The national winner of SuperStudio, the Australian Institute of Architects’ Student Organised Network for Architects’ (SONA) annual 24 hour design competition has been announced.
The winning team consisted of three masters’ students from the University of South Australia – Cameron Keene, Tony Niutta and Josh Evans – with their project, Over the Gap.
SuperStudio was held in seven locations across the nation on Friday 7 – Saturday 8 August. From the local events, 19 teams entered the national round. The brief, Mind the Gap, created by Mulloway Studio directors Felicity Sando and Anthony Coupe focused on the theme of identity. Students were asked to explore the tension around identity as it relates to Australian culture through specified objects and urban frameworks.
The national jury were very impressed with all 19 submissions;
‘It was clear that the relationship between object, place, and story were being creatively and critically explored and developed. It was interesting also to see the groupings of response similarities, with airports, road trips, political commentary, and colocation of object and context the main frameworks being utilised. It was also good to see designers recognise the necessity or opportunity to move away from traditional forms of outcomes and media.’
– Anthony Coupe, Creative Director and Juror
Of the national winning submission, entitled ‘Over the Gap’ the Creative Directors and national jury members commented:
‘Clearly identified the gap – and explored the space of that gap. Tightly presented with a good level of humour and a clear understanding of the relationship of meanings and nationality.’
– Anthony Coupe, Creative Director and Juror
‘An insightful, considered and humorous design investigation about the possibilities for embedding cultural heritage experience, clearly taking on board the theme of ‘Gap’ with a considered interrogation of the potential for each unique cultural object.
Unique in shifting the perspective to the experience of the viewer rather than the designer. In detailing the experience of only one person, it both gave an insight into personal response as well as raising the possibility of alternative experience from others.
The intent of the presentation was subtly supported on a number of levels, did not state the obvious, engaging and inviting us as yet another viewer to “fill in the gaps”.’
– Felicity Sando, Creative Director and Juror
Thanks to national sponsors, WoodSolutions, Keene, Niutta and Evans will travel to Venice in 2016 to attend the Venice Architecture Biennale as their prize.
