The judging panel comprising of the SA Chapter President Steve Grieve, Immediate Past President, Nick Tridente and Life Fellow John Schenk reviewed this year’s applications for the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship in Architecture independently and met formally to deliberate and agree on a shortlist.

Three applications were shortlisted, which were all of a very high standard, demonstrating an excellent portfolio of design work and a diversity of practice and scope that demonstrates a good appreciation of architecture in the south Australian context.

One member of the judging panel had a conflict of interest and refrained from commenting on one submission.  This was ultimately deemed to be the preferred application based on demonstrated design ability, relevance of the proposal to the architect, the profession and the community of South Australia.

Accordingly, the jury was unanimous in awarding the Fellowship to Dino Vrynios.

Dino intends to study modular construction.  His particular interest lies in the advances that are being made in modular construction that can be adapted for commercial, infrastructure and residential projects.  This, he believes will encourage South Australia to become an incubator for the development of future building technologies and promote new growth in the manufacturing industry, which is a major priority for the Department of State Development.

He will evaluate the current capability in South Australia before exploring interstate fabrication facilities capable of producing structures from basic dwelling units up to multi-story apartment complexes.

He has arranged with a national construction company to provide access to projects in remote areas of Australia and then will accompany staff to inspect their work in South East Asia.

The final part of the research will involve travel to Europe to visit leading modular construction companies and gain exposure to best practice examples.

 

About the Fellowship

Established in 2007 following a bequest from the estate of the late modernist architectural figure Jack Hobbs McConnell who died in 2005 aged 92, the Fellowship is for promising designers, who might ultimately practice in South Australia, to undertake an independent program of research or course of further study in Architecture or a related field.

Throughout his outstanding career, and his significant contribution to the architectural profession as Australian Institute of Architects National President in 1968-69, as a Life Fellow, and as an Institute Gold Medalist in 1970, Jack McConnell had a remarkable capacity to lead and inspire others, with a number of Australia’s most prominent architects still acknowledging him today as their mentor.

Jack McConnell had a great influence on post-World War II architecture in Australia, and left his mark in the form of architectural excellence in many of his prestigious buildings both in South Australia and in other states. More importantly, he influenced and inspired many students and architects to produce better architecture, not only in terms of design, but also of function.

Applications are open to all graduates in architecture from the University of South Australia or University of Adelaide of up to five years standing who can apply for up to $15,000 to support an independent study tour or formal program of post graduate education, most likely overseas.