Brisbane-based architect and director of Five Mile Radius, Clare Kennedy was named the recipient of the 2024 Dunbar Fellowship in recognition of her innovative research into circular design practices that aim to redefine Australian architecture. The Fellowship is awarded annually by the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

Kennedy will use the Fellowship to investigate sustainable design methodologies in Thailand, Indonesia, and China, focusing on material efficiency, community engagement, and regenerative practices.

Kennedy’s research proposal stood out for its potential to address one of architecture’s most pressing challenges: transitioning from resource-intensive models to sustainable, closed-loop systems.

"Clare’s project exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking innovation that the Dunbar Fellowship was established to support," said Anna Svensdotter, executive director of AIA’s Queensland chapter. "Her ability to connect international insights with local application aligns perfectly with the vision of the late Adjunct Professor Jennifer Taylor."

Kennedy described the Fellowship as a perfect opportunity to explore how ingrained practices of reuse and resourcefulness can shape new frameworks for Australian architecture. “At Five Mile Radius, we focus on how local, frugal approaches to material sourcing can be applied across all scales of construction. I’m excited to bring this research into practice through future collaborations that embed circular thinking into the Australian industry”.

The research will culminate in an educational program, public lecture, academic publication, and a toolkit to help architects adopt circular practices. By partnering with studios such as Sher Maker in Thailand and Ibuku in Indonesia, Kennedy will gather insights into how sustainable design can be implemented in both commercial and community settings.

"Clare’s work highlights the importance of learning from global best practices to inspire local innovation," Svensdotter added. "This research has the potential to position Australian architecture as a leader in sustainable design."

Image: Clare Kennedy | 2024 Dunbar Fellow, Australian Institute of Architects | Photographer: Five Mile Radius

Branko Miletic

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