28 May 2007
Monash University has launched Australia's first new architecture course in 30 years.
The course, starting in 2008, will be taught in the Faculty of Art and Design at the University's Caulfield campus, where students will have access to the full range of art and design studios and workshops.
Faculty Dean Professor John Redmond, said the course would take a different approach, placing a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation.
"Many schools in Australia offer architecture within a framework of planning, building and technology but nobody offers it within an art school," Professor Redmond said.
"Over time, the role of the architect in the building process has been diluted by developer-led processes. The conductor has been taken off the podium and now stands within the orchestra.
"The time is right to re-assert the value of architecture and its role as the core discipline of the built environment. This course will turn the key focus back to architecture, and place the architect centre stage once again.
"I hope the result will be a built environment - homes, public buildings and office blocks - that better reflects the needs and desires of the community.
"Melbourne is arguably the architecture capital of Australia. It is fitting this city is home to the nation's newest and creatively focused architecture course."
Traditionally, architecture programs have consisted of five years of study to attain a Bachelor of Architecture.
Professor Redmond said Monash would be one of the first universities to adopt a new model of a three-year bachelor degree followed by a two-year professional masters degree. Students who successfully complete the University's Bachelor of Architectural Design course will be guaranteed admission into a Master of Architecture.
The Faculty of Art & Design established an advisory group of distinguished Australian architects to help create the prestigious new program including: Carey Lyon , Immediate Past National President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects; John Denton , Victorian State Architect and Founding Director of Denton Corker Marshall; Professor Desley Luscombe , Dean of the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney; Professor Geoffrey London, West Australian Government Architect and Professor of Architecture, University of Western Australia; and Professor Brit Andresen, Queensland University Professor of Architecture.
An industry launch of the course is taking place on June 6, 2007. For more information about the new Architecture program visit: www.artdes.monash.edu.au/arc hitecture
For further information, contact Steve Pogonowski, on +61 3 9905 1253.
| 
