The Density Done Well exhibition, curated by the Victorian Chapter Housing Committee of the Australian Institute of Architects, has exceeded expectations by sparking meaningful conversations across all levels of government and the built environment. What began as a curated display of exemplary housing projects has evolved into one of the Institute’s most successful advocacy initiatives in recent years.
Launched at Parliament House on 30 July 2025, the exhibition was formally opened by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny alongside Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner LFRAIA, signalling strong political recognition from the outset. Victorian Chapter President Stephanie Bullock FRAIA and Housing Committee Chair Sarah Buckeridge LFRAIA delivered opening remarks that underscored the significance of both the exhibition and the accompanying position paper, highlighting their value to the wider community. Showcasing thirty architect-designed multi-residential projects from across Victoria, the exhibition demonstrated how density, when guided by design excellence, can enrich neighbourhoods and enhance liveability.
The exhibition’s intentional advocacy outcomes were clear. It strengthened ties with state government ministers and departmental staff, drew the attention of local councillors and planning officers, and reinforced existing partnerships with allied organisations such as Open House Melbourne and industry partners Brickworks and Lysaght. In doing so, it positioned the Institute at the centre of discussions on how to address Victoria’s housing needs through thoughtful design.
Equally remarkable were the unanticipated outcomes, which underscored just how receptive government and industry are to architectural leadership on housing policy. The Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA), with support from the Department of Transport and Planning, invited the exhibition to be displayed for four weeks in its foyer at 1 Spring Street – placing the projects directly in front of hundreds of government staff daily. Building on this, OVGA is convening a panel discussion and lecture on Density Done Well, expected to attract around 100 senior staff from DTP, Homes Victoria, and the Department of Precincts.
Beyond state government, local councils have expressed interest in hosting the exhibition in town halls and civic buildings, recognising its potential to inform local planning conversations. International publisher Thames & Hudson has also signalled interest in developing a nationally coordinated book inspired by the exhibition – a testament to its resonance well beyond Victoria.
These outcomes demonstrate that architects’ perspectives on housing density are of great interest to decision-makers and the broader built environment sector. By providing tangible examples of “good density” – projects people would genuinely want to live in – the exhibition has helped shift the conversation from abstract policy debates to concrete, design-led solutions.
The ability of Density Done Well to cut through demonstrates the Institute’s capacity to influence not just the political agenda, but also the way the public and industry professionals perceive housing reform. It has created a shared language of quality and liveability at a time when housing supply pressures are dominating the national debate.
The success of the exhibition is the result of dedicated efforts by the Housing Committee, chaired by Sarah Buckeridge LFRAIA. Working alongside her were James Legge FRAIA, Rob McGauran LFRAIA, Victoria Reeves FRAIA, David Wagner FRAIA, Ben Keck, Tobias Pond RAIA, Maria Danos FRAIA, and Simon Knott FRAIA. Their collective vision, expertise, and commitment brought the exhibition to life and ensured it resonated with audiences far beyond the architectural profession.
The momentum generated by Density Done Well presents opportunities for further roll-out, both within Victoria and nationally. With strong interest from government, local councils, and publishers, the exhibition has proven that good design is not only desirable but central to solving Australia’s housing challenges.
As conversations around housing density intensify, Density Done Well shows that architects are not just participants in the debate, but leaders capable of shaping its direction.