It’s the final countdown…

With only one sleep to go it certainly feels a bit like Christmas Eve. Everyone is giddy with excitement and just about ready to go!

First stop is Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As Australia’s temperatures are starting to drop we’re all looking forward to some higher temperatures, even if it’s just for a few days.

Over the last two weeks we’ve been lucky enough to confirm visits in the UAE including ADIC Headquarters by Arup Associates; The Central Markets by Foster and Partners; Masdar City; Capital Gate (aka the leaning tower of the UAE) by RMJM and

few devine meals at both Emirates Palace and the Burj Al Arab.

After the UAE comes historically rich Berlin. We’re looking forward to exploring city by bike to see a range of its mix of contemporary and historical architecture. We can’t wait to meet some of Berlins exciting architects!

Last but certainly not least is London. We get to kick things off by meeting the fabulous Kevin McLeod and Peter Maddison at Grand Designs Live in London followed by a jam packed few days starting with a breakfast with Davis Langdon who will then take us to see the spectacular and exciting project of the Oil Tank Spaces at Tate Modern.

Over the two days we’re grateful and excited to have the audience of FAT, Wilkinson Eyre, Carmody Groarke, Foster and Partners, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, and Arup associates.

We’ll be visiting the 7 July Memorial in Hyde Park (thanks to Carmody Groarke), two London University buildings (thanks to Wilkinson Eyre), the Maggie Centre by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners and Macquarie Bank at Ropemaker Place (thanks to Arup Associates).

Just when you think we can’t possibly squeeze anything else in we’ll be finishing up in style with cocktail party hosted by the Royal Institute of British Architects before ending the tour the next day with Kens walking tour!

So I’ll remind you once again who the lucky and talented people who have been awarded with this once in a lifetime experience.

Shaun Carter, Carterwilliamson, Sydney
James Coombe, Architects EAT, Melbourne
Anna Maskiell, S2F, Melbourne
Emily Ouston, Terroir, Hobart
Weian Lim, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, Melbourne

Below is their first (of many) pics together as the 2012 Dulux Study Tour winners, taken at the Australian Achievement in Architecture Awards held in Adelaide in March.