NSW Government recognises Western Sydney University student in shaping the future of housing
Western Sydney University architecture student Amanda Eessa has been shortlisted as a finalist in an international design competition seeking to redefine the future of housing.
The Pattern Book Design Competition, which is run by the NSW Government is calling for bold and innovative ideas to guide the creation of new low- and mid-rise housing across the state.
The competition attracted 212 submissions from architects across the world, which has been narrowed down to 12 architecture firms from Australia and three international firms.
Six architectural teams have also been shortlisted in the student category, with Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) student, Amanda, representing Western Sydney University.
Attracting inventive student architect and design teams ensures that young people are given the opportunity to contribute to the future face of their city.
Passionate about infrastructure, particularly in Western Sydney, Amanda said she is extremely proud to have her ideas and potential future shaping designs recognised as a finalist.
“I think there is a strong need for a diverse range of homes in our housing market with a focus on community-based design, that will grow and cater to the life stages of different groups of people we have in our society,” said Amanda.
“My design focuses on culturally adaptive housing that embraces the rich cultural diversity of Western Sydney. Instead of isolated grey boxes, I am proposing modular and customisable terrace houses that integrate the unique cultural expressions of the community. These homes celebrate individuality and offer spaces that reflect and adapt to changing needs over time.”
By designing homes that are adaptable, repairable, and culturally expressive, Amanda’s vision for Western Sydney is to break free from the monotony of grey boxes and create vibrant communities where individuality and cultural expression thrive.
As a talented new generation architect, Amanda has also recently been awarded with the prestigious Fraser’s Property Australia 2024 Architecture Scholarship for Women worth $60,000 across the two-year Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) course at Western Sydney University.
Distinguished Professor Brian G. Falzon, Dean of Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design, and Built Environment, congratulated Amanda on her outstanding efforts.
“ Our highly sought after Architecture programs equip our students with the skills to be creative and critical thinkers that will contribute to the wellbeing, sustainability and resilience of our cities,” said Distinguished Professor Falzon.
“Amanda is a wonderful example of our students who are already putting their skills into practice to positively influence and shape our communities for the better. She has done an exceptional job.”
Finalists will have to submit their designs for Stage 2, which will be judged by a five-person competition jury, chaired by the NSW Government Architect, Abbie Gavin.
The designs will be evaluated based on criteria such as liveability, buildability, replicability, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and their ability to meet the needs of both industry and local communities.
Competition winners will then be announced in November. To learn more, visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pattern-book-design-competition (Opens in a new window).
ENDS
16 September 2024
Image credit: Fraser's Property Australia; Adobe Stock Images
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