Origins

 

s-architecture began in 1993 as an email digest initiated by Professor John Macarthur at the University of Queensland. Conceived as a forum for sharing academic opportunities, the platform served as a central hub for announcements on research grants, academic jobs, calls for papers, conferences, and events of interest to academic staff, postgraduate students, and practitioners with a scholarly interest in architecture.

 

Growth and expansion

 

In 2003, Dr Chris Brisbin – then a PhD student of Professor Macarthur – took over the administration of the platform. Over the following decade, s-architecture expanded both in scope and reach. It began to incorporate emerging digital tools such as blogs and Twitter, extending its dissemination capacity and adapting to the evolving landscape of academic communication.

 

A global community

 

Since its inception, s-architecture has grown into a dynamic international network. What began as a simple e-digest has become a platform connecting academics, students, and professionals across the United States, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, Russia, Portugal, France, Spain, Turkey, and beyond.

 

Adapting to change

 

As its membership has expanded, so too has the need to adapt. While the core mission of s-architecture – to support the dissemination of architectural scholarship – remains unchanged, the ways in which people access and interact with content have transformed dramatically. Growing demand for dynamic, multimedia engagement and social media integration has exposed the limitations of the platform’s traditional format, especially given the limited resources available for moderation and technical development.

 

A new chapter with AASA

 

In 2025, s-architecture entered a new phase. It was relaunched under the stewardship of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA), incorporated into the AASA’s broader digital and advocacy platforms. This relaunch preserves s-architecture’s original mission while expanding its relevance to a broader, more multidisciplinary global audience.

 

Since its founding in 1999, the AASA has been a leading advocate for architecture education across Australasia. It champions professional education, research, and policy development in architecture and related disciplines. With AASA’s support, s-architecture is well-positioned to thrive in a changing academic and professional landscape.

 

Looking Ahead

 

This new integration ensures that s-architecture remains a vital hub for architectural dialogue and scholarship – responsive, inclusive, and sustainable – well into the future, long after John and Chris have unknotted their bow ties, set down their clutch pencils, and retired.