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RMIT architecture students star in Venice Biennale
RMIT University students have been invited to exhibit at the world’s premier
architecture and design event, the 12th Venice International Architecture Biennale.
The Austrian Pavilion, curated by US architect Eric Owen Moss, will showcase
innovative model projects created by RMIT students through Alessi MUTANTS, an
intensive four-week design workshop at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
RMIT Professor of Architecture, Professor Leon van Schaik AO, said the invitation
for students to exhibit at the Venice Biennale was an extraordinary opportunity.
“For students to be included in the most prestigious event in the world of
architecture and design – alongside such leading names as Zaha Hadid, Jean
Nouvel and Greg Lynn – is unprecedented,” Professor van Schaik said.
“These postgraduate students are the next generation of design talent and their
involvement in the Venice Biennale reflects the international standing and
pioneering approach of the architecture programs at RMIT.”
Five Victorian and five international RMIT Master of Architecture students will join
students from the world’s leading design institutes at the Alessi MUTANTS
workshop from 24 June, researching scaleable forms and fabrication techniques to
create model projects that explore emergent digital directions in object and
architectural design.
The workshop will be led by RMIT Professor of Architecture Tom Kovac, Reiner
Zettl, from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and Alberto Alessi, an industry
linkage partner with the Alessi MUTANTS design workshop and the Venice
Biennale, which opens on 29 August.
Victorian Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings, congratulated the architecture
students and commended RMIT on its continued work with industry leaders.
“These students will be showcasing their world-class designs to a global audience,
alongside recognised architecture and design industry leaders,” Mr Jennings said.
“This unique opportunity demonstrates the wealth of creative and cultural talent in
our education sector and confirms Victoria’s reputation as a world centre for design
excellence.”
An international panel of architects and designers including Alessandro Mendini,
Hernan Diaz Alonso, Florencia Pita and Hani Rashid will oversee the outcomes of
the project, with final project reviews presented at Alessi headquarters in late July.
For interviews: Professor Tom Kovac, +61 429 310 638.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Gosia
Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
21 June, 2010
NEWS 
