![Masters of Architecture Graduate Exhibition 2023 [Sydney Show Exhibition Banner created by Timothy Burke]](https://hunterlivinghistories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Exhibition_Banner-1024x512.jpg)
An Unforgettable Show
by Hongdi Fang
Newcastle, NSW, Australia — The 2023 Master of Architecture graduate cohort at the University of Newcastle (UoN) recently hosted an electrifying event that left attendees in awe.
The FULCRUM | UoN Master Of Architecture Graduate Exhibition was launched on November 17th, transforming Bartholomew’s into a hub of creativity, ideas, and architectural marvels.
The 2023 Fulcrum Exhibition will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greats!
-Dr. Timothy Burke (Lecturer of Architecture at UON)
Captured in 3D
Each year, the Master of Architecture Graduate Committee meticulously curates an exhibition that showcases the graduating Master of Architecture students, displaying their year-long accomplishments. And this year, it was captured in 3D!
The 3D scan, a collaborative effort by Katy Sentas (Special Collections Support Librarian) and Hongdi Fang (Master of Architecture Student), added a digital and immersive dimension to the showcase which will endure long after the exhibition has closed.
Fulcrum – The Title of the Show
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the point against which a lever is placed to get a purchase, or on which it turns or is supported.
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a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation.“research is the fulcrum of the academic community”
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Here is what the Master Program Convenor, Dr. Hugo Moline has to say about it:
“Humble yet mighty, like the fulcrum of this show’s title, this is a group of graduates who are well-suited to the challenges of contemporary architecture. Fulcrum is a well-chosen symbol for their collective work, spirit and approach. The fulcrum is the point which transforms a simple beam into a lever, the most beautiful and elegant of machines. It is the fulcrum which enables the lever to take our limited power and multiply it many times over. This is what these graduates mean to do with their practice as architects.“
(Cited from the Fulcrum Exhibition Book, available at moa.archbe.org)
Exhibition Installation
On November 16th, a day before the exhibition, the committee members mobilized to transport equipment from the Homebase Architecture Design Studio to venue at Bartholomew’s Restaurant.
Setting up the exhibition proved to be no easy task, especially with nearly 100 people exhibiting their works. The cleverly designed, modular plinths, coupled with the teamwork of students, facilitated a fast and efficient setup.
The 3D Scan
Just an hour before the VIP launch event, when every plinth was loaded with students’ works, a 3D scan of the exhibition was executed by Katy and Hongdi. Equipped with a Matterport 3D scanner, they set out to immortalize the space ahead of the impending crowds. Navigating the scanning process posed some challenges. The camera requires a complete rotation to capture the full 360-degree panorama.
Picture this: Katy and Hongdi deftly dance around, strategically dodging the scanner’s lens to avoid becoming unintended subjects of the scan. Amidst this choreography, the scanning duo strategically canvassed the area, meticulous in their efforts to exclude any unwitting participants. In rare instances where students or guests wandered into the evolving digital landscape, a polite request for momentary concealment ensued. With only a 1-hour window of time, the decision was made to only scan the upstairs, where most of the student works were exhibited.
Student Works On The Lower Level
Event Highlights
Photos by Jedda Cranfield
Recognising Hard Work
The Master of Architecture Exhibition Committee
The exhibition Committee was the backbone of this show, devoting a tremendous amount of time and effort to make the event happen. To secure funding, the committee diligently contacted a variety of potential sponsors, ranging from architectural firms and governmental bodies, to printing shops and fitness centres. The Committee was unwavering in their dedication and tireless efforts in bringing this event to fruition.
Here is a brief interview with Natasha Lee, one of the key contributors to the Committee regarding the exhibition.
“How hard it is to actually pull this off?”
Many volunteer hours were put into the planning and execution of the exhibition, but overall, it wasn’t all too hard because we had many wonderful and dedicated people on the Master of Architecture Committee. Many hands make light work!
“How long does this take to prepare?”
We first started preparing for the exhibition back at the start of Semester 1 in March. It takes a lot of time upfront to find sponsors willing to get on board to make our vision a reality, and to figure out what the vision is in the first place!
“What do you learn from this experience?”
I finally learned how to delegate. Most of the time, others are willing to help, you don’t have to do it alone.
“Did it hurt when someone stepped on your feet?” (Someone stepped on her feet during the dancing session of the Exhibition)
Not in the moment, but it definitely hurt the next day!
The Exhibition Elective
Led by d’Arcy Newberry-Dupe, the Exhibition Design + Curation Elective made substantial contributions to the exhibition.
- The Advertising Team played a pivotal role by crafting the invitation, launching the website, devising a plan for social media content, and providing designs for banners.
- The Cataloguing team diligently assembled the exhibition book and crafted designs for tags.
- The Curation Team excelled in offering ideas about spatial arrangement and lighting.
- The Event Execution Team meticulously designed the run sheet, which helped the Committee ensure smooth coordination during the event.
The History of Bartholomew’s
The history of the building at 145 King Street, Newcastle, spans over two centuries, with its roots tracing back to the arrival of free settlers in Newcastle in 1823, introducing Wesleyans and Methodists among others. In 1858, the Methodists appointed a minister and in 1902 plans were made to build a permanent home for the Central Methodist Mission on King Street. On the 21st of November 1902, the foundation stone for the building was laid by Governor, Sir Harry Rawson in a grand ceremony. The building also housed an organ built by T C Lewis of London, and underwent a major refurbishment in 1927. The same year Dame Nellie Melba performed in the Central Hall. The Mission closed in 1987. The current establishment is a restaurant and cocktail bar, previously known as ‘Babylon Newcastle’ (2018 – 21), now trading under the name, Bartholomew’s.
The Mission Continued – Sydney Show
The Newcastle Show closed on the 17th of November after the launch event, and then traveled to Sydney. It has long been a tradition to hold an architecture show in both Newcastle and Sydney. The Sydney show provided a great opportunity to connect graduates with potential employers.
The University of Newcastle 2023 Sydney Architecture Show was held at the N.S.W. Chapter Australian Institute of Architects Tusculum Villa, 3 Manning St Potts Point. The School of Architecture and Built Environment ran this event in collaboration with the MOA Committee. The exhibition was a celebration of a successful year, with fellow students, alumni and industry professionals. The exhibition in Sydney opened on the 28th of November and closed on the 30th of November 2023.
Preparing for the Exhibition
Event Highlights
Photos by Jedda Cranfield
As the Fulcrum Exhibition’s echoes fade, the lever is set in motion, propelling these visionary architects towards a future where their innovative designs, immortalized in the immersive 3D scan, will continue to shape the landscapes of Newcastle and beyond.
The University Library – Special Collections
A heartfelt thanks to the Special Collections & GLAMx Lab team at the University Library for their invaluable assistance in making the Exhibition a success.
Dr. Ann Hardy deserves particular recognition for organising the permissions required to conduct the Matterport 3D scan, and for attending the event. Additionally, special thanks to Katy Sentas, who carried out the 3D scan with Hongdi on the day. Their unwavering commitment and expertise significantly enriched the exhibition experience, by extending the one-night-only exhibition into a format which can continue to be visited in a digital environment. Their contributions are sincerely appreciated.
By Hongdi Fang
2023 Master of Architecture Student
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