I had the privilege of mentoring two winning groups of students earlier in the year for the 2021 Australian institute of architects 2021 Super Studio design competition.

Sheet Music Box by PUI WAH (PHOEBE) TSE AND BERNADETTE CHILAM YIP took out second place at the University of Adelaide

PUI WAH (PHOEBE) TSE AND BERNADETTE CHILAM YIP

University of Adelaide, Master Year One

Is identity just about citizenship? Do we understand our immigrants? Can citizenship be tested? Ways to learning a culture? Common Language? Our journey starts with the family who is currently living on Christmas Island. Through the story of the Tamil family, it led us to question what identity is and does it define by citizenship. The strong sense of community spirit for the Tamil family. Biloela (their ‘hometown’ in Queensland) residents were extremely supportive. Before getting the ‘right’ to call this place their ‘home’, they are already accepted to be part of the Team Australia. Looking into our research for becoming a citizen, the process is long-winded. The authenticity behind the citizen test has raised questions. It seems like the citizen test was to block immigrant’s “un-Australian” values1, not adding anything to their “Australianness”2. It appeared to be a one direction approach which leads to misunderstanding for locals and immigrants which causes conflicts for both parties. In order to solve the conflicts or misunderstandings, we came up with ways of empowerment through music. Music is a universal language that binds people together. In music, they can understand each other without speaking the same language or share the same beliefs. In this music box, the program is suitable for all ages. It is designed for people to learn through interacting with others by ‘take, give, share’.
View the full submission here

AAACCPDC by QUADE HELM, MEKA RAHKMAT AND MARTIN DIESENDORF at The University of Tasmania took out third place

QUADE HELM, MEKA RAHKMAT AND MARTIN DIESENDORF

University of Tasmania

This proposal challenges conventions of architectural practice in an attempt to make the cultural shift towards reconciliation to First Nations people. It does this through the proposal of a new declaration.
View the full submission here

Congratulations to all entrants, The Australian Institute of Architects & the organisers