A MESSAGE FROM THE VICTORIAN PRESIDENT

The Density Done Well exhibition, curated by the Housing Committee of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, was officially launched last week at Parliament House. It brings into focus one of the most urgent challenges facing Victoria: how to meet housing demand through increased density – without compromising on liveability, sustainability or community wellbeing. Complemented by three interactive sessions on the day hosted by the institute, the housing committee and many of the contributing architects, each was extremely well attended by a broad range of policy-makers at all levels of government, including the Honourable Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning and representatives from Housing Choices Australia, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Development Victoria, Infrastructure Victoria and Homes Victoria.

Set against the backdrop of Victoria’s projected population growth to over 10 million by 2051, the exhibition showcases over 30 architecturally designed housing projects across a range of scales, densities and dwelling types. From 42 to 760 dwellings per hectare, the featured projects demonstrate that good design – not just planning reform – is essential to delivering homes that people want to live in. Grounded in the Institute’s five housing policy pillars, Density Done Well puts resident experience front and centre, asking: Would you choose to live here? With key messages around biodiversity, social equity, sustainability and neighbourhood integration, the exhibition advances a constructive public narrative around density.

Following its launch at Parliament House, the exhibition will be on display from this week at the Brickworks Design Studio, inviting policy makers, industry, and the wider public into an informed conversation about the future of housing in Victoria.

I’m also pleased to invite nominations for our five annual Victorian Chapter Prizes: the Enabling Architecture Prize, Gender Equity and Diversity Prize, Regional Practice Prize, Social and Affordable Housing Prize, and Sustainability Leadership Prize. These awards recognise leadership and impact across Victoria’s built environment. Nominations are free and open to individuals, practices and organisations, including both architects and other contributors to the built environment. You can nominate yourself or others via our website. Entries close 28 August, and winners will be announced at our end-of-year Honours event. We look forward to celebrating your contributions to a better built future.