Dr Carmen Fiol-Costa, from Barcelona, has been selected as the inaugural Australian Institute of Architects Droga Architect in Residence, and arrives in Sydney to take up her three-month residency in early March.

The unique architecture residency program – the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – will encourage the exploration of new approaches, the exchange of ideas, international collaboration and cross fertilisation.

Co-founder of Arriola & Fiol Arquitectes in Barcelona, Dr Fiol-Costa is an architect, urban designer and landscape architect renowned for highlighting the importance of the public realm within the scope of her architectural projects.

With a focus on urban regeneration, Fiol-Costa’s body of built works ranges from large-scale urban developments and housing projects to the successful production of a series of urban furniture and lighting fixtures.

‘Dr Fiol-Costa exemplifies the vision of the Institute through her commitment to design excellence, social wellbeing and environmental responsibility,’ National President Paul Berkemeier said.

While in Australia, Dr Fiol-Costa will work in collaboration with the University of Sydney, the Office of the NSW Government Architect, the Institute and local government to develop case studies for enhancing urban spaces through architecture. She will participate in a program of public and private events and activities that engage students, architects, design enthusiasts and the wider community.

Dr Fiol-Costa will also be presenting lectures and seminars for a number of programs including the  Bruny Island Utzon Series with the University of Tasmania, the Thursday Night Lecture Series in conjunction with the University of Sydney and the lecture series at the University of Canberra.

Dr Fiol-Costa will stay at the award-winning Droga Apartment, Surry Hills, which has been generously gifted for use as an architect residency, by cultural philanthropist Daniel Droga.

Visit http://wp.architecture.com.au/residence/ for more information and event program.