Minifie van Schaik

Minifie van Schaik (MvS) is a globally recognised architectural practice based in Melbourne. It was founded by architects Paul Minifie and Jan van Schaik in 1999. The firm has now 8 staff working under the two directors and is recognised for its advanced capabilities in computer aided design, building information modelling and digital fabrication. MvS has received multiple awards for numerous projects from the Australian Institute of Architects and have been the recipient of the Premiers Design Award in both 2008 and again in 2012.^[1]

Personal Life

Paul Minifie

Paul Minifie is a highly recognised and published architect based in Melbourne, Australia. After beginning his career at Ashton Raggatt McDougall and working under Howard Raggatt as a design architect for 10 years, Mr Minifie co-founded Minifie van Schaik (partners with Jan Van Schaik) in 1999 (originally Minifie Nixon Architects). Some of Mr Minifie’s key award winning projects include the Centre for Ideas at the VCA, the Australian Wildlife Centre at Healesville Sanctuary and the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre.

Mr Minifie completed a Masters degree in urban design and a PhD in applied architecture through RMIT and partakes annually as a judge in the AIA awards process across a range of categories. As an alumni of RMIT Mr Minifie is a continuing teacher and is an associate Professor of advanced architecture at RMIT (2000-present). He is the founding academic of the Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory at RMIT University and teaches both globally and locally across a vast scope of fields including climate change, globalisation, urbanisation/urban morphology and computational design. These teaching areas are closely linked to his own research in generative design methods and speculative urban futures; as modeled by Agent Systems and Truth and Beauty.

Jan van Schaik

Jan Van Schaik is an award winning architect and a director of MVS Architects. He has worked as an external examiner for architecture departments in a number of universities such as Deakin University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Westminster, the University of Michigan and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mr Schaik also works with the World Architecture Workshop, a collaborative research and teaching project between academics and professionals operating in France, Japan, Spain, China and the United States with the purpose of incorporating professional and institutional knowledge to decipher complex urban problems. Jan Van Schaik lectures both Bachelor and Masters students at RMIT University, where he himself achieved first class honours in Architecture and is currently a PHD candidate.

Jan Van Schaik is also heavily involved in the local Melbourne community as chair of the Melbourne City Council Creative Spaces Working Group. Some of his noteworthy projects include the Victorian College of the Arts, The Australian Wildlife Health Centre in the Healesville Sanctuary and the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Center for Melbourne Water. In 2014 Mr Schaik joined a practice based research project examining the semiotics of the built environment which draws on collective perceptions of civic spaces.

Architectural Style

Minifie van Schaik pursue the process of design as a research activity. They approach each project as a unique set of conditions and particular circumstances. They then conduct extensive research with the intention of framing the project. Connectively MvS have a continual relationship with RMIT University. Through their classes they embrace research and computer generated programs in resolving form specific architectural problems and shaping contemporary social and cultural conditions.

The core aspect of their delivery philosophy is digital technologies and fabrication. They utilize three-dimensional modelling and visualization, generative form finding, engineer analysis, project management and file-to-factory production as core processes of design.

Minifie van Schaik drive to produce environmentally sustainable, green stare rated designs. They specifically address recycling, energy use, water consumption, material selection, energy embodiment and natural ventilation

Key Projects

Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

The Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre is located in Edithvale Seaford in Melbourne. Constructed in 2006-2011, the building has received several awards including a Master Builders Association Award in August 2012, an Australian Institute of Architects award for Public Architecture in June 2012 and the Premier's Design Award in September 2012. The intention of this building is for its occupants to interpretively gain an understanding of the vital and complex history and function of this urban wetland, specifically its role in the Water Cycle.

The building is positioned above the ground surface to ensure it is safe from flooding; additionally visitors are awarded a view of the landscape and diverse wildlife below through the panoramic windows and windows in the floor. The discovery centre prides itself in being environmentally friendly with its Solar panels, heat-pumps, floor-grate supply and passive extraction, double glazing, motion controlled lighting, high levels of insulation and thermal mass together allowing building operations to approach carbon neutral. Combined with a composting sewerage system and an internal water storage. ^[2]

