From the National President

Many chapters are celebrating architecture this month and next with a number of festivals, jam-packed with events, parties, exhibitions and talks. Each of these promotes the value of architecture to the public with diverse programs that are engaging, thought-provoking and fun.

The celebrations began in NT, where it’s a month-long affair (1-31 Oct). The program continues with exhibitions at Parliament House, including the entries from PhotoFest 2013, and a seminar on urban design in remote towns.

In Queensland, Architecture Week launched appropriately on World Architecture Day (7 Oct) with a program of events and culminated in Brisbane Open House Weekend.

Place SA runs through October with a program that is rooted in exploring and sharing what makes a great place, to deepen our understanding of the ecology and conditions, so that we create better places in the future.

WA Architecture Week launches today. Expect a few big announcements: the contemporary projects selected for Augmented Australia exhibition in Venice 2014, the Gil Nicol Prize for a trip to Venice in 2014, the Western Australia Emerging Architect Prize, and the presentation of its newest Institute Life Fellow.

Sydney Architecture Festival runs from 1 to 10 Nov and is Australia’s largest public celebration of architecture. This year, the program is inspired by the curatorial theme of Your Community, Your City and features more than 60 events, from guided architectural tours by bike, boat and on foot, talks, open houses, installations, exhibitions and children’s activities.

The festivities conclude at Hobart Architecture Week (17-23 Nov) – with a program that includes the launch of Open House Hobart, the Young Visions Design Competition, Film Night and a seminar with Hannah Tribe of Tribe Studio.

If you haven’t already, I hope you make the most of your local architecture festival. Spread the word to family, friends and beyond. By encouraging everyone to engage and interact with their local architecture and built environment, the value of these programs cannot be overstated.

 

Paul.

Paul Berkemeier, National President

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