Newcastle architecture students win state awards

Wednesday 23 May 2007

Two architecture students at the University of Newcastle have been honoured by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter.

James Buskin and Shaun Purcell have won two of the three student awards on offer for their innovative projects in Newcastle and Sydney.

James won the Partridge Partners Award for structure in architectural design with his concept for a high rise project in Sydney while Shaun won the HPA/Mirvac Award for his design of a courthouse within Newcastle's legal precinct.

Shaun said the project design brief called for a proposal to replace a delapidated block of flats on a prominent corner in Newcastle.

"The building is positioned on the corner of Watt Street and Shortland Esplanade," he said.

"I designed a new courthouse housing one district courtroom, one local courtroom and ancillary spaces.

"Sandstone, concrete, timber and glass are the primary materials but are adapted and fused with contemporary textures in what I think is a positive and forward-looking building.

"I hope the courthouse design reflects the complexity of the law and the society it governs through using materials which show movement, reflection and transition."

The head of architecture at the University of Newcastle, David Stafford, said the awards were recognition of the outstanding architectural talent being nurtured in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University.

"These are competitive awards with entries from the four schools of architecture at universities in NSW," he said.

"Newcastle is the only university outside of Sydney to submit entries, and to win two out of the three major student awards on offer is a real achievement."

Shaun completed the Bachelor of Design (Architecture)* in 2006 and this year is working in Brisbane at global design and consulting studio Woods Bagot.

He will return to university next year to complete the Bachelor of Architecture*.

Contact: Shaun Purcell via Katie Porritt in Media and Public Relations on 02 4921 5120 or David Stafford on 02 4921 5832 between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Images of Shaun and his courthouse design are available from Media and Public Relations.

* The Bachelor of Architecture degree is a two year full-time program which comprises the second and final part of the five-year Architecture program. The first degree, the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) must be followed by the Bachelor of Architecture, for registration and practise as an architect. James is in his first year of the Bachelor of Architecture and Shaun is taking one year off between the two degree programs.