Postgraduate Research Student Profile
Stuart King
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture Building & Planning?
I am undertaking a PhD in architectural history. It is concerned with architectural expression and representation in Queensland civic architecture 1859 - 1914. Of particular interest in the project, is the interrelationship between that architecture and climate. Did the role of climate act as a complementary or a competing influence for the architectural expression of Queensland 's colonial identity?
What inspired you to take up postgraduate research study?
Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I spent 6 years working in architectural practice. Whilst I enjoyed that time, I wanted to take an opportunity to pursue an underlying interest in architectural history. Postgraduate research study provides both an environment and a structure within which to do that.
What did you study before commencing your research degree? At which university?
In 1996 I completed a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) at the University of Queensland.
What attracted you to the Faculty?
Primarily, I was attracted to the faculty's research culture and academic expertise in architectural history and theory, in particular, with reference to Australian architecture.
More pragmatically, I was drawn to the resources that the faculty offers its postgraduate research students, including access to workspace, research and fieldwork grants and conference travel.
How are you finding you research experience? What are the highlights?
Most of all, I'm enjoying the rare opportunity to engage with a particular project over an extended period of time. Whilst, at times, such intense focus on the project can generate as certain sense of removal, the opportunity to be actively involved in the life and community of the faculty, through research seminars, Space Cadets gatherings, lunchtime conversations etc. creates a balanced and stimulating experience.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your research degree?
Go walking for a while.
At this early stage of my candidature, the idea of pursuing a research or academic career is appealing, however, so is the idea of taking the research experience and new ways of approaching issues back into some form of professional practice.