A trio of University of Tasmania architecture students has won the National Super Studio Design Competition, showcasing an innovative approach to disaster relief housing.
More than 80 teams from 20 universities across the country designed “radical solutions” to address the impacts of extreme weather.
Master of Architecture students Mia Larsen, Luke Pendergast and Lachlan Sutton won the national competition with their Jingana Epicormic Resilient Community Housing Strategy project, which presented a bold vision for public spaces that seamlessly blends innovation with sustainability.
Inspired by the resilient Jingana plant, the team’s design mimics nature’s adaptability in the face of constant changes to climate.
The National Super Studio Design Competition, organised by the Australian Institute of Architects and SONA, invites architecture students from across the nation to stretch the boundaries of creative thinking.
The jury was impressed by the quality of work and creative ideas of the Tasmania team, particularly the immediate rollout post-disaster that allows for customisation and modification during occupation, and the capacity for repair and relocation in the longer term.
The jury citation noted that “this strategy successfully balances the need for immediate respite and emergency shelter with the longer term needs of a community in recovery.”
Professor Julian Worrall, Head of the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Tasmania, praised the students' achievement:
“Design for adaptation and resilience is what the brief called for. The winning response was based on an understanding of how this happens in nature, which the students translated into architecture that is both functional and beautiful."
“This award highlights the profound significance of connection to nature, Country and community as we adapt and recast our relations to the planet. This perspective is embedded in the ethos of our School, and we are very proud that our students have received national recognition for their work that so eloquently expresses these values.”
The National Super Studio Design Competition is a significant event within the Australian architecture community, offering a platform for emerging talents to showcase their creative and design skills.
Winning the competition offers significant opportunities for the Tasmanian team. Alongside a cash prize, publication of the winning project in Architecture Australia, the team will receive mentorship from leading architects.
This accomplishment enhances their professional profiles and opens doors to future career opportunities in architecture and design.