The Bond University Faculty of Society & Design has appointed multi award-winning Queensland architect and academic, Michael Keniger, to its Abedian School of Architecture.
The former Queensland Government Architect, who helped deliver highly-acclaimed, iconic public projects including Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and State Library, was recognised this month (May) with the prestigious 2017 National President’s Prize at the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Annual Convention.
Professor Keniger, who trained at the internationally esteemed Architectural Association School of Architecture in London before serving as a unit master at the institution, said he was excited to share his experience and knowledge with Bond University’s architecture students.
“I ultimately hope to create opportunities that are as exciting and enriching as I enjoyed while training in London,” he said.
“The Abedian School of Architecture is an extraordinary facility for students, and Bond's low staff-to-student ratio and high calibre of academic staff, make its architecture program second-to-none.
"I look forward to assisting with strategic matters, and to increasing the profile of the school globally.”
Professor Keniger's appointment to Bond University's academic team will include the coordination of the Master of Architecture program, and further bolsters his impressive resume, which includes more than three decades at the University of Queensland, where he held a number of senior positions including Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Department of Architecture.
He was also awarded Queensland Architect of the Year in 1998, was a member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Design Review Panel, and was a key design advisor to the National Museum Project in Canberra.
From 1999 to 2006, Professor Keniger was the Queensland Government Architect before he was appointed by Queensland's Deputy Premier as a member of the inaugural Board of the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) in 2007.
He helped guide the redesign of Brisbane’s iconic South Bank precinct, serving as a design adviser and member of the Board of the South Bank Corporation.
He currently chairs Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Development and Design Integrity Panel – one of numerous design panels he has supported during his professional career.
Professor Keniger said he had a passion for framing public life.
"Architecture is not always accessible to the wider community so being able to help deliver public projects that can be enjoyed by all comers has served as an inspiration during my career," he said.
"It is a privilege to have been able to demonstrate how architecture can help achieve better community outcomes and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with the architects of the future through my new tenure at Bond University.”
Professor Keniger said his recent recognition by the AIA for his commitment and contribution to Australian architecture and urban design was humbling.
“I consider it to be a capstone to my career. I’ve been an academic most of my professional life and have used this position to help the community as much as possible, so I see this award as a resounding validation of that work,” he said.
Bond University's Executive Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Society & Design, Professor Raoul Mortley, said Professor Keniger's extensive experience and network of contacts would greatly benefit the students of the Abedian School of Architecture.
“Professor Keniger’s recent AIA award recognises his outstanding experience, knowledge and reputation, and we feel privileged to have him join our Abedian School of Architecture,” he said.
“Professor Keniger will play an instrumental role in the ongoing growth and enhancement of the Abedian School of Architecture and will ensure our architects graduate with the inspiration and capability to shift the direction of future practice.”