2003 Winner - Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture

Iris Se Young Hwang, University of Sydney, and Lawson Katiza, UNSW, jointly received the 2003 RAIA Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture at the RAIA National Awards in Hobart on 30 October 2003. Iris and Lawson advanced and promoted architecture through academic and scholastic achievements, their interaction with peers and professionals and also their participation in bringing to the wider community an understanding of how architects and architecture can contribute successfully to the global perspective.

Iris Se Young Hwang has investigated architectural ideas to develop new and effective housing solutions for homeless people through her studies and personal involvement with Broadway Squat projects in Sydney. She has participated in a conference on homelessness at the NSW Parliament and promoted architecture and environmental solutions in relation to the housing of homeless on Radio National.

Iris has utilised her life experiences to assist other architectural academics research the ancient Korean Capital city of Geyoung-Joo, promoted the establishment of a network between Sydney University and Seoul National University and represented Australia at the 2003 Harvard Project on Asian and International Relations. In addition to her global interests Iris has immersed herself in student activities at the University of Sydney, editing the Surryville Times, tutoring students in design, and participating in National Visiting Panels.

Lawson Katiza has identified the issue of true global architectural education through his interaction with fellow New Zealand and Australian university students and has utilised the global capabilities of the internet as a platform for the discussion and promotion of architectural genres not usually known for their architectural identity. He researched and developed an award winning architectural resource for academia and the profession on Zimbabwean architecture by publishing a website Dzimba Dzemabwe-House of Stone to highlight and promote the appreciation of Zimbabwean architecture.

Dzimba Dzemabwe-House of Stone traces and defines the progress of Zimbabwean architecture through the promotion of significant buildings which shaped the nation and have molded the unique dialect of Southern African architecture.

This contribution has led to an active participation as a student member of various institutions internationally and within Australia. Lawson has also been a UNSW student representative facilitating communication between the faculty and the student body.