Architectures of Bankstown is produced in partnership with Bankstown Arts Centre and runs from 9–24 May 2025. The exhibition marks the culmination of the third year of the Urban Transformation Summer School – an annual intensive program delivered by Western Sydney University in partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta and supported by Holdmark Property Group, following their transformative $10 million commitment to Powerhouse Parramatta in 2022.
Each year, the summer school offers a ‘think-tank’ studio where emerging designers tackle real-world design issues experienced in a different area in Western Sydney. The 2025 student cohort focused on the Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area (LGA), known for its rich cultural diversity, with a brief to propose design solutions that enhance social connectivity along the Appian Way, which connects the eastern and western sides of Bankstown.
Over the two-week intensive, students were guided by Professor Michael Chapman (Chair of Architecture and Design, Western Sydney University) and Thomas Rivard (Principal, REALMstudios). They also engaged in workshops and talks with industry leaders from Collins and Turner, Curious Practice, JPW, and Sibling Architecture, with additional mentoring from guest tutors including Jemima Manton (Principal, Mima Architects), Anthony Parsons (Director, Savio Parsons Architects), Andrew Lamond (Past Associate Principal, Wardle) and Matt Fuller (Architecture Sessional Academic, Western Sydney University).
The program concludes with a public architectural symposium at Bankstown Arts Centre on Saturday 24 May from 1–4pm. The event will feature visualisations of Bankstown’s future alongside presentations by participating architects.
Western Sydney University Chair of Architecture and Design, Professor Michael Chapman said, ‘Bankstown is a city that embodies the urban transformation taking place across Western Sydney. It retains the intricacies of its amazing diversity while also fostering important architectural projects and new infrastructure. It provides an excellent backdrop for our students to explore the complexities of the urban realm.’
Holdmark Founder and CEO Sarkis Nassif said, ‘The sustained progress of our urban environments rests on our commitment to educating and empowering a new generation of insightful planners and innovative thinkers who will shape the future of our cities.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Architectures of Bankstown showcases the bold ideas of emerging designers reimaging our urban environments. Through our partnership with Holdmark Property Group and Western Sydney University, Powerhouse continues to support the next generation of urban designers.’
