2016 Architects Medallion announced

Daring design with big ideas is needed to lift our cities and suburbs out of the everyday, says Milly Brigden from the NSW Architects Registration Board in awarding the 2016 Architects Medallion. Chloe Yuen, graduate of the University of Technology, Sydney, was announced the winner of the 2016 Architects Medallion last night by Milly Brigden, board member with the NSW Architects Registration Board.
Ms Brigden said;

The Medallion is awarded each year to the State’s top graduate from one of the four schools of architecture in NSW. For the first time in its 92 year history, this year all four nominees for the Architects Medallion were women. What’s more, the depth of research evident in the work of these remarkable women convinced us that, while, sure it’s daring, you could imagine these ideas rolling out tomorrow.”

According to Ms Brigden, the jury felt Yuen demonstrated a unique capacity to bring design thinking to traditionally intractable problems. A clear stand out was Chloe’s proposal for the delivery of mental health support services in New South Wales that combined art and mental health support in a mobile treatment train that could travel to the source of need, and integrate the intervals between stops as part of therapy.

The depth of her research into treatment, therapy and rehabilitation; her creative thought process, and her ability to resolve the myriad of complex issues into a cost effective solution, is breathtaking. She has combined three different types of mental health treatment facilities; including stationary clinics, intermediate structured care and ambulatory care in a model we would all applaud if we saw it elsewhere in the world”, said Ms Bridgen speaking on behalf of the Board.

Yuen’s proposal uses art therapy taught by students from universities and colleges who are studying art, psychology and nursing; giving students experience. This unique ‘art school’ is also a treatment centre that runs on the existing Sydney rail system. Students would be picked up from their nearest station; allowing patients to be slowly integrated back in to society.

The arts and mental health are two aspects of the mind that work in conjunction with each other”, says Chloe Yuen. “The arts have the ability to allow people with a mental illness to express their emotions. Art is the key for self expression.”

Yuen   train

Professor Anthony Burke, Head of Architecture at the University of Technology, Sydney welcomed the announcement, saying:

“Chloe is characterised by both her instructors and her peers as an exceptionally talented designer and a careful and critical thinker with the personal skills to manage both team situations and individual projects. I believe her best personal assets are her exceptional emotional intelligence and humility, as well as her determination and drive to achieve the best for her and for a broader audience for architecture, a perspective which becomes evident very quickly when speaking to her. In this regard she embodies a candidate with a complex and rare understanding of both public service and design integrity.”

The jury was struck by the high standard of big ideas and solid research evident in the work of all nominees, including;

Julie Hanna, University of Newcastle

Julie Hanna presented a detailed proposal for an Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research on a site close to the Morisset Hospital, near Lake Macquarie north of Newcastle. The proposal for what is more commonly known as a ‘body farm’, carefully considered the dignity of the body; the research undertaken by scientists and the visitor experience. The project earned Julie a perfect score of 100 in design.

Luen Samonte, University of NSW

Luen Samonte proposed  a new kind of education facility within Sydney’s The Bays Precinct; with a ‘Design boarding school’ located with new housing, community facilities, gym workshops and library located adjacent to the Annandale light rail line at Rozelle Bay.

Tiffany Liew, University of Sydney

Conceived in collaboration with colleague, Stephanie Chiu. Tiffany Liew took the humble milk crate and scaled it up to provide opportunities for migrants to develop new businesses and build community in an affordable setting. Partnering with the local St George Migrant Resource Centre, the building acts like a giant upside down milk crate which provides the structure on the outside to allow an endless adaptable grid for activity inside.

 

About the winner, Chloe Yuen

Chloe Yuen graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney in 2016. Chloe joined Sydney architectural practice, TERROIR as a student in July 2013. Chloe’s role as a design assistant has allowed her to develop a broad range of skills in design and documentation. During her time with TERROIR, Chloe has worked on a range of projects such as ‘Danish Design at the House’, Rivett Street house extension, graphics for Maitland City Bowls, World Square retail and a Green Square apartment competition. Chloe is dedicated throughout her work with attention to detail and her enthusiasm for design has contributed to these projects.  

Chloe continues her role as a design assistant, working closely alongside the Director and the Project Architects within the office. Chloe is a design peer tutor and has teaching experience in Architectural Communications to 1st year Architecture students.  Chloe was awarded a place on the Dean’s Honour List at UTS in 2013.  

Find out more about Chloe Yuen at: http://www.chloe-yuen.com/

 

About the Architects Medallion

The Architects Medallion has been awarded by the NSW Architects Registration Board since 1924. It is awarded annually to a graduate of the Masters of Architecture course from an approved school in New South Wales who has achieved distinction, both in a particular subject area at final level and generally throughout the last two years of the five year degree. 

The top graduate from each of the four schools of architecture are eligible for the Medallion.  A selection committee appointed by the Board selects the winner. The award consists of a medal and a monetary prize of $5,000. Past winners include;

Ric LePlasterier, Richard Johnson, Deborah Dearing, Richard Francis-Jones, Helen Lochhead, Rachel Neeson, Kirsten Orr.

 

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