Master of Architecture student named Good Design Award winner

Master of Architecture candidate Carmelo Nastasi has been recognised as a Good Design Award Winner in the Next Gen (Student) category at the 2022 Good Design Awards. Nastasi was awarded for his MARC5010 studio project Common Ground (Data Centre as Urban Catalyst).

The project asked students to design a Data Centre within a new masterplan for Bays West Precinct, challenging students to revitalise the precinct for community and industry use. Once a thriving wetland, the site is now home to the decaying industrial remains of the White Bay Power Station and Glebe Island Silos.

Nastasi sought to find common ground between these histories of the site, incorporating its industrial and indigenous heritage. An important feature of his project was a focus on First Nations practices, and ensuring that the precinct could support community spaces that celebrate the enduring histories, cultures, and country.

Common Ground's ingenious design creates a circular economy on the site. Excess heat generated by the data centre is used to support community facilities on the precinct, and advanced horticultural practices are incorporated to remediate the post-industrial landscape.

Nastasi was recognised for his outstanding design at the Good Design Awards Ceremony held at the ICC in September. The annual ceremony is attended by over 1000 members of the Australian and international design community.

Architecture was a natural fit for Nastasi, who was inspired by his parents to pursue a path that brought together his passion for creativity and interest in the built environment.

“Dad sparked my interest in the built environments industry from a young age working as a civil and structural engineer, whilst Mum introduced me to so many creative outlets designing and making in a number of forms from clothes and ceramics to our own home.”

Now in his final year of the Master of Architecture, Nastasi is looking forward to becoming a becoming a registered architect, and developing experience across large-scale projects, and those involving co-design and community architecture.

For students contemplating a career in architecture, Nastasi offers his insight into the Master of Architecture.

“The course is an amazing opportunity to develop your skills, think critically and take a position in the type of architecture you wish to see in the world as a future practitioner,” he says.

“Take advantage of the privilege and freedom to explore your own ideas, and advocate for causes you are passionate about.”