Architecture

Emma Williamson, architect and co-founder of The Fulcrum Agency, has been appointed as WA’s new government architect and chair of the state’s Design Review Panel, replacing Rebecca Moore, who held the position for three years.
Williamson has practised for nearly 30 years and is a member of the West Australian and South Australian State Design Review Panels. Williamson’s practice has been involved in several award-winning projects, such as Boola Katitjin by Lyons with Silver Thomas Hanley, Officer Woods, The Fulcrum Agency and Aspect Studios, which won a 2023 Daryl Jackson Award for Educational Architecture and a 2023 National Award for Sustainable Architecture; and the Groote Archipelago Housing Programme, which was a joint winner of the 2023 ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact. The practice was also a state adviser on WA Museum Boola Bardip by Hassell and OMA, which won the 2021 George Temple Poole Award.
In 2022, Williamson was named a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects for her valuable contribution to the profession beyond architectural practice. She is committed to educating the next generation of architects through her role as adjunct senior research fellow at Monash University and through her written research, which has been published both nationally and internationally. In 2023, the Institute awarded Williamson the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize.
Williamson frequently uses the profession as an instrument for highlighting and advocating for social issues that correlate with the field. She has often been invited to symposiums and events to speak on topics such as gender equity, leadership, design and practice management.
The Fulcrum Agency co-founder will supersede government architect Rebecca Moore, who accepted the role in September 2020. Moore was Australia’s first female government architect. She has provided design advice on more than $28 billion worth of state and regional projects. During her tenure, she provided consultation on key projects such as the Metronet station developments, the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge, and the Women and Babies Hospital project.
Moore has taken a leave of absence and will conclude her position officially this February. Architect, Barbara Gdowski has been serving as acting government architect and interim chair of the State Design Review Panel.
The role will entail providing design leadership and advice to improve the quality of the state’s built environment, as well as ensure that good design is prioritized in all development and major project opportunities. It also involves providing independent advice to the Minister for Planning, and the premier on key projects and strategic planning initiatives.
Planning Minister, John Carey, welcomed the appointment, saying Williamson is a “highly credentialled architect.”
“Williamson’s experience in design review will be integral to the position, as she will play a central role in the review and assessment of significant development proposals – through the new permanent assessment pathway – as part of our government’s planning reform agenda to take effect on 1 March 2024,” Carey said.
“I would again like to thank outgoing government architect, Ms Moore, for her contribution to the design of our state, and wish her well in her next endeavours.” More

Kaolin Tiles and Taubmans have launched a collaborative collection, featuring eight large-format porcelain tiles in four different colour schemes. The Equilibrium collection references Taubmans paint with a unique, paint-like finish that mimics textured brushstrokes. Four colour palettes have been released as part of the collection –Euphoric, Grounded, Composure and Centred – each of which were […] More

The former Hendersons Hat Factory in Sydney’s Surry Hills, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 2023, will be rebuilt, as part of an amended development application to construct a hotel on the site. The original application to convert the heritage-listed warehouse into a hotel was submitted to the City of Sydney in 2019. […] More

The Queensland government has announced its soon-to-be-released housing plan, Homes for Queenslanders, which includes a target for 53,500 new social homes by 2046. Premier Steven Miles said the state government has committed an investment of $6 billion to social and affordable housing, with a down payment of $1.25 billion already having been made. “Every Queenslander […] More

Construction has now commenced on Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop East, in a project that will see Box Hill and Cheltenham connected via a new rail line and six underground stations.
The train stations include Box Hill, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Monash, Clayton and Cheltenham. Of the six stations, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Clayton, and Cheltenham already have existing train stations, and upon project completion, will serve as interchange stations for multiple rail lines. Burwood and Monash are the only locations without an existing railway line.
The Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East) is part of a wider Suburban Rail Loop project, which will involve the introduction of a 90km metro line and 13 stations. Architectus has led the initial design of all six SRL East stations, working within the AJM Consortium (Aurecon, Jacobs, Mott McDonald) together with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority to develop the concept and reference design and SRL East business case.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson visited the tunnel boring machine at the Burwood site on 5 February to provide a project update.
Works on the first tunnel access structure in Heatherton are set to begin in February 2024, followed by construction of a temporary bridge in Box Hill to reduce traffic congestion while works progress beneath Whitehorse Road. Early works in Cheltenham are also currently underway, with crews in Glen Waverley, Clayton and Monash University in the process of relocating utilities in preparation for construction.
Tunnelling is anticipated to begin in 2026. The first tunnelling contract to build tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley was awarded in 2023, with detailed survey works for this section to continue through 2024. The contract for tunnels between Glen Waverley and Box Hill will be granted later in 2024.
“By 2026, we’ll have four tunnel boring machines in the ground, twin tunnels being built, major contracts awarded and major construction underway at every one of the six station sites,” the premier said.
The SRL East metro line is expected to be operational by 2035. The project is jointly funded by the Victorian government and the federal government, with a $11.8 billion and $2.2 billion investments respectively.
The draft Suburban Rail Loop Precinct Visions is currently on exhibition until 3 March 2024, and has already received more than 2,000 responses. More

The Tasmanian government announced the scope of works for the $130 million redevelopment of the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston. Initial designs by Populous and Philp Lighton Architect indicate the project will include two new stands: an eastern stand with new and more accessible spectator facilities, food and beverage outlets and amenities, and a […] More

