Abedian School of Architecture opens its doors to the public

Bond University's Abedian School of Architecture will feature in the City of Gold Coast's inaugural Open House on Saturday, October 17, giving locals and visitors a behind-the-scenes look at buildings not typically on display to the public.

The award-winning Abedian School of Architecture, designed by globally-renowned architects Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham from CRAB Studios in London, officially opened its doors in February 2014 and is now home to Bond University's innovative architecture program.

Open-plan, ultra-modern and bold in design, the Abedian School of Architecture provides a unique education experience to Bond University students by acting as a teaching tool to inspire innovation and creativity in the next generation of architects, and is the only studio-based architecture school in Australia.

The building was honoured with a State Award in the Public Building category at the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Queensland Awards in 2014.

Also featuring in the Gold Coast Open House will be the old Southport Drill Hall constructed in 1890, the Hot Tomato on-air studios in High Street and the iconic ‘80s Paradise Waters mansion of Gold Coast pioneer Keith Williams.

Twenty-five properties are listed for the inaugural Gold Coast Open House, and Chair of Gold Coast Open House 2015 and Chair of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers’ branch of the Australian Institute of Architecture, Greg Ewart, said the list was impressive and diverse.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response and enthusiasm we have received for the first event and hope Gold Coasters get behind Gold Coast Open House with the same enthusiasm shown for Brisbane Open House, an event that has grown to more than 100 buildings over the past five years," said Mr Ewart.

“Open House will provide a snapshot of the future of urban design on the Gold Coast as well as a journey into the past, with a collection of both contemporary and historic architecture open to the public.

“The buildings this year will appeal to all ages and people from all walks of life, from those with an interest in architecture and sustainable design to the inquisitive and creatively inclined."

Bond University's Professor of Architecture, Adrian Carter said the Gold Coast Open House was a rare opportunity for locals to walk through and experience outstanding buildings that are not usually so accessible to the general public.

"The Abedian School of Architecture is an iconic building designed to inspire the architects of tomorrow," said Professor Carter.

"The building is highly sculptural and innovative in terms of construction, with ‘scoops’ forming an integral part of the interior which are free-form in shape and rise to a height of three-storeys.

"The Abedian School of Architecture is also home to a number of original artworks by one of Australia's best known Indigenous artists Sally Gabori, courtesy of patron Dr Patrick Corrigan AM, which will be on public display at the event.

"Open House is a fantastic chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Gold Coast's most fascinating buildings and I encourage anyone with an interest in our built environment to take this opportunity to satisfy their curiosity."

Gold Coast Open House also offers a children’s program with free and entertaining activities available at many of the buildings open to the public.

Guided and self-guided tours will be available on the day, with some buildings requiring pre-registration for tours at the Gold Coast Open House website.

A photographic competition, open to junior, amateur and professional photographers, will be held in conjunction with Gold Coast Open House.  Sponsored by Hickey Lawyers, the competition offers prizes valued at $1,400 across the three categories. Entry details and categories are available at www.goldcoastopenhouse.com.au.