The ARCH9114 Rothwell Research Studio Elective 2026, led by Rothwell co-chairs Atelier Bow-Wow and coordinated by Professor Lee Stickells and Dr Amina Kaskar, explored the theme of the Urban-Rural Commons through site immersion, observation, and drawing.
Travelling to Tokyo and Kamanuma village, Japan, students engaged with communities, landscapes, and everyday practices that blur the boundaries between urban and rural life. Through the lens of Satoyama, a traditional concept of living in harmony with nature, they examined how material practices and cultural values shape spaces of gathering, labour, and care.
Urban Rural Commons: Drawing to Enquire showcased a collection of hand sketches and drawings created during the study tour. Guided by Atelier Bow-Wow, students applied architectural ethnography and behaviourology through close observation of everyday life.
The resulting exhibition references how Australian vernacular informs our everyday lives, further establishing the ‘urban rural commons’ as taught and formalised by Atelier Bow-Wow. A thin, delicate exhibition allowed student work to be the highlight, while the structure quietly made up the commons objects: Besser blocks, standard structural timber, particle board and hay.
The resulting works demonstrate how drawing can transform observation and lived experience into visual narratives, offering a powerful tool for enquiry, empathy, and architectural understanding.
Getting the chance to curate and construct this exhibition was an incredible privilege and I can confidently say that I am proud of the work I have done and what I have learned throughout the process. With the help of Atelier Bow-Wow and the Rothwell team, I gained deep insights into how vernacular and concept shapes architecture and how design can foster and support communities. Getting the chance to engage with such an amazing experience has been one of the main highlights of my academic career.
Charles Boobar
co-curator
The exhibition was officially opened by Professor Donald McNeill, Dean and Head of School of Architecture, Design and Planning, on 31 July 2026 and ran until 30 August 2026. It was curated by Amelia Heron Little, Kiyoka Hayashi, Charles Boobar, Aki Green, and Jessica Fong, with oversight by Dr Sophie Lanigan.
Image Gallery
Images by Maja Baska
Rothwell Co-Chairs
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