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released the draft Bradfield City Centre masterplan for public exhibition.
The proposal – prepared by Hatch Roberts Day, Turner and Turf Design Studio for the Western Parkland City Authority – would see 114 hectares of land nearby the forthcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport being transformed into a new city with houses, retail and commercial precinct, open space, and new and improved streets and roads.
The proposed Bradfield City Centre would be located at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, and would be five times the size of Barangaroo. The state government anticipates the development would see the creation of up to 10,000 new homes.
According to planning documents, the project will be informed by Country, and will involve the preservation of native plants, trees, vegetation and waterways; retention of views; and restorative planting to care for Country. There will be educational places to improve knowledge of Country, such as dedicated cultural spaces and a cultural Green Loop that weaves through the city. First Nations cultural values and stories will also guide planting, materials, art, lighting, signage and language. Facilities that service First Nations people, such as a cultural centre, specialized health clinics, educational and childcare amenities, as well as housing will be constructed as part of the development.
Plans state the city will be “designed with a landscape and place focus,” and will be “a green city with innovative green corridors for people, plants, water and infrastructure that connect the entire city.” A two-hectare park, dubbed Central Park, has been proposed, as well as a naturally integrated swimming area in Moore Gully and a major events space on Thompsons Creek.
The design of the city, its buildings and public domain will be supported by a design excellence process, with architectural design competitions to be launched. As to the city’s architectural aesthetic, the proposal states that wherever a development comprises multiple buildings, there should be “a diversity of forms, typologies and architectural language, within a cohesive design framework.”
Materials used on building facades should also be “natural, tactile and visually interesting at the lower levels near the public interface to reinforce a human scale. Materials should be durable, robust and low maintenance in the higher parts of a building.”

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The proposal states that wherever a development comprises multiple buildings, there should be “a diversity of forms, typologies and architectural language, within a cohesive design framework.” Image:

Courtesy of Western Parkland Authority

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the masterplan aligns with the Western Sydney Airport development, as well as “attracts investment, houses thousands of people, and creates thousands of jobs.”
“This is the first masterplan to be publicly exhibited after progressing through the new Aerotropolis master-planning pathway and it’s critical we hear directly from the community and stakeholders as we lay the groundwork for significant infrastructure plans.
“Bradfield City Centre could deliver 10,000 new homes in coming years, making a significant contribution to more, and more diverse, housing supply in Western Parkland City,” he said. “This is about making sure people have a say in how Bradfield best caters for the future needs and desires of residents, workers, and visitors.”
If approved, the project would proceed in stages. Development is already underway in the Bradfield area, with the construction of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Research Facility (AMRF) and a new metro station in progess, as well as an advanced industry hub.
The NSW government has allocated more than $1 billion toward the masterplan.
The Bradfield City Centre masterplan will be on exhibition until 4 March 2024. If the current draft masterplan is approved, the government expects plans could be finalized by mid-2024. The nearby Western Sydney International Airport is expected to open in 2026. More

Although the Christmas and new year festive season has officially come to an end, there are still plenty of cultural affairs to keep you amused. Here are some of the insightful events that are inspiring us this February.
Gold
This exhibition is a profound homage to the often overlooked struggles that many face in their daily lives. In Gold, each vase, designed by Australian artist, Elena Strohfeldt, stands as a testament to the quiet victories that often go unnoticed. It’s a reminder that, for some, the simplest of tasks can feel as challenging as climbing mountains. Each vessel symbolizes a gold medal and is adorned with a name that reflects everyday tasks such as “Getting Out of Bed” or “Preparing Breakfast” – each piece represents a reward for overcoming everyday, ordinary obstacles. Gold will take place in Melbourne between 31 January and 11 February.
Future Shock: Designing City Resilience

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Future Shock is a discussion-based event featuring speakers who will explore the design aspects of city resilience, highlighting international examples. Image:

Romain Terpreau/Unsplash

Hosted at the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Future Shock: Designing City Resilience features a lineup of speakers who will delve into the design aspects of city resilience, and highlight international examples where designers, communities, city administrators, and leaders collaborated to strengthen social, physical, and natural systems’ recovery capacities from extreme events worldwide. This discussion-based event, to be held on 14 February, comprises a series of talks, question and answer sessions, and panel discussions to delve into new science, approaches, and collaborative efforts that are crucial to futureproofing cities.
Lost in Palm Springs

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The Lost in Palm Springs exhibition will be held at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum in Sydney, until 25 February. Image:

Shot by Joe/Unsplash

Lost in Palm Springs is an interdisciplinary exhibition bringing together 14 creative minds, including artist Paul Davies, artist and designer Liane Rossler; and architect Penelope Seidler, who each respond to or reimagine the Palm Springs landscape and the mid-century modern architecture that is ubiquitous throughout the desert city. Orignially presented by the Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast, the touring exhibition is currently held at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum in Sydney, until 25 February.
When Robin Boyd Went to Japan

The Robin Boyd Foundation, in collaboration with NMBW Architecture Studio and Cibi, will host an exhibition that explores mid-century Japanese architecture and design culture in deference to Boyd’s fascination with Japan. The When Robin Boyd Went to Japan exhibition is inspired by a period in which Boyd was frequently visiting, observing, thinking and writing about Japanese architects and architecture. Physical models of selected Japanese architect-designed houses from the 1950s to 1970s are presented in this exhibition, as well as 1:1 adaptations of Walsh Street, Japanese designer items, and a dedicated library space for displaying documents from Boyd’s travels. This Melbourne-based exhibition will be held between 18 February and 10 March 2024.
Architecture with Pride

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Architecture with Pride (AWP) – established by SJB in 2023 to commemorate Sydney World Pride – brings together the LGBTQI+ design community to share experiences about the built environment. Image: Supplied

Architecture with Pride (AWP) – established by SJB in 2023 to commemorate Sydney World Pride – brings together the LGBTQI+ design community to share experiences about the built environment and industry. In 2024, AWP is delivering events in Sydney and Melbourne with a line up featuring international and domestic queer thinkers who will challenge the status quo and celebrate the industry’s diversity. Programmed events will be held between 2 February and 4 February at various locations. More