The Gold Coast woman educating the architects of our future

If buildings were sound, architecture is music, according to this Gold Coast Women of the Year nominee. Perhaps that’s why she was nominated at least 24 times.

ARCHITECTURE is what makes a good city great, according to this nominee in the Gold Coast Women of the Year awards.

Nominated by more than a dozen students for the Champion of Education award, Associate Professor Karine Dupre, who is program director of Architecture and Design at Griffith University, is known for her passion for design and truly believes it can change the world.

“I have been told I breathe architecture,” the French national laughed.

Karine Dupre is a popular Griffith University lecturer has been nominated by at least 24 of her students for the education award. Karine with one of her students work. Picture Glenn Hampson

N OMINATE HERE FOR GOLD COAST WOMEN OF THE YEAR

“But that is only because I truly believe it can change everything.

“Architecture is the difference between just another building and adding to the quality of life of a community for years to come.

“If we change enough buildings we can change a city; change enough cities you can change the world.”

A globe trotter by nature, Ms Dupre — who also spent years in Finland — decided to take the leap and moved to the Gold Coast five years ago to pursue her second passion, teaching.

Prof Karine Dupre. Picture Glenn Hampson

GOLD COAST WOMEN OF THE YEAR: JASMINE ROBSON

“I want to help architects with ethics become leaders and creators of their communities,” she said.

Though the glitter strip’s skyline of glass, metal and high-rises isn’t often celebrated, Ms Dupre said locals needed to appreciate the style of their city more.

She sees the Gold Coast’s design as a reflection of the egalitarianism of the city.

“You look across the Gold Coast and you see all the balconies facing out to the ocean,” she said.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR 50C A DAY

“You don’t see that in a lot of countries. In France only the rich can look out on to the water. In London there are private parks. Here on the Gold Coast the buildings reflect how everyone shares nature and how they all see it as an equal.

“To me that is a great sign of in-built democracy, and that is really interesting.”

Ms Dupre said she wanted architecture students to become part of political conversations on the future of the country.

“Architecture takes in every aspect of life.’’

The Gold Coast Bulletin’s inaugural Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year campaign celebrates the city’s leading females.