Introducing the SHAPE Studio Elective

Born from RMIT University’s mission “to create transformative experiences for students, getting them ready for life and work, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and engagement”, ¹ SHAPE is a new studio elective focused on multidisciplinary collaboration and generating design responses and implementation strategies to current, real world projects.

The SHAPE studio elective provides a unique platform for students, staff, researchers and industry professionals to deliver innovative learning and teaching initiatives, which focus on interdisciplinary engagement, industry collaboration and project-based learning. The elective invites students from the built environment professions to work together through the multiple stages of a project journey (conception to completion) and deliver a project proposal that transforms the future urban environment, actively engages with local and global issues and considers the entire life-cycle of the project whilst incorporating the aspirations of key stakeholders.

Weekly hands-on collaborative workshops, facilitated by the multidisciplinary teaching team and industry professionals, provide programs for practical application, testing of research and furthering skill sets, ways of knowing and thinking as well as exposure to global trends and practice styles.

A popular student project has been the ‘Redesign of the Melbourne CBD North Precinct’ to develop a world class environment that supports and develops ‘next generation Melbourne’ incorporating the aspirations of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project and Melbourne Innovation Districts Project.

Project proposals included designs for the new State Library Station (including concourse levels and station entrances) and above ground urban environment (plazas, connection spines, streetscapes and transformation of existing building hubs) that build upon Melbourne’s unique character, enhance education and economic outcomes, create new knowledge and city experiences and enrich inclusion and public transport and amenity.

In addition, teams proposed construction methods for their design proposals, project schedules, site logistics plans, costings and identified opportunities for adding value, in particular during the construction stage.

Student project outcomes are then presented to a panel of industry experts and key project stakeholders as an opportunity to receive professional feedback as well as contribute ideas and raise questions for consideration in preparation for realizing the project.

The engagement with different professionals cultures and ability to directly apply developed skills and capabilities to other courses and professional environments has provided SHAPE students with diversity within their educational journeys and led to increased graduate employability through connection with industry.

The success of the SHAPE studio elective has led to a postgraduate course offering, commencing in 2018. Simultaneously, the program and model has been integrated and delivered as part of the Aurecon Design Academy in 2017. The Aurecon Design Academy is a 3 year internal training and development programme which develops mastery amongst design practitioners at Aurecon. Over a 6-month semester comprised of intensive face to face and distance educational workshops the SHAPE studio enabled Aurecon professionals to work in multidisciplinary and international based teams to develop design proposals and implementation strategies for the adaptation and redevelopment of the Hazelwood Power Station and surrounding community of Hazelwood. Teams presented their project proposals to the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.

Author: Karolina Bartkowicz

References:

1. 2015, “Ready for Life and Work”, RMIT’s Strategic Plan to 2020, RMIT University

* Built environment professions include: Project Management / Architecture / Construction Management / Urban Planning / Landscape Architecture / Civil Engineering /  Property & Valuation / Interior Design / Industrial Design