Academic Sandra Kaji-O’Grady and architect John de Manincor have been appointed Creative Directors for the 2013 National Architecture Conference.
The announcement was made on Saturday at the closing session of the sell-out 2012 Conference, experience, held in Brisbane last week. |
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Sandra Kaji-O’Grady and John de Manincor, photograph by Adam Russell
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Following the announcement, the Sydney-based pair outlined their ideas for the conference. The theme, ‘Material’, has evolved from Sandra and John’s own research into this topic:
‘Those working in the industry are all too familiar with traditional building materials. Our intent is to go beyond what is known, to stimulate a reconsideration of ‘material’. Given the opposition between the material and the conceptual – between doing and thinking – we want to restore theory to questions of materiality.’ |
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The conference will provide insight into contemporary material experiments and applications, and challenge existing notions of ‘materiality’. The guest speakers will reflect – theoretically and practically – on materials in architecture, and will range from leading practitioners to researchers working in material laboratories.
‘It is our ambition to deliver new knowledge and current research, as well as that annual injection of inspiration.’
Through their teaching, writing and design practice, Sandra and John have demonstrated a deep commitment to the profession and to the development of its cultural life. They bring complementary views and ideas from their diverse experiences.
‘Creative disagreement and discussion about architecture is central to our partnership. We consider debate and open-ended enquiry to be an essential part of architectural culture and are confident that this approach will enrich the 2013 National Architecture Conference.’
The National Architecture Conference – Material will be held in Melbourne from 30 May – 1 June 2013, co-locating with designEX.
Sandra Kaji-O’Grady and John de Manincor juggle their mutual architectural obsessions with two children, Marita and Xavier.
Sandra is Professor of Architecture at the University of Sydney. John is a registered architect and a founding director of Sydney practice DE MANINCOR RUSSELL ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP (DRAW). John’s practice DRAW operates across the spectrum of professional services, design teaching, writing and research. Sandra is well regarded for her research that investigates the transfer of ideas and techniques from other disciplines and industries to architecture.
For media enquiries contact:
Alexandra Cato
National Media and Communications Officer
Australian Institute of Architects
P: 03 8620 3813 M: 0416 022 818
alexandra.cato@architecture.com.au
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing more than 11,000 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.
Learn more about the Institute, log on to www.architecture.com.au |
