Exploring architectural repair: Master of Architecture students present Seam
The University of Newcastle’s Master of Architecture graduating cohort showcased their final projects to two sold-out audiences in November 2025, continuing a proud tradition of more than 35 years of graduate exhibitions across Newcastle and Sydney.
Celebrating Design as Repair
In a city shaped by its industrial seams, students have reimagined design as an act of repair. Seam presented student works that stitched together social, environmental, and cultural fabrics; demonstrating critical inquiry, collaborative practice, care for Country and community, and a willingness to propose bold, future-focused work.
The title Seam reflects the cohort’s collective belief in architecture as an act of mending. As emerging designers, they see their role as one of repair, helping to stitch together the social, environmental, and cultural fabrics frayed by time. In a city long defined by its coal seams, the exhibition gestures towards new threads: those that bind communities, landscapes, and stories. Each work is a proposition, not just a project; a gesture of care, resistance, and renewal.
A Dynamic Exhibition Experience
The exhibition brought together more than 500 attendees including students, staff, industry professionals, and community members to engage with ideas of architectural repair.
“These exhibitions are a reminder of what the School of Architecture and Built environment does at its best: bringing students, staff, industry, and community together around shared questions of place, equity, and environmental responsibility,” said D'Arcy Newberry-Dupe, Associate Lecturer
Conversations centered on design propositions and research that explored how architecture can mend fractured landscapes, reconnect communities, and weave cultural and environmental threads back into the city’s fabric. It was not just a celebration of graduating students, but a dialogue about architecture’s role in shaping a more resilient future.
Hosted at Modus Operandi Brewery in Merewether, the industrial venue provided a striking backdrop for the students’ work. The brewery’s large vats, structural elements, and rammed‑earth walls offered a compelling setting that echoed the exhibition’s themes of transformation, renewal, and adaptive reuse.
Student‑Led from Start to Finish
Entirely organised, curated and produced by the students, Seam embodied the collaborative spirit of the School of Architecture and Built Environment. The exhibition was the result of countless hours of design, making, curation, and coordination; an act of stitching together diverse perspectives and skills to create a unified vision. This process mirrored the theme itself: architecture as a practice of connection and renewal.
Industry Praise
Leaders from across the architecture and design sectors commended the high standard of work and professionalism on display.
Representing the Regional Architecture Association, Andrew Elia reflected: "It was fantastic to see such a well organised, professional level event, with an incredibly high standard of work. The students should be proud of what they were able to achieve and we look forward to seeing them in the field!"
Terras Land
scape Architects praised the exhibition’s philosophy, “The exhibition was thoughtfully curated, showcasing the refined, site-based design philosophy embraced by The University of Newcastle. It was inspiring to see how projects integrated landscape architecture and explored Connection and Designing with Country principles.”
“We couldn't be prouder of our talented team members Georgie, Teodora, Chalyse, Caleb and Chris, whose Master's projects were on display,” said EJE Architecture.
Shaping the Future of the Profession
Seam not only celebrated the achievements of the graduating cohort - it also sparked important conversations about the role of architecture in healing and reimagining cities. By placing themes of repair, connection, and care for Country at the centre of their work, the students demonstrated the values and vision that will guide them as emerging professionals.
Images taken by Nikola Jokanovic, @linear.wave.sampler
Related news
- Newcastle scientist named among UNESCO Quantum Top 100
- Innovative ideas awarded $3.8m in NHMRC research grants
- Engineering Students Showcase Innovation at Final Year Project Event
- Exploring architectural repair: Master of Architecture students present Seam
- Advancing Human-Agent Collaboration Through Agentic AI
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.