Leon van Schaik
The contribution to Architecture and Design by Leon van Schaik, Professor of Architecture (Innovation Chair) at RMIT University, has been far-reaching.
Architect, academic, educator, writer, curator, design critic, moderator, pioneer through to serving on boards and advising organisations related to architecture, culture and the arts – Leon’s work has been widely honoured. He became a Life Fellow of the (then) Royal Australian Institute of Architects (2009); was the recipient of the Neville Quarry RAIA Education Prize (2005); and named Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
Leon initially studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, and also taught and practiced from there during 1971 to 1986.
In professional practice, Leon has worked on self-help and conventional housing, the design and building of complex educational buildings, art galleries and factories.
He pioneered a criterion-based process at RMIT University for consultant appointment, which has transformed the university’s reputation for architecture and urban design through award winning buildings. Leon’s involvement in other key consultant appointment processes have included: a Civic Centre in a New South Wales regional city; the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art; the UNISA faculty of architecture; and Spencer Street Station, Melbourne.
Leon van Schaik’s Ph.D. examined the relationships between communities and expert knowledge in design. He pioneered a design practice research program that engages architects and designers in evidencing the nature of their mastery in their field. The program now operates in Australia, Asia and Europe.
His service on boards included: the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (1992-1999); the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute; the Architectural Association Asia, and the Asian Urban Laboratory. Leon is a moderator of the Asia Design Forum and was Commissioner for Australia at the Venice Biennale 2000 in the 7th International Exhibition of Architecture. He was curator for Australia for the 2005 Biennale. Leon served as a member of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust, where he advised on the redevelopment of the precinct (2007-2013).
A selection of Leon van Schaik’s vast body of written works ranging from authoring and co-authoring books is listed below.
The DIA Hall of Fame recognises the achievements of Leon van Schaik
Written work by van Schaik:
Meaning in space – Housing the visual arts (Lyon Housemuseum 2012)
By Practice By Invitation, Design Practice Research at RMIT 1986-2011, co authored with Anna Johnson (onepointsixone 2011)
Procuring Innovative Architecture, co-authored with Geoffrey London and Beth George (Routledge 2010).
Spatial Intelligence: New Futures for Architecture (Wiley Academy 2008)
Non Fictional Narratives, Denton Corker Marshall (Birkhauser 2008)
Design City Melbourne (Wiley Academy 2006)
Mastering Architecture: Becoming a Creative Innovator in Practice (Wiley Academy 2005)
