Amy Stevenson
2 October 2019: Not every student gets the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the nation’s capital, but two University of Canberra students have been given an opportunity to take their studies into the real world.
Masters of Architecture students Daniel Schorn and Cornelius Pau were awarded the inaugural Alastair Swayn Internship in August 2019, after impressing the selection board with their submissions.
Mr Schorn and Mr Pau will undertake a research assignment within the ACT Government, and receive mentorship from ACT Government Architect Catherine Townsend, who will support them as they design buildings that will add to Canberra’s future skyline.
“It's very humbling to be selected for the internship and an exciting opportunity to work with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate here in Canberra,” said Mr Schorn, who is in the final year of his Masters course.
“I believe this opportunity will provide a new set of skills for future endeavours within the field of sound and architecture, and help us in becoming aware of the role government plays in urban planning and development.”
Meanwhile Mr Pau said he felt honoured to be co-selected, and the opportunity for their findings to contribute to the ACT Government's policy-making.
“I’m in the final dash of my last semester of the Master of Architecture program and I see this opportunity as mutually beneficial,” said Mr Pau.
“Architecture is a collegiate profession and the government is a key stakeholder in any development but especially so when the broader community is a beneficiary.”
Both students will also receive a $2,500 research grant from The Alastair Swayn Foundation on the completion of their assignment, which includes the opportunity for publication.
University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Alastair Swayn was a prominent Canberra architect and founding partner of the multi-award-winning architectural practice Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn.
A founding sponsor and Director of the Gallery of Australian Design, Mr Swayn passed away in 2016.
Following his passing, the ACT Government committed to support the establishment of an internship program to enable young, emerging architects to work with the government and honour of Alastair’s many contributions.
The Alastair Swayn Internship Program is a joint initiative between the ACT Government, University of Canberra and the Alastair Swayn Foundation.
