Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture

Award description, as provided by SONA:

"Sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects/SONA, this prize encourages a stronger, more diverse profession of architecture in Australia. It is based on the following principles:

The need to encourage “specialist” leaders in the profession and to encourage diversification

Students do not have sufficient acknowledgement of their efforts in advancing architecture. These students should be acknowledged and encouraged to continue with their work."


Jury citation:
"Alysia Bennett’s contribution to architecture has been significant – both in her outstanding support for those in the architectural student community and her broader contribution to her local design community. Alysia’s activities have been diverse and sustained over a number of years.

She has undertaken a variety of initiatives which successfully connected students with each other and with local practitioners. As Alysia’s nominee noted, “local architecture societies along with other campus societies … can be quite segregated … with their respective events at times under-attended.” In contrast, Alysia’s collaborative approach has invigorated local events, creating a strong student community environment.

Alysia understands the social and architectural benefits of bridging the gap between students, graduates and architects, and her focus on engaging international students is to be commended. By working with campus societies, Alysia increased the formerly low participation of international students. Indeed, at the recent Launceston Architecture Week event (where she shared the creative direction), international and Australian students attended in equal numbers.

Much of Alysia’s work has gone beyond her role of SONA National President and has included collaboration on design competitions and the graduate exhibition (with the Architecture Student Society), along with published architectural articles. Other events have included the LEGO Design Competition, collaborations including the ArchiForum series (with UTAS), Pictures at the Pub (with the Institute), movie nights, student balls (with the Architecture Student Society) and Super Tuesday.

Not one to slow down, Alysia attended first-year studio as a volunteer mentor during every design class, and she has also been a significant contributor to the creation of a studio culture, a key objective following the relocation of the Architecture School to its new building some two and a half years ago.

The jury looks forward to the next chapter of Alysia’s career and is confident that her leadership and collaboration with the design community, and beyond, will see her contributing to the advancement of architecture for a long time to come."