Alexander Fragiacomo

Hi! My name is Alex Fragiacomo, and I'm an Architectural design student at Swinburne University of Technology.

Beginning my education journey in engineering, I learned I always had a deep interest in wanting to design Spaces and structures rather than solving their feasibility, leading me to pursue my interests towards architecture.

This transition led to my fascination with how architects were able to adapt spaces and forms to evoke emotions and functions within space. Accompanying this, I also have a particular interest in biophilic design - Driven by my personal enjoyment of the outdoors and wanting to integrate it within.

Whilst intending to further expand my degree by completing a master’s in architecture soon, I wish to also explore what further drives my passion, whether that be through travel or through exploring roles within the occupation.

Currently, my ambition lies within Boutique residential dwellings, but I am open to the exploration of commercial or other architectural-related roles.

Unified Haven

Unified Haven is a mixed-use community centre designed to foster a communal spirit, bringing people together through spaces of wellness, learning, and leisure. The architectural form promotes openness and unity – creating a haven where people can express connection and growth.

Construction + Detail

Delving beyond just form, the construction detail of ‘Unified Haven’ expresses how structures and material expression reinforce the idea of social intent and special porosity. This axonometric exposes the detailed construction systems that bind key elements, turning the project into a unified whole.

Architectural exploration with AI

This architectural workshop explored the conceptual potential of 'Midjourney' as a design tool to envision new urban spaces within Melbourne CBD. Focusing on the rejuvenation of an existing derelict laneway, this project reimagines it as a vibrant residential community. Through the integration of digital exploration and architectural thinking, previously overlooked urban strands are brought into spaces of connection, liability, and renewal.

Wominjeka Place

Blurring the boundary between land and water, this mixed-use project embraces the Aboriginal belief that no boundary is ever fixed but constantly shaped by nature's rhythms. The design integrates architecture with the surrounding landscape, allowing water, vegetation, and the built form to coexist in a continuous transition. Creating a space that celebrates connection and a fluid connection between people and place.

Sensory Biome

Within Federation Square Melbourne. The ‘Sensory Biome’ creates a refuge from the intense urban environment of Melbourne CBD. The sensory Biome is conceived as a sunken microclimate harnessing the properties lush vegetation, and soft resonance of flowing water – Together these elements reduce the environmental sound, turning this sunken courtyard int a sensory retreat.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.