BE—150 Program Launch

The University of Melbourne launches the BE-150 Program, celebrating 150 years of built environment education.

The BE—150 program was officially launched on Tuesday, March 5 by Professor Julie Willis, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell.

Held amongst the ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ studio exhibition in the University’s Dulux Gallery, the BE—150 program celebrates 150 years of built environment education at the University of Melbourne.

Following a formal welcome to country by Wurundjeri elder Ron Jones, Professor Willis acknowledged the obligation the Faculty and University had in recognising indigenous and first nations peoples. This aspiration has been embedded in the BE—150 program alongside recognition for the voices and contributions by numerous, less celebrated groups, such as international students, women, and regional and rural voices. “The BE-150 is an opportunity to showcase the talent of our students and staff. It allows us to explore the contribution we are making and will make in shaping the future of built environment forms, disciplines and professions.” noted Professor Willis.

The BE—150 program includes an exciting mix of events, activations and exhibitions programmed across 2019, ranging from alumni and industry panels, keynote lectures, competitions, a hackathon and alumni reunions, culminating in both a gala and celebration of the first graduating cohort of the Bachelor of Design. The program is designed to engage both young and old, those connected to the Faculty through scholarship and industry, as well as to a broader audience who are simply curious about the impact of the built environment on both our past and future.

Professor Willis outlined that there are a number of milestones in the University’s built environment’s tradition worthy of celebration but 1869 was especially significant in that a student, Anketell Matthew Henderson (1853-1922), joined the University with the expressed intent to practice within a built environment field. Henderson was an Irish migrant who became a significant figure in Australian architecture, engineering and surveying, both as a practitioner and educator. This year, 2019, marks 150 years since Henderson enrolled at the University.

Highlighting the link between the purpose of BE-150 and the strategic engagement focus of the University, Professor Maskell said the year long program "is an exemplar" in how the University looks to further embed itself in the city of Melbourne. “Through the year the BE-150 program of events, exhibitions and competitions will showcase much of the great education in this faculty, and also generate new dialogues – a new discourse – with people from our cities and communities”.

For the full program, to register for events, to get involved and keep updated throughout the year, visit msd.unimelb.edu.au/be150