Bond University has introduced a new school established to meet the growing demand for sustainably built environments.

The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture will open in January 2011 for architects with specialisation in ecologically and socially sustainable built environment design.

The University’s new school is a result of a donationt from Bond University alumnus parent Soheil Abedian and group founder of Sunland Group.

Head of the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, Professor George Earl, will oversee the establishment of the School.

"The demand to design living environments that are sustainable and to address climate change issues are increasing exponentially," he says.

"Climate change has required we evolve the way we design buildings. Two years ago, the school undertook a survey of green rated building in Australia with 12 projects identified. The survey is currently being repeated but with 140 projects now participating."

Students will experience first-hand the benefits and requirements of a sustainably designed building as classes will be held in the 6 star Green Star design rated Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building – Australia’s first higher education building to receive the elite design rating.

Over the next year, Soheil will chair a panel of industry experts including Chris Gee, the Gold Coast’s Queensland Government architect, to establish the program’s curriculum.

In accordance with the Australian accreditation standards, students are required to complete both undergraduate and postgraduate programs before receiving their qualifications.

The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture will offer 50 commencing places in 2011 for the six-semester undergraduate program.