Leon van Schaik
Innovation Professor of Architecture
Office of the PVC
RMIT University
leon.vanschaik@rmit.edu.au
Web page

As an architect, Leon has worked on self-help and conventional housing; designed and built complex educational buildings, art galleries and factories; and provided design leadership to the innovative RMIT Technology Estate and the ecologically responsive RMIT initiative in Vietnam. He has chaired the University Campus Planning Committee and has instituted a process of consultant appointment that has transformed RMIT’s reputation for Architecture and Urban Design through award winning buildings.

As an academic, Leon has developed a practice based research program for architects and designers whose work already demonstrates mastery in their field. The Practice of Practice, the fourth volume documenting this work, was published in 2003. Leon’s research interest focuses on the ways in which architectural intelligence can support new learning environments – real and virtual, and he is leading an initiative that links researchers into real and virtual learning concourses.

Leon also actively promotes local cultures of architecture internationally. At the Venice Biennale 2000, in the 7th International Exhibition of Architecture, he was Commissioner for Australia. He was also on the advisory board for the 2003 Netherlands Architecture Biennale.