The Minimum Abode: Tackling the Australian Housing Crisis Through Practice-Based Research

The project is the continuation of reflections and creative responses formulated to address the shortcomings of the Australian housing stock showcased by the Coronavirus self-isolation measures and now exacerbated by the current housing crisis afflicting Australian cities. The project aims to provide a practical guide to illustrate and design the New Minimum Abode. The adoption of ‘minimum’ as a concept has two aims. Firstly, minimum echoes the building regulations terminology regarding minimum housing standards. Secondly, the project aims to reassess what defines the new minimum by exploring quantitative and qualitative standards that reconsider size and affordability through innovative perspectives. The impact of the guide serves to inspire the design community, bridge the gap between academic research and the design industry and influence policy and guidelines to deliver considered, resilient developments.

The project investigates two fundamental aspects that are not currently driving factors in the design and realisation of residential developments. The first aspect regards personal and psychological well-being, while the second focuses on fulfilling the communitarian and social life. The project addresses this dichotomy by analysing and testing architectural proposals and experimenting with alternative conceptualisations for the residential plan and envelope. 

Practice-based methodology and non-traditional research methods must play a fundamental role in the design and advancement of the research project.

The PhD candidate, preferably with (i) Master in Architecture, (ii) an interest in research by practice methodology and methods and (iii) at least 2 first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals – those may include non-traditional research outcomes (creative research work) . The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with designers and architects.

The successful PhD candidate is expected to fulfil all of Griffith University’s PhD selection criteria. It is expected that the PhD candidate be based in-person on Griffith’s Gold Coast campus.

Funding Notes

Griffith University funds both domestic and international PhD candidates on a competitive basis and is one of few institutions to offer both a tuition fee waiver and a living stipend.

To be eligible and competitive for a Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (domestic; View Website) or a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (international applicants; View Website) you need to have First Class Honours or equivalent research experience.

First-author peer-reviewed publications in international journals and peer-reviewed NTROs are advantageous.

Top-ranked candidates will be selected from among applicants to proceed to a formal PhD and scholarship application through Griffith University, with the support of the prospective supervisory team.

Applications can be received and processed year-round for our four intakes. Click here for key dates.