PhD Scholarship: Designing Dignity – Civic Equity through Public Bathroom Architecture (ARC Discovery Project, XYX Lab)
This fully funded PhD scholarship at Monash University offers an outstanding opportunity to join the ARC Discovery Project “Designing Dignity: Civic equity through public bathroom architecture,” led by Professors Nicole Kalms and Emily Potter. The project, based in the renowned XYX Lab within the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, focuses on reimagining public bathroom amenities as vital civic infrastructure and social assets in Australian cities. The research aims to shift the perception of public bathrooms from purely functional spaces to inclusive, multipurpose environments that foster civic innovation, social inclusion, and community care.
The successful candidate will undertake original research aligned with the Discovery Project’s agenda, using place-based and participatory methods to explore how public bathroom architecture can promote dignity and equity. The project draws on critical urbanism, gender-sensitive design, and narrative approaches to examine the intersection of socio-cultural and spatial dynamics in urban design, architecture, and policy. The XYX Lab is a leader in inclusive urban design, bringing together interdisciplinary researchers, planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders to address the needs of underrepresented groups in urban spaces.
The scholarship provides a generous living allowance of $36,063 per annum (2025 rate, tax-free and indexed), full tuition fee remission, relocation allowance (up to $1,000 for interstate and $1,500 for overseas students), and single coverage of Overseas Student Healthcare Cover (OSHC) for up to 57 months for international students. The position is open to candidates with a background in architecture, urban design/planning, geography, or co-design, and a demonstrated interest in innovative, participatory research methodologies. Both written thesis and practice-based research applications are welcome.
Applicants must meet Monash HDR entry requirements and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including a CV and research proposal. The proposal should outline theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches relevant to the project, with a focus on comparative case study, place-based research, and participatory co-design. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to discuss their ideas with Professor Kalms before submitting a full application. The application deadline is 8 April 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit the Monash University careers portal or contact Professor Nicole Kalms directly via email. Join a vibrant international research community and contribute to innovative research shaping the future of inclusive urban design in Australia.
