This Fellowship seeks to promote creative design thinking, problem solving, and new ideas and approaches to significant unmet housing needs across Aotearoa New Zealand through a self-directed research and design project. The programme will also cultivate new housing leaders who can contribute to the ongoing transformation of public housing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Currently in Aotearoa New Zealand the government is investing in public housing along with the third sector (e.g., community housing associations, co-operatives) to provide housing and better outcomes for communities. This Fellowship offers an opportunity for engaged professionals to explore these challenges and opportunities to develop new ways of thinking or approaches for consideration by decision makers. It is hoped that new ways of looking at the complex relationship of design and public housing will ultimately influence the design outcomes as well as the overall wellbeing of people and communities.

Entries are open

Entries for the inaugural F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship for Public Housing are now open. Graduates of programmes in architecture or related fields, such as landscape architecture, urban design, planning, public policy, engineering or similar, can apply for the Fellowship from 3 July to August 18, 2023.

More details on the Fellowship can be found here. Entries for the Fellowship can be emailed to info@nzia.co.nz

The F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship has been established by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and family members of former Government Architect F. Gordon Wilson, to promote creative design thinking, new ideas and approaches to unmet housing needs across Aotearoa New Zealand. It invites architects and design professionals to explore how architecture can address one of today’s most pressing human rights.

The annual recipient(s) will embark on a self-directed research project supported with $20,000. They will conduct new research into housing challenges of the future, and consider and explore both current and forward-looking solutions to public housing.

“We hope that new ways of looking at the complex relationship of design and public housing will help to cultivate new housing leaders in the industry,” says Peter Wilson, a son of Gordon Wilson. “Over time, the Fellowship will help to influence Aotearoa New Zealand’s design outcomes as well as the overall wellbeing of people and communities in public housing. We’re excited to see where our most talented design professionals want to take this opportunity.”

Applications that explore a unique perspective or innovative solution or methodology are encouraged. Some questions that might be asked in entries are:
● How will public housing need to adapt, change and perform?
● What are the challenges that will define the next five years, 10 years, 20 years, 50 years?
● How might different communities want to live into the future?
● What are the expected larger economic and cultural forces?

Applications for the Fellowship:
● Must be from a graduate of a programme in architecture or related field such as landscape architecture, urban design, planning, public policy, engineering and/or similar
● Can be submitted by an individual or a team (collaboration)
● Must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
● Must be able to be completed over no more than 12 months and must begin within six months of receipt of the award letter

The strength of the entry proposal will be judged on:
● Clarity of purpose and research idea
● Originality
● Feasibility (time, budget, research idea)
● Consistency with the Fellowship purpose

The 2023 jury members are:
● Judith Taylor FNZIA, President, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects
● Dr Kay Saville-Smith, Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Research Director, Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment
● Marko den Breems, Director of Architecture, Kāinga Ora
● Julia Gatley, Associate Professor of Architecture, Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland – Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning
● Peter Wilson and Julia Mandell Representatives of F. Gordon Wilson’s family

Enter a submission:
Details on how to enter a submission can be downloaded here. Entries for the Fellowship can be emailed to info@nzia.co.nz