Competitions – do they work?
Throughout the Australian architectural realm, the topic as to whether competitions serve as an effective model for procuring design has been the centre of contentious debate. The competition process is no newfangled initiative either, we’ve seen the implementation of this method into some of the most historically significant buildings in Australia over the last century. […]
The role of an architect.
As architects, we have had a significant presence throughout history, though over time our role and influence on society, culture and form have evolved into something much more dynamic. There is now a greater complexity attached to the profession, in that we are assuming the roles and values of teachers, philanthropists and conservationists. Additionally, we […]
The Home as a Habitat
A tale of structures, succulents and success. I’ve been working at Hillam Architects for almost one year now and it’s clear there is a significant design emphasis on the incorporation of nature and greenery. One only has to look towards the names of our projects; Botanical, Eden and most recently, Orchard Terrace, to see a […]
I Built It
When we admire a piece of music, marvel at a work of art, savour a delicious meal, or appreciate architecture which inspires the imagination; it’s easy to lose sight of the collective effort that created this outcome now worthy of being celebrated by the masses. Many of us will have walked through town with that […]
Represent – Drawings for a purpose
The first professional architectural job, for most of us, is daunting to say the least. The initial set of drawings produced for a real purpose – to get an award winning piece of iconic architecture built, let’s be real –was probably a toilet, or a bathroom, or a reflected ceiling plan, or something equally as […]
It’s never too late to change
“We cannot control change, we cannot predict the future, but we can be more adaptable” Beth Comstock Former GE Executive It has been 17 years since Revit Technology Corporation was bought for $133 million by Autodesk. Revit was originally released in 2000 with very few customers, and so Autodesk saw an opportunity that was […]
The Hand of an Architectual Graduate
The process of making and the subsequent creation has a transformational effect on both the creator and user, from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. I am constantly making- crafting a dream into reality with a pen, the click of a mouse or forming ideas in my mind through visual inspiration and stimulation. The mind […]
I’m in love with the shape of you
Do you love architecture? We know the feeling. On Valentine’s Day I asked a few members of the Hillam team: What is your architectural crush? Naturally, the responses were all unique. Within five minutes, architect Brad Ladyman had sent through images of Brazilian modernist Lina Bo Bardi and her 1950 Casa de Vidro in Morumbi, […]
MVDR = MVP
Mies Van Der Rohe is undoubtedly architecture’s most valuable player. Why? Because his buildings and ideas are still better today. It’s appropriate that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day – many architects love Mies the most. I’ve read the books, got the postcards and memorized his quotes. “I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be […]
High Profile Desks
PERSONAL TOUCH TO OUR SEATS OF POWER The office items WA movers and shakers keep close. It seems fitting that the man drawing up the plans for many of Perth’s new wave of high-rise buildings prefers to work standing up. The Sunday Times takes a look at the top five items found on the desk […]