Open call: MADA Department of Architecture creative residency

The Department of Architecture at Monash Art Design & Architecture (MADA) announces an open call for leading architectural and urban thinkers, practitioners and teachers, to apply for a creative residency in Melbourne. Applicants at all career levels, and from all over Australia and the world, are encouraged to apply.

Monash Art Design & Architecture (MADA) provides a vibrant environment for interdisciplinary, critical and creative research in architecture and urban planning, within a lively faculty of creative researchers and practitioners. The Department’s research work ranges from design and practice-based enquiries into pressing urban issues, to speculative engagements with the history, theory and criticism of architecture and cities, and their governance. We strive to integrate the highly conceptual with the grounded and practical; we aim to take a political and ethical position and engage with the world; we look to put architectural ideas to work.

The Department hosts two active research labs: the Urban Laboratory, and the Critical Practices Research Laboratory. Each comprises a collective of academics, research fellows, PhD candidates, and Masters students working collegially together towards common goals. More information can be found here.

The creative residency program is an opportunity to work within this dynamic context, to incubate new ideas, undertake innovative teaching, or conduct independent research—or preferably all three.

We are particularly seeking research-led teaching interventions, innovative integrations of teaching and research, and research which aligns with and is complementary to our two active research labs, across the disciplines of Architecture and Urban Planning.

During the residency, researchers are expected to share their work and thinking. We suggest that they undertake at least two of the following:
–An independent research project (including practice-based research) which aligns with the work of at least one academic or research Laboratory in the Department
–Masterclass or workshop for staff and/or students
–Contribution to coursework teaching program—across any sub-discipline in architecture or urban planning
–Delivery of a design-make studio—producing a 1:1 construction with students
–Contribution to Masters and PhD programs and forums
–Public event, e.g., lecture, debate, manifestation of work completed during the residency

Residents can be accommodated in the heart of the faculty on Monash’s Caulfield campus (adjacent to the Monash University Museum of Art) for periods ranging from two up to ten weeks. Successful applicants receive a stipend to cover travel, living expenses and research expenses, of up to AUD 5,000 for Australian applicants, and up to AUD 8,000 for international applicants.

Applications will be judged according to their:
–contribution to the Architecture Department and the MADA Faculty
–compatibility or complementarity with existing teaching and/or research areas
–viability, plausibility, achievability of the proposed program of work
–originality and significance of the proposed program of work

We are seeking applications for residencies between July 2018 and July 2019. There are usually two residencies granted each year, although we may select more from time to time. Residencies which propose to engage with the teaching program must fall within Monash semester dates.

The application process proceeds via two stages.

The first stage is an Expression of Interest. This should include:

A project proposal: a brief account of what is proposed for the residency. This proposal can comprise text and images, and should include:
–project title, outline, intended outcomes
–the relation of the project to the applicant’s past and future research and/or teaching practice
–the relation of the project to the Department’s existing teaching, research, or work
–CV with contact information
–Citizenship and employment status (including whether this is a sabbatical)
–Preferred dates and proposed duration of residency
–Requirements for financial support and brief budget (up to AUD 5,000/8,000)

Expressions of interest are due no later than June 29, 2018 (11pm AEST).

Selected expressions of interest will be invited for elaboration and refinement through a second stage process.

For enquiries, and to submit the expression of interest, please contact:
Timothy Moore, timothy.moore@monash.edu