On Friday OutInCanberra visited the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design Graduation Exhibition on the hunt for our local Ted Mosby. Looking through the numerous designs and pin-ups, we were looking for the future of Canberra’s skyline and who was going to shape it. With keen architectural opinion at our side we discovered the 5 architects to watch out for in years to come.
1. James Topping
James’ pin-up was of his major semester work. This was a redesign of Redfern station to create a more communal space that in term gave back to the community of Redfern.
As James has just graduated his Masters of Architecture he told OutInCanberra that he is on the hunt for employment in a Canberra or Sydney firm.
2. Benjamin Marsh- Holmes
Offering a slightly different perspective on architecture and design, Ben has just graduated with double degree, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture/ Bachelor of Construction Management.
His pin-up was a multi-purpose residential building in Dickson that plays with the distinction of public, private and the use of green space.
In the future Ben will be crossing over into what architects refer to as ‘the dark side’, or construction management. Currently Ben is part of the Young Builders Association and plans to pursue a career in construction but looks forward to using his architectural understanding to create amazing Canberra development.
3. Ryan Jones
Ryan is a graduating 5th year Masters of Architecture student at UC. His major project was the redevelopment of Redfern station.
Politically and culturally the community has been highly publicised and controversial. Ryan’s design attempted to engage the community as much as it could to make the station a gathering place for the community, and not just a mode of transportation.
Now that he has graduated Ryan wants to work in a Canberra firm because he is interested in commercial development and large-scale public service building development.
4. Mark Bersolto
Mark has just graduated from a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Canberra. The project Mark had on show at the exhibition was a mixed-use residential building in Dickson.
Playing with the elements of public and private, Mark redesigned the idea of a corridor by opening it up as a place of interaction to create a sense of community.
Unsure about his next steps, Mark would like to take a year off to work in a local architecture firm to develop his skills before returning to UC to study a Master’s of Architecture to become fully accredited.
5. Christopher Pomfret
Chris’ design was focussed at re-establishing a connection point between the two sides that the current Redfern rail divides. He played particular attention to celebrating the beliefs of the local Indigenous people.
When asked where he wanted to go with his career, Chris referenced Sydney architect Alec Tzannes by saying that it’s a really cathartic experience to just let go and see where your career takes you.
Currently Chris works for Canberra’s Stewart Architecture and plans to make his mark of Canberra’s future skyline.
