24th May 2007
A multi-award winning leading Sydney architect, Alec Tzannes, will this week be appointed as the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ (RAIA) 68th National President, taking office tomorrow, Friday 25 May.
Mr Tzannes, who celebrates 30 years as a practicing architect this year, is best known for projects in Sydney - including the award-winning Federation Pavilion and Federation Place in Centennial Park, the current Carlton United Brewery site master-plan at Broadway, and the Symond Residence at Point Piper. He has worked on projects in the ACT, Melbourne and Adelaide, and provided urban design advice in Queensland.
Mr Tzannes is widely known as the founder of leading architectural practice Tzannes Associates, as an advocate for greater government funding and commitment to the public realm, and for Australia’s renewed presence at the most important architectural forum in the world, the Venice Architecture Biennale.
As RAIA National President, Mr Tzannes’ key priorities are to:
·Advocate for significant improvements to international and national environmental policy through sustainable cities and architecture.
·Advocate at state and local government for the overhaul of planning and environmental law including new operational frameworks to improve architecture in all local government jurisdictions.
·Improve the cultural representation of Australian architecture internationally and nationally, recognising the diverse practice of RAIA members and the exceptional contribution of architects to Australian urban environmental challenges.
·Foster authoritative, reliable architectural discourse and continuing education for the benefit of architects and all Australians interested in the betterment of the built environment.
In line with these priorities, Mr Tzannes will focus on several key strategic initiatives, including the:
·Support of communities that require significant help with basic shelter and services through the RAIA’s Indigenous Housing Taskforce and other initiatives.
·Engagement with the Federal Government to improve environmental policy and the recognition of the value of well-designed public infrastructure and community facilities.
·Support for the discussion and exhibition of architecture throughout the nation.
·Development of greater dialogue between architectural educators and leading practicing architects
·Development of the Venice Architecture Biennale as the leading exhibition of Australian architecture
Mr Tzannes takes up the 12-month President’s position following the RAIA’s AGM in Canberra tomorrow.
For more information, images or to arrange a media interview, contact: Trish Croaker on 0408 756 163; or Kirsten Trengove on 0439 555427.
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The Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing more than 10,000 members across Australia and overseas. The RAIA actively works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.
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