A whirlwind publicity tour for her new project – the first in a series of ten books showcasing the winners of the Australian National Architecture Awards – has brought now-Shanghai based photographer Katarina Stübe back to Sydney.

It was in Sydney that Stübe’s passion for architecture was born, when she arrived in 2001 to study architectural technology and design, and selected photography as her sub major.

“I loved to spend time on building sites and to capture the progress of buildings under construction. I loved to watch the impact of sun and change in light on buildings; how this impacts on the mood of a building and its overall appearance.”

Sydney introduced Stübe to the work of Jørn Utzon. She was immediately drawn to the iconic Opera House.

“I was so in awe of this amazing structure… I loved the ‘lightness’ of his designs, the form of structures and the raw materials he uses, often inspired by nature.”

Stübe was inspired to self-publish a book recounting Utzon’s life and achievements, through which she developed a close bond with the architect.

Utzon showed Stübe a new way of seeing things. One of Stübe’s fondest memories of the architect is a story he told her about taking his design team to a frozen-over lake outside their Denmark office.

“He wanted to ‘draw’ the Sydney Opera House in the snow to get a better understanding of its scale. He and his team left their footsteps in the snow, outlining the floor plan, and it helped them get a much better picture of what they were designing,” said Stübe.

The INSPIRE book series, Stübe’s latest project, continues her love affair with architecture in Australia.

Stübe at the Hong Kong launch of the INSPIRE book series

“It is remarkable to see what Australia has to offer in regards to great design, innovations in architecture, sustainability achievements within buildings and urban planning.”

INSPIRE is as much a showcase of the amazing recent achievements of Australian architects as an insight into how Stübe sees the world around her.

“I want to cause a reaction within people,” says Stübe.

“It may be thought-provoking or bringing back a memory. I want to show new angles and different views from what people see when they look at the complete building or design.”

The INSPIRE series of books was created in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects.