Join AWP for a presentation of Josh Sanoria's thesis work, Queeriosities of Space.

Architecture with Pride are thrilled to be hosting Josh Sanoria, winner of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ 2024 Resene Student Design Award for one night only in Sydney. Josh joins us from Aotearoa New Zealand, to present his winning thesis project 'Queeriosities of Space'.

Queeriosities of Space examines cross-cultural expressions, interpretations and differences of queer spaces in the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand.

In the Philippines, same-sex marriage remains prohibited, with no legal protections against public discrimination. In contrast, New Zealand recognises marriage equality and enforces anti-discrimination laws under the Human Rights Act 1993. Despite these protections, Josh's life in New Zealand unmasked the presence of exclusion, particularly in private spaces promoted online, raising questions about the strength of queer acceptance in Aotearoa.

The notions of ‘queer’ and ‘queer spaces’ are explored through theories that critique and challenge traditional architecture. This research takes a design-led, speculative approach developed through community engagement in both locations and presents two distinct design outcomes that reflect the queer communities in the Philippines and Aotearoa. Each outcome explores its own unique programmatic use, scale, and site and highlights how human experiences can influence creating queer spaces.

By employing a methodology that blends ethnographic research, spatial analysis and speculative design, Queeriosities of Space positions queer spaces as sites of resilience, creativity and self-expression - ultimately aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersections between spatial occupation and identity, offering new perspectives for designing inclusive built environments.

Hang around for a Q&A and some casual networking following Josh's presentation Drinks and nibbles provided, of course!

This event will take place on the land of the Gadi people. Always was, always will be.

Hassell’s Sydney design studio is a fully accessible venue. Please reach out to us with any questions or accessibility requirements at hello@architecturewithpride.com.au.

Header image: A model from Josh Sanoria's thesis project titled 'The Dolls House - Emergence of the Closeted Space'. The small dolls house has a dark exterior, with a transparent central third, exposing a colourful interior.

AWP 2025 sponsors