Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Ever since architect Frank Gehry's design for the new Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao became a global symbol for how a regional city reliant on gritty industry can transform into a tourist destination, architecture has famously been utilised the change the face of cities undergoing economic transformation. The Bilbao Effect, as it came to be known, has been studied by researchers and even extended by scholars to consider the 'Mona Effect' in Tasmania. However, less attention has been paid to how the work of architects and architecture support small towns, remote places, and regional communities transitioning from extractive to experience economies. For instance, the gathering spaces at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape by regional Victorian firm Cooper Scaif Architects (https://www.budjbim.com.au/) do more than just attract tourists. Smaller-scale, place-based transformational architectural projects like these profoundly alter the image and identity of a place. Importantly, when they are undertaken by local, regional firms, they provide opportunities for community building and emplaced learning.
This project proposes to investigate how architecture supports Australian small towns, regional places, and remote communities as they transition away from extractive economies and, in doing so, re-imagine their image and re-envision their identities. The candidate will apply qualitative methods of social research to questions of how architects, communities, and organisations best come together to understand local needs, overcome barriers, and create new ways of working. Then the candidate will study the communication tactics used to communicate those projects. Findings will be co-published with the supervisory team and the candidate will be supported in contributing to larger scholarly discussions.
Interested applicants should email the primary supervisor to discuss possible case studies and project focus.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
An existing skillset in one of the following areas:
- Social Research Methods
- Participatory Design
- Social theory
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Georgia Lindsay to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
