The Institute was proud to help launch the first ever Urban Week in Canberra – a collaboration between eight built environment peak bodies to explore how Australia can build more resilient, liveable and prosperous cities.
Bringing together parliamentarians, senior government officials, industry leaders and practitioners, Urban Week was a chance to help ensure the voice of the architectural profession was represented in conversations about housing, cities, sustainability, infrastructure, and the future growth of our communities.
The centrepiece of the week was a parliamentary breakfast event, co-hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Housing, Parliamentary Friends of Cities, and Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design. A number of parliamentarians from across the political spectrum were in attendance, with the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Housing and Minister for Cities, addressing the meeting. Institute National President David Wagner FRAIA also addressed the group, speaking on the importance of Density Done Well.
Other highlights from the week included a roundtable with Senator the Hon James McGrath, Shadow Minister for Cities, a roundtable with senior public officials across key portfolios relevant to the built environment – Treasury, DCCEEW, and Infrastructure – a public lecture, a Canberra study tour, and more.
While much of the Institute’s policy and government engagement takes place behind the scenes throughout the year, Urban Week was a unique opportunity to bring architects directly into the rooms where critical decisions are being shaped.
It creates space for frank conversations between the profession and government, and helps ensure design expertise is part of national policy discussions.
Importantly, the week strengthened relationships that support the Institute’s advocacy efforts year-round. Effective advocacy is built on trusted relationships and consistent engagement, and Urban Week provided valuable opportunities to develop both.
As the national voice of the profession, the Institute remains committed to ensuring architects have a seat at the table when decisions about our cities, homes and communities are being made.