Young Bobbie Bayley first found her feet in the world of architecture while travelling on a gap year, and since then her career within the industry has advanced in leaps and bounds.
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While travelling Bobbie found herself mesmerised by the many cathedrals and galleries she encountered and it was then that she knew her interest had been sparked. Today it seems that interest has only strengthened, with Bobbie receiving the prestigious Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, a program that entails a huge amount of hard work, commitment and passion. These are three things Ms Bayley most certainly encompasses.
“Since 1951, young architects have been awarded these scholarships to enable them to travel and broaden their experience, advancing architecture by sharing their insights with the community,” Bobbie says.
“I have been fortunate enough to receive a scholarship of $5000 for the trip I proposed - The Grand Section.
“This is, to cycle across Australia’s 25th latitude, beginning in the east and ending in the west over a time period of 360 days.”
For Bobbie, this trip represents a bicycle and architectural odyssey that questions how where we live can influence the ways in which we live. She believes the trip is one of slowness, to increase an understanding of place, people and the in-between. Of course, this trip isn’t for the fainthearted. Riding a bicycle across our vast landscape, living out of a bag and pitching a tent when you reach your pit stop isn’t exactly your typical years’ worth of work. But it’s exactly what makes this program so exciting. The route has 25 stops, with one week being spent in each place to carry out in depth site analysis. This includes meeting people, collecting hard data, historical data and anecdotal data which comprise how people live.
“I am so excited to be able to experience Australia so personally on a bicycle and all of its variations and intricacies, regardless of how dirty, dusty, hot and sweaty it will most certainly be.”
To find out more, visit the Grand Section website or follow along on facebook and instagram (@thegrandsection). There will also be a farewell event held in Newcastle on February 17 at 822 Hunter Street.
