Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM has offered a prize to students at Deakin University School of Architecture and Built Environment for the most inspirational architectural proposal.
The Mayoral Challenge invited first year Master of Architecture students at Deakin University to develop a visionary and innovative concept for the area between the Geelong Station and waterfront with a focus on the pedestrian experience.
In this unit of study, known as the Urban Heart Surgery, students were asked to imagine a revitalisation project that transforms Geelong's 'western wedge' connecting Geelong Railway Station to Deakin's waterfront campus and adjacent precincts. The projects explore concepts that improve wayfinding and create a welcome arrival experience into central Geelong journeying from the station.
The prize was awarded to Neil Caguicla and Wili Wiliyanti for their project, Veins of the Wedge. Their winning concept created a strong connection to place and built clear links between Geelong Station, central Geelong and the waterfront. The vision is innovative while also proposing a realistic intervention for the Station Precinct.
A selection of student work is currently exhibited in A+B Gallery at the Deakin University Waterfront campus until 19 December 2025.
The free exhibition is located on the fourth floor, Deakin University Waterfront Campus and can be viewed during university opening times.
Deakin's Master of Architecture students have been working on the development of strategic, thought-provoking visions for this evolving precinct in central Geelong. Nine projects have been included in the exhibition which explore a range of urban interventions that promote innovative improvements to the urban realm across the Western Wedge precinct.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The Mayor's challenge aims to give students an opportunity to showcase their skills and thinking on Geelong, and think up inventive concepts for the urban design and planning of Geelong.The prize judges considered innovation, creativity and alignment to the City's UNESCO City of Design designation.
It is important that we support the next generation of architects and urban designers in recognising a clever and creative future for our city.
Deputy chair CBD Revitalisation portfolio, Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for the community to engage with the creative concepts developed by the students.The Urban Heart Surgery program is a great example of how the City and Deakin University can work together to strengthen and support each other.
The Master of Architecture students are exposed to existing challenges in our urban environment while the City is inspired by the innovative proposals by the students and celebrates the talent we have in Geelong.
Deakin Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Dr Yolanda Esteban
The value of this project for our Architecture students is immense, not only in learning about how their ideas can so actively contribute to a city's story and narrative and have influence with change makers, but also in developing their architectural skills in real-time in the city in which many of them live, work and play.We have continued our exciting partnership with the City through the Urban Heart Surgery program this year, and building on previous work with the introduction of the Mayor's prize has added a special element.
