New Directions for the Australian Dream
Studio Tutors: Rob Brown & Carly Martin
2014 l ARCH 7111 Design Studio 1
UNSW Masters of Architecture Programme Architecture + Design
The
studio problem is to engage with the Australian suburban condition
through a series of ‘Case Study Houses’ examining the future social, cultural
and economic needs of suburbanites through innovations in architectural design
leading to new models for suburban living.
For
better or worse low density suburbs are where most Australians live and will
continue to live in the future. Traditional detached housing types have failed
to respond to the changes in society, culture and the ethical demands of today.
Simply despairing of the suburbs does not get us very far, architects need to
engage thoughtfully and strategically with the problems and reinvent the
suburban house for today and the future.
Australian
architects can design great houses but what can we offer beyond the realm of
great ‘Bespoke Houses’? By demonstrating possibilities and expanding
expectations of the suburban dream architects can change the model.
The
historical perspective to the studio looks at a period in history when
architects did influence the suburban condition. In particular the 1945 case
study houses of Los Angeles led by John Entenza and a group of young architects
who were passionate about the need for design innovation arising from the need
for new models for speculative housing. They were focused on developing
efficient and experimental designs, expressive of the modern era which could be
replicated at a low cost. Outstanding architects produced 36 designs which left
a legacy so strong they continue to influence contemporary architecture.
Australian
examples of architects committed to improving speculative housing included
Robin Boyd and Ken Woolley back in the 70’s.