Byron architect, Christine Vadasz, describes herself as an ‘organic architect’ and has been awarded a Life Fellowship by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).
Christine has designed structures from the award-winning Bedarra Island Resort, to private residences and the local ‘ying-yang’ Mullumbimby public toilet behind the IGA.
‘Christine’s designs have demonstrated her mastery in creating aesthetically striking spaces and harmoniously integrating them into their environments,’ said the AIA when they presented Christine with her award.
‘Her dedication to environmental design extends beyond her architectural practice; Christine has passionately advocated for sustainable architecture as a guest lecturer, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of architects,’ said the AIA.
Working with the land, rocks, trees, and plants
Working with the land, with the rocks, with trees, and plants is an essential part of her approach to architecture, Chrstine told The Echo.
‘I’ve always worked with the land. For me, a good house is a house you can’t see,’ she explained.
‘That is the ultimate compliment I can get: “Oh there’s a house on that beautiful piece of land?”.’
Christine’s connection the area goes back to working for radical architect Bill Lucas in Sydney, who was part of the Aquarius Festival.
‘I came up to design a house at Wategos Beach and stayed.’
Wanted to change the world
‘We wanted to change the world,’ she said with a smile.
‘For me, architecture is about blending in with the environment because the Earth is the most important thing we have, and we should celebrate it rather than overcome it. Like Indigenous Australians, we need to live with Country rather than desecrate it.’
Christine says architects are designing structures for other people and ‘we need people to build to their needs, rather than for a statement about their wealth’.
This region is very special
‘This region is very special. We stand on land that has been protected and cared for by local First Nations people for millennia. We latecomers all love it so much, but we also have to honour the heritage of our local Indigenous peoples,’ she said.
‘When a client comes to you, especially from somewhere else, you need to help them understand the environment they are entering into, and not build something that degrades the area.
‘You don’t need to build to the maximum of the site, just because a client wishes it. Build to their needs, but keep the needs of the site and the community in mind as well.
‘It should be a balancing act between the client’s request and needs of the environment, e.g. the contours of the land, the way the water flows around the site, trees, rocks, plants, the sun, air, views, and the needs of our native animals as well as humans who may also use the site’.
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