Unique course benefits students and regional community

In early October a group of 20 School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE) students headed to Port Augusta to commence the second stage of the Port Augusta outreach studio course.

The course, which was offered for the first time last year, is a collaborative, co-design process undertaken by fourth-year Master in Architecture, Master in Landscape Architecture and Master in Planning students. It is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and professional design skills to a real design project while stimulating positive change in regional communities.

Thirty-two SABE students were involved in last year's project which culminated in the delivery of an innovative campus growth design masterplan for Port Augusta's secondary school and associated community areas. The plan was well received by both the school and community, while SABE students gained invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge.

"The studio has been a great learning opportunity where students have had to tackle and deliver an actual project to real deadlines," said Professor George Zillante, SABE Head of School. "The course requires them to investigate the area, interview people and assess community requirements, before creating a plan that answers genuine needs and issues."

This year's course group has built on the ties established with the Port Augusta community and council last year. The students, in consultation with local Aboriginal elders, have been tasked with planning a community centre for the Port Augusta Aboriginal Community Engagement Group. They have just arrived back from their first visit, armed with information, ideas and enthusiasm.

While the course offers undeniable advantages for SABE students in terms of career preparation, it also offers benefits that extend much further.

"Both this and last year's groups have included a large number of international students," Professor Zillante said. "Working in Port Augusta has given them a fantastic opportunity to experience Australian culture and the outback in a unique way."

Professor Zillante expects the Port Augusta collaboration to be a five-year process, with the potential to leave an indelible mark on the town and its people.

"There is incredible opportunity to embrace the Aboriginal culture and make it something really strong for the whole community to embrace," he said.