Researcher

Associate Professor Dijana Alic

My Expertise

I am internationally recognised for my research on the relationship between architecture and society in its multiple representations. This ranges from discussions of war and national identity, to social and affordable housing. 
The breadth of my interests is reflected in my publications – from exploring multiculturalism and city-making in my work on the ethnic clubs of Sydney, to publishing a book on social housing in collaboration with TU Vienna.

Biography

I am an Associate Professor at UNSW in the Arts, Design and Architecture faculty, and a UNSW Scientia Fellow. I have more than twenty years of academic experience, which underpin my appointment to leadership positions, as Program Coordinator for the Master of Architecture UNSW (2012-17), the Associate Dean of Education in the Faculty of Built Environment (2017 to 2020) and as a part of the UNSW Built Environment Executive team. The breadth and...view more

I am an Associate Professor at UNSW in the Arts, Design and Architecture faculty, and a UNSW Scientia Fellow. I have more than twenty years of academic experience, which underpin my appointment to leadership positions, as Program Coordinator for the Master of Architecture UNSW (2012-17), the Associate Dean of Education in the Faculty of Built Environment (2017 to 2020) and as a part of the UNSW Built Environment Executive team. The breadth and depth of my qualifications and experience provide me with a great deal of authority in this field and brings credibility to my academic work. 


My Qualifications

PhD (UNSW), MArch (UNSW), BArch (Sarajevo)


My Research Activities

I have a keen interest in exploring the connection between the built environment and its social, political, and cultural contexts. 
My current research is focused on a comprehensive survey of more than 60 buildings serving Sydney’s diverse immigrant groups. The work explores the relationship between multiculturalism and city-making, and how migrants influence and are influenced by the fabric of the city. 
My ongoing research interest in social and affordable housing was published in collaboration with the TU Vienna in At Home in Vienna - Zuhause in Wien: Studies of exemplary affordable housing (Alic & Jadric, 2019). 
My research on war and architecture is ongoing and has generated more than 20 publications, including the recent book chapter in Architecture on the Borderline: Boundary Politics and Built Space (Pieris, 2019). 


My Research Supervision


Areas of supervision

My experience in both traditional and design-based research has equipped me well to supervise research students across multiple fields of enquiry. My research record testifies to my interdisciplinary approach and global reach.
I value diverse learning communities and equal opportunity and ensure to uphold these principles in my research and supervision on the intersection of architecture, politics, and society.
My research supervision includes topics concerning the social context of architecture, such as social and affordable housing, issues of multi-culturalism and the impact of immigration on built environments, as well as critical investigations of war and architecture, modernity, regionalism and national identity.


Currently supervising

I am currently supervising four higher-degree research candidates, three PhD students and one MPhil.


My Engagement

I am a long-term member of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand and have been a regular presenter at its annual conferences. I also support the wider scholarly community in peer reviewing local and international journals and conferences. 
I have an active role in the Accreditation Review Panel of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. I am an assessor on the Council’s Overseas Accreditation and Accreditation Review Panel (Stage 1 and Stage 2). 


My Teaching

My outstanding commitment to evidence-based teaching practices has been internationally recognised by the Higher Education Academy which awarded me a highly prestigious Senior Fellowship (SFHEA). I was also appointed as a UNSW Scientia Education Academy Fellow in 2018 (total of 40 academics at UNSW), recognising my commitment and contribution to architectural education. My interest in the intersection of architecture, politics and society, has placed me in a unique position to mentor students and create distinctive, interdisciplinary courses/projects. 

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Location

Red Centre West Wing, Room 4025

Contact

9385 4817
+61 2 9385 4507