Two Deakin architecture students have received a new prize offered by Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj.
Master of architecture students Neil Caguicla and Wili Wiliyanti won the inaugural Mayoral Challenge for their “inspirational” architecture project Veins of the Wedge.
Open to first year master of architecture students at Deakin University, the challenge asked participants of the Urban Heart Surgery unit to develop a visionary and innovative revitalisation project for Geelong’s ‘western wedge’, the area between Geelong Station and the waterfront.
Announced as the winning project at the opening of an exhibition showcasing the shortlisted entries, Veins of the Wedge proposed clear links between the station, the CBD and the waterfront, with a focus on pedestrians.
Deakin senior lecturer in architecture, Dr Yolanda Esteban said the addition of the mayor’s prize added a “special element” to the Urban Heart Surgery program.
“The value of this project for our architecture students is immense, not only in learning about how their ideas can so actively contribute to a city’s story and narrative and have influence with change makers, but also in developing their architectural skills in real-time in the city in which many of them live, work and play,” she said.
Mayor Kontelj said the Mayor’s Challenge gave students the opportunity to showcase their skills and think up inventive urban design and planning concepts for Geelong.
“The prize judges considered innovation, creativity and alignment to the City’s UNESCO City of Design designation,” he said.
“It is important that we support the next generation of architects and urban designers in recognising a clever and creative future for our city.”
The Mayor’s Challenge Exhibition is open at A+B Gallery until 19 December.
