Urban Rural Commons – western NSW research trip/ ‘Future of Towns’ Studio 

Rothwell co-Chairs, Momoyo Kaimima and Yoichi Tamai participated in a research trip to western NSW in August, investigating ‘Urban Rural Commons’. In conjunction with the research trip, Ashley Dunn led a fieldtrip with Masters of Architecture students, ‘Future of Towns: Sustainable Urban Design and Architecture for Regional Places’, providing students with the opportunity to learn directly from Traditional Owners, Rothwell co-Chairs Atelier Bow Wow, scientists and communities. 

This research-based studio will develop a series of experimental architectural interventions across three sites that can be a catalyst and prototype for Regional Town Centre regeneration. The project sites included Cobar, Bourke, and Wilcannia NSW (690km, 760km and 950km northwest of Sydney respectively). Students will explore strategies to design net zero mixed use buildings that are geographically and environmentally appropriate and incorporate passive climate control. There will be an emphasis on appropriate and detailed design of construction materials, working towards a zero-carbon way of living.  

Student projects will explore the themes of Urban-Rural Commons and incorporate uses that provide public value. The travel itinerary includes visits to Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina Fish Traps ( Baiame’s Ngunnhu), Bourke (Court House and Lands Department Buildings by Vernon), Cobar (Glenn Murcutt Sound Chapel and DunnHillam projects) and Wilcannia (Kanuitz Yeung BAAKA Cultural Centre) and other places in and around far western NSW. Students will be taking part in a series of drawing and observation exercises with Momoyo Kaijima and Yoichi Tamai of Atelier Bow-Wow.