A new library for inner city Newcastle and a public housing development along Hunter Street are among 37 major projects by final-year architecture students at the University of Newcastle, on display this weekend.

The [IN]TRANSIT exhibition showcases the work of students completing the Master of Architecture degree program. It is the culmination of five years of study, which included the undergraduate Bachelor of Design (Architecture) degree program.

Ksenia Totoeva's library proposal is composed around a series of staircases around the steeply sloping Market Square site in the Hunter Street Mall, while Steven Gartsky's design is a triangle shaped building holding 58 public housing apartments.

Other projects on display include Andrew Cavill's design for an Interpretive Centre and Heritage Park at the Coal River Heritage Precinct of Newcastle East. An Opera House suspended above the Brisbane River is the subject of Jesse Lockhart-Krause's design.

David Stafford, Head of Architecture at the University of Newcastle, said the students were given the freedom to choose their own design projects resulting in a diverse range of architectural schemes, from cultural complexes to health resorts.

"This is real architecture practice with students finding prospective clients, identifying and analysing sites, preparing feasibility studies and then developing the design for public exhibition. Many students have focused on sites in Newcastle, while others have looked to other parts of Australia and Asia."

All works will be on display from 11am - 4pm at the Architecture Design Studio, Callaghan campus on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2009. Entry is free.

The exhibition will then move to Paddington Town Hall, Oxford Street and Oatley Road, Paddington for one night on Thursday 19 November 2009 from 6pm.

Student comment and vision opportunities for media are available on Friday 13 November 2009. To organise, contact Kate Reid.