Soon-Tzu Speechley

Soon-Tzu Speechley graduated from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning with a PhD in Architectural History in 2022. He now lectures in Urban and Cultural Heritage at the Melbourne School of Design and will this year publish a book on Malayan classicism, the first of its kind.

Why did you choose the University of Melbourne for your graduate research studies?

Melbourne School of Design (MSD) is one of the world’s top architecture schools. I was excited to have the opportunity to study under some of the best scholars in my field, particularly in Asian and imperial architectural history. I knew I would benefit tremendously from the broad range of perspectives that my colleagues bring to their research. MSD also has a well-earned reputation as a friendly, collegial place to work.

I’d previously studied in Melbourne as an undergraduate – majoring in History and Asian Studies – and was keen to broaden my horizons by studying in a different faculty. Fellow graduate researchers were always incredibly generous with their time and knowledge, enriching the whole experience of doing a PhD. Melbourne itself was a major draw card too. I made some great friends during my BA, and jumped at the opportunity to move back to my favourite city in the world.

What excites you about your area of research?

Architectural history is an incredibly dynamic field. While we study the past, we’re constantly learning new things about it, and finding new ways to interpret the world around us. We spend most of our lives surrounded by architecture, so understanding how our buildings and cities came to be is incredibly important.

For me, the richest part of architectural history is uncovering the stories of the people who built the places we inhabit, making sense of the forces that created the places we love. Beyond the bricks and mortar, architectural history reflects the flow of people, commodities, and ideas. Our buildings reflect the aspirations of their builders, but also the influence of climate and trade. It’s a particularly tangible branch of history. There’s something very compelling about being able to see, touch, and spatially experience the thing you’re writing about.

Were you part of a particular research group and if so, how has this supported your research goals?

The Australian Centre for Architectural History, Urban and Cultural Heritage (ACAHUCH) became my home during the PhD. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the centre, which allowed me to pursue my research. While we’re united by our shared interest in history and heritage, there’s a great range of expertise and variety of interests within ACAHUCH. I’ve learnt a great deal just listening to colleagues talk about their work.  Everyone brings a different angle to our field, which makes for a stimulating environment.

There was a strong sense of camaraderie in my cohort at ACAHUCH, which was crucial during the long lockdowns we had during the pandemic. A few of the PhD candidates started an online reading group, which became an important point of connection during the longest lockdown, and allowed me to still feel like I was part of a community of scholars even in iso.

What is something that has come out of your project that was unexpected?

My work focuses on the history of Malaysia, where I was born. Writing about colonial Malaya has helped me make sense of my hometown of Kuala Lumpur, and given me a deeper appreciation of what makes that city special. It’s also highlighted how deeply interconnected our histories are. Nineteenth-century Kuala Lumpur was shaped by colonisation and resource extraction, trade, migration and movement.

While Victorian colonialists might have viewed Malaya as a far-flung colony, it was a node within vast and complex networks – within the British Empire, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and beyond. In writing about places I knew as a child, I’ve been able to see it in a new light. On a more personal level, writing about colonial Malaya has given me the opportunity to reflect on how our lives have been shaped by the movement of people and ideas. In the process, it’s allowed me to make sense of my own story as a migrant.

Soon-Tzu plaster sampling

How do you see your research contributing to industry/society?

The vast pace of urbanisation has put incredible new pressures on our built environment. As our cities grow, we have to ask difficult questions about what we keep from our urban past, and to understand the role of architectural history in the sustainability of cities. For example, adaptive reuse is an important tool in conserving embodied carbon, and vernacular building techniques can provide inspiration for less energy intensive buildings.

Architectural history has a broader relevance too. It’s a truism now that we live in a global society, and that we live in the urban century. It’s easy to think of these things as relatively recent phenomena. But if I’ve learnt anything from my PhD, it’s that we’ve always lived in a deeply interconnected world. Architectural history provides an important and unique perspective on the world we live in today.

What was the best part of completing your PhD in the Melbourne School of Design?

The Melbourne School of Design is an incredibly dynamic environment. The diversity of research interests here makes the MSD the most stimulating work environment I’ve ever experienced. Beyond my colleagues in architectural history and heritage, I’ve gained new insights from people working in planning, design, and construction. I may not work in these areas, but they’ve all enriched my thinking as an architectural historian, and for that I’m very grateful.

I also really enjoyed the opportunity to grow as a teacher during my doctoral studies. Teaching forced me to approach my subject in new ways, and opened up a whole range of new perspectives in tutorials – I learnt so much from the people I taught during my PhD.

What advice would you give to an aspiring PhD candidate?

The PhD is a great opportunity to pursue your research interests. While often challenging, I consider myself very lucky to have had three and a half years to think at length about my topic. Your colleagues – from your supervisors, to fellow PhD candidates, to the students you teach – will be your most important asset during the PhD. Bounce ideas of them, hear their views, and learn from everyone.

Studying a Doctor of Philosophy at the Melbourne School of Design enables graduates to undertake innovative research under the guidance of academic supervisors. Find out more here.