Genius Loci: 140 Years of Wilson Architects
Across 140 years of continuous operation, Wilson Architects has evolved from shaping the early built landscape of Brisbane to extending its design reach both nationally and internationally. In celebration of the milestone, architect and director of the practice Hamilton Wilson has authored a monograph to reflect on the triumphs and notable moments of the practice since its establishment in 1884. In this monograph, Hamilton – the fourth generation Wilson to work in the studio – reflects on the growth of the practice, the diversity of projects completed by the practice, as well as the people who have shaped the work of the firm.
Projects to feature in the book are vast and varied in terms of typology, location and age. Among them is the Translational Research Institute (with Donovan Hill), a medical research and biopharmaceutical facility in Brisbane that received the 2013 National Architecture Award for Public Architecture, and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM, in association with Clarke and Prince Architects) at James Cook University in Far North Queensland, which won a 2019 Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland chapter Award for Educational Architecture.
This book offers fascinating insights into a longstanding practice that has significantly contributed to the architectural fabric of Brisbane.
Tzannes: Adaptive Urban Architecture and Design
Edited by Paula Favaro and Robert Freestone, this publication presents a comprehensive account of work completed by Sydney-based architecture and urban design practice Tzannes. The richly illustrated text is accompanied by commentary from architecture and design professionals who delve into the key themes and threads unifying Tzannes projects.
Also detailed is the origin story of the firm and the substantial contributions made by its founder Alec Tzannes to the field of architecture in Australia. Notably, he served as the national president of the Australian Institute of Architects from 2007 to 2008, received the Institute’s Gold Medal in 2018, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014 for “significant service to architecture as a practitioner, educator and through professional organisations.”
Historical and contemporary photographs drawings and plans scattered throughout the pages result in a visually engaging reading experience.
March Studio: Making Architecture, Material and Process
The third title released in the Editions: Australian Architecture Monographs series – an ongoing collaboration between RMIT University’s School of Architecture and Urban Design and Thames and Hudson Australia – focuses on the research-driven and experimental Victorian architectural and design practice, March Studio. Throughout the text, author Fleur Watson explores the processes and research guiding the practice, concentrating on six key themes: the “propositional,” the “serial,” the “commons,” the “cinematic,” the “big gesture” and lastly, the “glitch.” Each of the six threads is explained in detail and then supported with projects that exemplify the characteristics of that theme.
Beyond showcasing projects, the text delves into the personal experiences and histories of Rodney Eggleston and Anne-Laure Cavigneaux that ultimately led to the formation of March Studio. An interview between the firm and comedian and design enthusiast Tim Ross at the beginning of the volume highlights the cross-disciplinary nature of the practice spanning architecture, interior and graphic design projects. The conversation unfolds to reveal the cultural influences on the firm, shaping its approach at various points in time.
