowship to investigate sustainable design methodologies in Thailand, Indonesia and China. Her research will focus on material efficiency, community engagement and regenerative practices.
During the research phase, Kennedy will work with studios such as Sher Maker in Thailand and Ibuku in Indonesia to gather insights on how sustainable design can be effectively applied in both commercial and community environments.
A communique released by the Queensland chapter stated that Kennedy’s proposal stood out due to its “potential to address one of architecture’s most pressing challenges: transitioning from resource-intensive models to sustainable, closed-loop systems.”
Queensland chapter executive director Anna Svensdotter said the proposal exemplified the kind of forward-thinking innovation that the Dunbar Fellowship was established to support. “Her [Kennedy’s] ability to connect international insights with local application aligns perfectly with the vision of the late Adjunct Professor Jennifer Taylor,” said Svensdotter.
“Clare’s work highlights the importance of learning from global best practices to inspire local innovation. This research has the potential to position Australian architecture as a leader in sustainable design.”
The research findings will culminate in an educational program, a public lecture, an academic publication and a toolkit to help architects adopt circular practices.
Expressing her gratitude, Clare said, “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 Dunbar Fellowship is awarded annually by the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. The fellowship enables the successful candidate to either undertake a program of study and/or research in Asia or the islands of the south Pacific Ocean; complete a one-year (minimum) course of study at an approved university leading to a further academic qualification, or undertake a one-year (minimum) structured program of research in an approved subject.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
