Portfolio of Professional Publications 2015-2019 (Elizabeth Grant)

BACKGROUND: Research activity in the architectural disciplines takes place within and without the academy. In order to communicate with this broad community of research, not just to reflect upon developments outside the university but also to interact with that community, architectural researchers working in universities must publish their research in professional journals and magazines. While these publications do not subject submissions to the blind review process used by scholarly journals, all work submitted for publication by these outlets is subject to peer assessment. CONTRIBUTION: The three articles together demonstrate her contribution to the field of Indigenous Architecture. In ‘The Architecture of Detention,’ she writes about custodial environments for asylum seekers. Drawing on her investigations into contemporary Indigenous architecture, practice and discourse, these articles discuss significant Australian architectural practices and projects, to reflect upon and lead to greater understandings of the needs of not only Indigenous prisoners but various minority groups held in custody. SIGNIFICANCE: A significant research impact is Grant’s revision of Australian history around the national landmark Derby ‘Prison’ Tree, discussed in the article ‘Dark Tourism.’ Collaborative research and subsequent publications with historian, Dr Kristyn Harman (University of Tasmania) dispelled the myth that the heritage listed boab tree had ever been used as a site of incarceration. This attracted national and international media attention and was featured in the National Geographic Magazine (Cathy Newman 2017). These shorter works play a significant role in disseminating Grant’s scholarly research to the broader public. Her writings have had profound impact on promoting a dynamic culture of discourse and practice in Indigenous architecture, and play a critical role in her leadership in this area.