ProfessorMirjana Lozanovska

A core strength and achievement in the last 10 years is the advancement and
development of a strong research-teaching nexus, contributing to significant
curriculum leadership. I have initiated and developed 2 history/theory units
(with 5 major revisions) that have contributed to the critical content and
internationalisation of the curriculum. These are research led in content. The
research elements in teaching make students think, and disseminate research
into the class rooms. These units assist in creating globally informed,
confident and articulate students, and raise questions of ethics,
environmental awareness, and societal challenges as they relate to the impact
of contemporary architectural and urban production.

Informed by the central place of design in architecture courses and in the
discipline, my role has been to improve and develop design pedagogy in order
to elevate the discussion and application of creativity and innovation in the
school. I have initiated and developed 12 design studio programs: in first
year to introduce creative thinking; in the middle levels to understand design
methods and develop design positions; and to provide opportunity for students
to apply their creative practice in competitive environments.

I have initiated 4 research units that establish research pedagogy related to
architecture and the allied disciplines, planning, landscape and urban design.
With the global change to Master courses, the role of research in the
curriculum increased.In recognising the increasing role of research in the
discipline, it has also identified that the 21st century student has access to
information, but requires skills in evaluating, synthesising and analysing
this information, in order to engage and produce knowledge.

Expertise Summary
My research examines mobility and exchange and its impact on architecture,
diversity and culture. This has developed two longitudinal research projects
investigating: i) the impact of migration on place, linking rural-regional
environments and urban places (documenting change for 20 years); ii) the
cultural transformation of large-scale urban reconstruction projects related
to disaster (10 years). These two fields are linked by my concerns about the
ways the built environment mediates human dignity and agency. These two areas
are investigated through a series of focused projects detailed below, with
research outcomes in publication (see list), in collaborative projects, and
funding.