UNSW Built Environment Interior Architecture graduate Ivy Tong has been shortlisted for the international S.ARCH Architecture Awards for her reimagining of the White Bay Power Station.
Ms Tong, who completed a Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) in 2017, is in contention for the prestigious S.ARCH 2018 Conceptual Design Award in the Commercial/ Public Designs category, which will be awarded in Venice on 23 May.
Ms Tong’s design proposal Transversal - Technology & Sustainable Energy Research Centre, Australia, focused on new and innovative uses for the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station at Rozelle, and was developed as part of the Interior Architecture (Hons) intensive design studio in 2017, in partnership with Landcom and UrbanGrowth NSW.
Ms Tong, an illustrator inspired to pursue Interior Architecture after seeing the work of renowned international designer Tadao Ando, said it was an honour to be shortlisted for the award.
“It means so much to me to be recognised for my work and to make the shortlist,” Ms Tong said.
“There was a need to utilise the space in a way that connects the past to the present, not only in terms of design, but also in terms of addressing the very real-world need for environmental sustainability and renewable energy.”
Ms Tong, who is working as a graduate designer at Sydney design studio Otto Design Interiors, credited the Interior Architecture program at UNSW Built Environment for supporting her transition into the field.
“UNSW Built Environment has some amazing mentors who not only have the industry credentials, knowledge and insight, but are keen to share that with you and support you throughout your degree,” Ms Tong said.
Students maintain strong links to industry throughout their degree.
Landcom Director, Research and Learning Nicole Campbell said the design studio enabled students to engage with stakeholders and consider their proposals as civic contributions, with an emphasis on innovation and public activation.
The design studio is part of Landcom and UrbanGrowth NSW’s commitment to innovative research and life-long learning,” Ms Campbell said.
“Ivy was one of 90 fourth year interior architecture students from UNSW who took part in an intensive design studio last year to re-imagine White Bay Power Station,” Ms Campbell said.
“The students undertook site tours and presented their design concepts to staff from Landcom and UrbanGrowth NSW. On behalf of both organisations, I congratulate Ivy on this international recognition of her work.”
The awards form part of S.ARCH: The 5th International Conference on Architecture & Built Environment, an annual international conference where practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders meet to exchange knowledge, insights, and experiences of the cross-disciplinary field of architecture and built environment.
This year the awards and conference will be held in the lead up to the 16th International Architecture Exhibition, the Biennale Architettura 2018, in Venice.
The awards are adjudicated by a jury of industry professionals representing major design studios and leading research institutions from around the world. Shortlisted projects must embody design excellence and innovation in sustainable architecture and urbanism.
