A new charitable organisation dedicated to promoting discussion and research in architecture in Melbourne has launched.
Launched on 16 June, the Naarm Architecture Foundation (NAF) was conceived by Carey Lyon, a co-founder of architecture firm Lyons and professor of architecture in the School of Architecture and Design at RMIT University, who identified a lack of public debate about challenges facing the profession, from how architects can meaningfully embed Indigenous knowledge in their projects, to the design principles and processes for creating successful public spaces, and the role of good design in alleviating the housing crisis.
“Melbourne is an amazing creative city, but you can’t take that for granted,” said Lyon, adding that design and the culture only gets better “the more you talk about it.”
The foundation will support research projects, a publication on architectural discourse and a residency program.
Each year, NAF will award approximately eight $10,000 grants to support research projects focused on architecture and the urban environment, with applications for the first round set to open on 15 July. The foundation will also publish the Naarm Architectural Papers, a biannual publication that will include commissioned texts and material from the grant program.
In addition to these initiatives, NAF will run the Office of Speculative Practice (OoSP), an 18-month residency program based its Little La Trobe Street office where up to ten early-career creative practitioners will receive subsidised desk space and access to mentors, alongside opportunities to attend a regular program of activities.
NAF’s board of directors comprises Ian McDougall of ARM Architecture, Anna Jankovic of Simulaa and Marika Neustupny of NMBW Architecture Studio. The foundation’s advisors include Jefa Greenaway of Greenaway Architects, Tess O’Meara of Lyons, Philip Goad from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne, and Georgia Birks of Architecture Media.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
