Bond University has appointed Queensland Government Architect Professor Philip Follent as the Founding Head of its new Soheil Abedian School of Architecture.
Professor Follent commenced his appointment on August 30, with the new school set to open to students from January 2011.
He said the opportunity to shape a refreshing architectural course for students who might one day exert a significant, positive influence over the world’s built environment attracted him to Bond.
“The Gold Coast has been my home for 30 years and I have watched Bond University grow to a point of maturity that sees it now ready for a School of Architecture and it is a great event to participate in the shaping of the new course,” said Professor Follent.
“I was also attracted by the opportunity to be a part of Bond’s quest to build a fine piece of architecture to house the new course and the new purpose-built environment for studio-based teaching will be a wonderful asset to our students and also the University community as a whole.”
Professor Follent said his vision for the School is to produce architectural graduates who are highly regarded by the profession for their strong theoretical understanding, their design skills and leadership capacities.
“Architecture, as an art, is often received with indifference by the wider community yet architectural thinking is needed more than ever to tackle the challenges of urbanisation and sustainability.
“Bond’s architecture graduates will leave the University well equipped to develop as responsible and ethical citizens each capable of determining where their architectural expertise can be further advanced and effectively utilised,” he said.
The new Bachelor of Architectural Studies will commence in the 2011 January semester with a high number of school-leaver applications already received by Bond University.
“The small cohort size will enable much more one-on-one tuition from not only University staff, but also inspirational practitioners in the fields of architecture, fine arts, music, social psychology, philosophy, engineering and building.
“It will train students to think…to challenge the status quo and to enjoy their studies,” Professor Follent said.
Born and bred in Queensland, Philip Follent was trained in architecture at the University of Queensland before establishing his own Gold Coast practice in 1982.
He was appointed (and remains) the Queensland Government Architect on September 1, 2008, is the Chair of the Board for Urban Places, and also holds a position on the Queensland Design Council. One of the youngest architects to have been elevated to Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Prof Follent was awarded Life Fellowship in 2007 for exceptional contribution to architecture.
The community is invited to meet Professor Follent at the official launch of the Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, Friday, November 19, 2010 at Bond University. To register email Cecilia Weuffen or phone 07 5595 2177.