Student building designers win big at BDAV Awards

The BDAV Building Design Awards, in their 20th year, showcase the talent and expertise of building designers, encouraging higher standards of excellence in design, and profiling the importance of the building design profession.

Abela was awarded the BDAV Student Scholarship, while Mao won the Best Response to a Design by a Student award.

The $2000 scholarship won by Abela, currently studying an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), assists high-achieving students from building design programs across the state to further their education in their chosen profession.

Mao, who previously completed the Advanced Diploma and is now studying a Bachelor of Architectural Design, was thrilled and surprised at her achievement.

“I never expected that I could win a competition like this, especially as an international student from Cambodia,” she said.

Her winning project involved designing and documenting a commercial building in Smith Street, Collingwood. 

The design included a public library and media centre, community hub, childcare centre and small café.

“I focused on the specific benefits and experiences of the building’s users in order to create an ideal, contemporary, functionally and sustainable community centre for local residents without dominating the beauty of the street’s existing historical façade,” Mao said.

Karol Dempsey, Program Manager of Building Design, is proud of RMIT’s history of success at the BDAV Awards.

“We’re delighted that Christine and Phalhong’s winning entries continue to demonstrate the quality of student skills being developed in our building design program,” he said.

“The awards are a great opportunity to showcase our student projects alongside Victoria’s best work, informing the future direction of our program and supporting student engagement with industry leaders.”

The Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) program at RMIT focuses on the practical and technical application of design skills, inspiring students to create innovative, sustainable designs, contributing to the ongoing development of the building industry and the built environment.

Story: Emma Morgan