Australian Wildlife Health Centre

The Australian Wildlife Health Centre was constructed at Healesville Victoria in 2007. It was awarded the William Wardel Institutional Architecture Award in 2006, and in 2008 the Premiers Design Award. This building allows visitors to interact with the activities of a Veterinary hospital.^[3] The building holds an operating theatre, laboratory and examination room, all of which are only sectioned off with glass walls. This allows people visiting the facility to visually witness all of the procedures in operation all the while the hospital still maintains the necessary protection needed to function. Additionally the vet in the laboratory can communicate verbally to the people watching and increasing a knowledge and awareness of wildlife. In the main gallery above eye level, the surface of the ceiling is a formalized mathematical concept known as costa surface its used to embellish Minfie Van Schaiks interest in combining mathematics and architecture. In order to eliminate the need for mechanical cooling in the public library MvS have used the central ventricle to function as a passive ventilation duct.^[4]

Victorian College of the Arts Centre for Ideas

The Victorian College of the Arts Centre for ideas was a building constructed in 2000 for Melbourne University. It was awarded in 2004 the Australian Institute of Architects prize for Best New Institutional Building.^[5] The Centre functions as teaching and office spaces and a library. The primary motivation behind this design was to represent movement from the virtual into reality. Minifie van Schaik conveyed this decision through the gradients of colour on the public stairs and external canopy. Additionally they maintained their drive through the choice of a stainless steel façade that is textured and reflective.^[6]

Project lists

Alice Smith School, KL
RMIT New Academic Street, Melbourne
Hero Lobby Upgrade, Melbourne
Dehan Hotel City, Tianjin
Star Voyager, ACMI
Super-Yacht City, Qinhuangdao
Wattle Avenue House, Mildura
Emoh Ruo, London / Mildura
Eastern Park & Geelong Botanical Gardens Vistor’s Centre
Cafe Bourgeois, Melbourne Docklands
About Face, 2009 Think Brick Competition
59a Bourke Street, Melbourne
Apartment 905, Melbourne
The New Harbour Esplanade, Melbourne Docklands
Palm Deira Corniche, Dubai
Sugar Station Confectionery chain, Melbourne
Carlton Brewery Development, Melbourne
Australian Wildlife Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne
Entrance Pavilion, Melbourne
Wetlands Discovery Centre, Edithvale, Victoria
Vietnamese Cultural & Community Centre, Maribyrnong
Valley Lake EcoHousing, Niddrie
Sustainable Housing (International Competition, Finalist)
City of Skyscrapers (Competition, Winner), Ljublana
Saatchi & Saatchi, Lobby/Gallery, Sydney
Millennium Hilton Ballroom & Function Centre, Bangkok
Millennium Hilton Health Club, Bangkok
Deakin University Courtyard, Burwood
OverLogo Installation, Melbourne
Melbourne University Museum Courtyard, Melbourne
Victorian College of the Arts Centre for Ideas, Melbourne
Victorian College of the Arts Library, Melbourne
Victorian College of the Arts Union Facilities & Cafeteria, Melbourne
Docklands Design Frameworks, Vic Harbour, Yarra Waters and North West Precincts, Melbourne
University of Sydney Public Domain (Competition, Finalist) Sydney
Grand Egyptian Museum (Competition, Exhibited), Egypt
Shuishe Waterfront Park (Competition) Taiwan
Yantai Coal Economic College (Competition, Finalist) China
Yarra’s Edge Windscreens, (Competition, Finalist) Melbourne
Marina Line Underground Railway (Competition, Finalist) Singapore
RMIT University Student Hub, Melbourne
RMIT University Media Centre & Union Facilities, Melbourne<ref> http://www.mvsarchitects.com.au/doku.php?id=home:projects2. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

Awards and Honors

2012 Premier's Design Award

Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

2012 Master Builders Association - Excellence in Construction Award Victoria

Best Sustainable Energy Project Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

2012 Australian Institute of Architects award, New Public Architecture

Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre

2012 Australian Institute of Architects award Residential Alterations and Additions

Wattle Avenue House

2008 Premiers Design Award for Cultural Architecture

Australian Wildlife Healthcare Centre

2007 Carlton Brewery Redevelopment Competition, Winner
2006 Royal Australian Institute of Architects William Wardell Institutional Architecture Award Australian Wildlife Healthcare Centre
2005 City of Skyscrapers International Competition, second place
2004 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Institutional Architecture Award Victorian College of the Arts Centre for Ideas
2003 University of Sydney Public Domain International Design Competition, Finalist
2003 RAIA/Austrade Development Award for export to the China market
2002 Australasian Campus Union Manager’s Association Award for Best Facility Renovation RMIT Union/Hub
2003 University of Sydney Public Domain International Design Competition, Finalist
2002 Yantai Coal Economic College International Design Competition, Finalist
2002 Yarra’s Edge Windscreens Design Competition Finalist
2000 Marina Line Singapore International Design Competition, Finalist
1996 RMIT Swanston Street Facade Competition First Prize (with Appleton and McIntyre)
1995 Circular Quay Redevelopment Competition Commendation (with Appleton and McIntyre)^[1]

