Bond University on the Gold Coast has today announced its plans for a new school of architecture that will focus on ecology and social sustainability.

The school will be funded by a gift from Sunland Group founder Soheil Abedian.??Announced today and named after its patron, the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture will open in January 2011.

Bond University vice-chancellor, Professor Robert Stable, said the university continues to rely on its alumni and their families for support and the financial backing to improve facilities.

Abedian’s donation will enable Bond to build a “unique” architecture program at a time when sustainable design is critically important, he said.??Abedian said he was “delighted” that the school was going ahead.

“It is my ardent hope that the graduates will receive an education that will be fundamental in shaping the urban built form in Australia as well as contributing to international design innovation and excellence,” Abedian said.

Head of the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, Professor George Earl, will oversee the creation of the school and said that the demand for sustainable environments is “increasing exponentially”.

“Climate change has required we evolve the way we design buildings,” he said.

Over the next year, Soheil will chair a panel of industry experts including Chris Gee, the Gold Coast’s city architect, to establish the program’s curriculum.

Classes will be held in the 6 Star Green Star rated Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building.

The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture will offer 50 commencing places in 2011 for the six semester undergraduate program.