Studio 16
Tsubo House
Joel Benichou and Sinead Lim
Studio Description
Studio 16 explores the value of the ‘Architect’ - not only in future housing but in neighbourhoods, suburbs and cities. Inspired by a ‘tsubo’, or point within a greater network, this studio aims to test the premise that a singular intervention can reveal or solidify a collective sense of place. This premise may begin to differentiate architects from developers in the current housing situation where affordability is highly valued.
An inner city site will be designated, however the physical boundaries need not indicate the extent of influence. On the contrary, the project should reach beyond physical boundaries and contribute to a sense of place within the greater community.
Research will largely be driven by the site and personal narrative. Although we are working within a Melbourne context, the global nature of housing issues will welcome insight from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Studio Outcomes
The objective of this studio is to demonstrate the importance of the ‘Architect’ in future housing and cities. Students will achieve this through mapping and infill exercises, culminating in a medium density housing project.
The semester will be split into three areas which will influence each other in a cyclical manner: Site Context and Personal Narratives [The Map of Perceivable & Imperceivable Boundaries], Infill Investigation [The ‘Tsubo' or Point], Tsubo House [Mapping the Points]. Conceptual and technical foundations will be challenged each week and students will be expected to investigate both with rigour.
Studio sessions will be used productively to test ideas and question norms. Model making, sketching, informal pin-ups and shared discussions will be regular undertakings.
Studio Leaders
Joel Benichou is owner and principal architect of the recently formed practice Benichou Architects. Joel studied architecture at the University of Western Australia completing his Master of Architecture with Distinction qualification, focusing his independent research on modular pre‐fabrication and residential design.
Joel has had experience with some of the leading residential design practices in Australia working on a wide range of residential projects. Joel has also contributed to the architectural discourse having previously led Design Studios at the University of Melbourne and RMIT. Joel is currently registered as Architect in Victoria under the certification of the ARBV.
Sinead is a Perth born architect currently living and working in Melbourne. She has studied at University of Western Australia in Perth, McGill University in Montreal, Canada and Anna University in Chennai, India. Post degree she was based in China working in Shanghai and Beijing, including time at the innovative MAD Architects. Since relocating to Melbourne she has become registered as an Architect in Victoria and balances professional practice with her teaching endeavours.
Sinead’s architectural experience is very broad and includes education, urban design, retail, hospitality and residential. Her attraction to architectural projects is not restricted by sector and tends to be guided by a global outlook towards problem solving. She has tutored at the University of Western Australia, Curtin University and University of Melbourne.
Reading & Reference
London, G. & Anderson, S. Take 7 Housing Australia, 2008.
Massumi, B, Parables for the Virtual, 2002.*
Harrison, S, New Suburban, 2013.
Harrison, S, Forty-Six Square Metres of Land Doesn’t Normally Become A House, 2011.
Frampton, K. Manuel de Solas-Morales: A Matter of Things, 2006.
Meltzer, B. & von Oppeln. Rethinking the Modular: Adaptable Systems in Architecture and Design, 2016.
Allen, S. Points and Lines: Diagrams and Projects for the City, 1999.
Gandelsonas, M. X-Urbanism, 1999.
ST1/16 Monday 3:15-6:15PM in Room 139
ST2/16 Friday 11AM-2 in Room 227