Publications

'13 “New Suburban” by Stuart Harrison, publisher Thames and Hudson
'12 “Momentum. New Victorian Architecture” for the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, published by Miegunyah Press
'12 Houses Magazine “Wattle Avenue House” by Robert Nelson, Issue 88
'12 The Age Newspaper “Leaning to Past Designs” by Ann Pilmer, August 19th 2012
'12 Sunraysia Daily “Inspired by Region: House wins award” by Allyson Fonseca, August 15th 2012
'12 The Age Newspaper “Inspired by the Hides of Marsh” by Joe Rollo, April 13th 2012
'12 The Age Newspaper “Wandering Between the Lines” by Dylan Rainforth, April 4th 2012
'12 Architecture Australia “With All the Views” by Paul Carter, volume 101
'12 Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture, ed Phillip Goad and Julie Willis, publisher Cambridge
'10 MvS Architects exhibited in “Biodivercity - 47 important ideas and technologies for the urban environment ” at the Australian Embassy Gallery, Washington.
'09 Architectural Review Australia “About Face 2009” by Matthew Ward, volume 112
'07 Architect Victoria “The New Carlton Brewery Site” by Ross Brewin & Paul Dash, Spring Edition
‘07 “Next Wave - Emerging Talents in Australian Architecture” ” by Davina Jackson, publisher Thames and Hudson
‘07 “Architecture and Design - Australia” ” editor Sabina Marinos, publisher daab cologne
‘06 “Design City Melbourne” ” by Leon van Schaik, publisher Wiley
‘06 Architecture Australia “Australian Wildlife Health Centre” Mar/Apr
‘06 Mark Magazine (Amsterdam) Issue 02 “Letter from Melbourne”
‘05 “10x10_2 100 Architects, 10 Critics” by Davina Jackson, publisher Phaidon
‘05 “Mastering Architecture” by Leon van Schaik, publisher Wiley Academy
‘05 Architectural Review Australia “AR Next”
‘04 Architecture Australia “Saying and Doing” Mar/Apr
‘04 Colorfulness Magazine (Beijing) “Architecture Expression on City Spirit” Oct
‘04 Vogue Living “Impressed Metal” Sep/Oct.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c "Minifie van Schaik Company Profile". Retrieved 2 May 2014.
^ "Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre". Manifie van Schaik Architects. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
^ Manifie van Schaik. "The Australian Wildlife Health Centre". Retrieved 2 May 2014.
^ Minifie van Schaik. "The Australian Wildlife Health Centre". Retrieved 2 May 2014.
^ Minifie van Schaik. "Victorian College of the Arts for Ideas". Retrieved 2 May 2014.
^ Minifie van Schaik. "Brent Allpress, "Digital Interface: VCA Centre for Ideas, Minifie Nixon"". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Gab-kom-ols/sandbox&action=submit#^[1] ^[2]

^ Cite error: The named reference Brent Allpress, "Digital Interface: VCA Centre for Ideas, Minifie Nixon" was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Cite error: The named reference Minifie van Schaik Company Profile was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[Minifie_van_Schaik_Company_Profile-1] "Minifie van Schaik Company Profile". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[Edithvale_Seaford_Wetlands_Discovery_Centre-2] "Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre". Manifie van Schaik Architects. Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[The_Australian_Wildlife_Health_Centre-3] Manifie van Schaik. "The Australian Wildlife Health Centre". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[4] Minifie van Schaik. "The Australian Wildlife Health Centre". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[Victorian_College_of_the_Arts_for_Ideas-5] Minifie van Schaik. "Victorian College of the Arts for Ideas". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[Brent_Allpress,_"Digital_Interface:_VCA_Centre_for_Ideas,_Minifie_Nixon"-6] Minifie van Schaik. "Brent Allpress, "Digital Interface: VCA Centre for Ideas, Minifie Nixon"". Retrieved 2 May 2014.

[Brent_Allpress,_"Digital_Interface:_VCA_Centre_for_Ideas,_Minifie_Nixon"-7] Cite error: The named reference Brent Allpress, "Digital Interface: VCA Centre for Ideas, Minifie Nixon" was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[Minifie_van_Schaik_Company_Profile-8] Cite error: The named reference Minifie van Schaik Company Profile was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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