Swinburne University of Technology: 2022 GradX Evolve showcases design and architecture talent
Innovation and creativity are on display at Swinburne University of Technology’s 2022 GradX Evolve exhibition.
The annual showcase presented by Swinburne’s School of Design and Architecture (SoDA) was officially opened last night, 24 November 2022.
Over 250 of Swinburne’s graduating design and architecture students are displaying their work.
The opening night welcomed more than 600 guests from the student and alumni community, industry, and the wider community, and the full two-week event is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors.
Evolving into the future of design and architecture
SODA Dean, Professor Jane Burry, said the 2022 graduation cohort’s work reflects and extraordinary evolution.
“This year’s theme ‘Evolve’ was chosen to acknowledge that students have had to evolve and adapt to overcome unprecedented circumstances during their studies,” Professor Burry said.
“It also symbolises the journey of graduating students as they complete their studies and enter industry.
“These graduates are future creative leaders and innovators, and this is our chance to celebrate them and their time at Swinburne.”
Graduating architecture student and multiple GradX award winner, Nader Burjawi, has enjoyed the struggle.
“It’s been an amazing – I wouldn’t say easy – but it’s been an amazing journey, learning new things getting to know new people,” Nader said.
Creating opportunities
Design Institute of Australia chief executive Jo-Ann Kellock helped open the exhibition, and said GradX is all about making sure graduates with personal investment and the right attitude have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.
“In addition to your qualification, three things provide you with an advantage in effectively managing your transition from education to a design job: attitude, opportunity and personal investment,” Kellock said.
The GradX awards are more than a gesture, they are designed to provide direct benefits to students.
SoDA’s wide community of friends and supporters partnered with the university to sponsor 65 student awards, inducing almost $9,000 in cash prizes, along with priceless professional development opportunities such as folio consultations and chances to meet with industry leaders.
“The awards are so important; the idea of being appreciated as a student,” Nader said.
“It’s about teachers and how they support you until the end, and that’s very comforting for a student who’s just about to graduate.”
Industry connections
Associate Dean Education Nicole Wragg said GradX is an opportunity for students to get their work in front of leading professionals in their areas, and industry partners attend the event with recruitment front of mind.
“Swinburne design graduates are sought after by industry for their strategic thinking, creativity and passion,” Associate Professor Wragg said.
“These traits are fostered by our forward-thinking teaching and industry-integrated learning.”
GradX Evolve runs until 9 December in the Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC) on Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.