The new $9 million ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing, managed by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and co-led by Swinburne, is set to help the construction sector be more sustainable and productive through the advanced training of next generation architects.
Swinburne researchers will work with international colleagues to deliver architectural manufacturing, with a focus on manufacturing techniques and technology, that can address Australia’s climate targets.
The centre has received $9 million in funding through the ARC Industry Transformation Training Centre scheme and seen strong support from industry with over $4 million in matched funding.
The centre will support the construction sector in delivering complex, high quality and sustainable architectural manufacturing.
Swinburne Professor of Urban Futures, Mark Burry AO, and Dean of the School of Design and Architecture, Professor Jane Burry, are two of the Key Chief Investigators for the centre.
“While advanced manufacturing has made huge strides in the past three decades, the construction industry has struggled to fully leverage these gains for sustainability, quality and productivity,” they said.
“To access the environmental and productivity benefits of these advances, architects need the complex skills to help steer their projects towards advanced manufacturing.
“The centre draws on both Swinburne and UNSW’s world class expertise in the digitalisation of professional practice to accelerate this necessary transition and continue Australia’s international reputation for innovation in this field.”
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Researchers from Swinburne’s Smart Cities Research Institute and School of Design and Architecture are part of the research consortium, including Professor Mark Taylor, Professor Mark Burry, Professor Jane Burry, Professor Marcus White, Dr Pantea Alambeigi, Dr Mehrnoush Latifi Khorasgan, Daniel Prohasky, Dr Sascha Bohnenberger and Professor Blair Kuys.
Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Karen Hapgood, said the new centre opens up great opportunity for industry and experts to work together in creating sustainable solutions for the future of construction.
“The ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing will help drive digital transformation in this critically important industry and develop the next-gen workforce required to power it,” said Professor Hapgood.
“We are delighted to have the support of the ARC and our university and industry partners as we work to create a more sustainable and innovative planet.”