ABOUT
How looking back will help us to face forward?
After decades of dire predictions, the 2020’s have arrived with rolling crises – health, climate, and security. We are saturated with claims of ‘unprecedented times’, assertions that this is the end of business as usual. As a profession, architects are uniquely positioned to use this global inflection point to create a more sustainable and more equitable future.
We have chosen to take this moment to pause and reflect on what has come before, to focus our resolve for how we face the future and shape what is yet to come. With a focus on demonstrated outcomes, we look for architecture that has proven transformative.
With a diversity of voices, we seek to create an ambitious, inclusive and optimistic space from which to face the future of the profession and the planet. We look to embrace culture as a matter of influence. This encompasses the culture/s of the people that create the built environment but also the culture we create within the profession.
We interpret the theme of precedent in two directions: Looking Back and Facing Forward.
Looking Back
Precedents have long guided the study and practice of architecture. As we face the world ahead, what are the precedents that can inform our practice and profession? What can we learn from historic examples of building, modes of practice and collaboration? From a contemporary perspective, we look to engage with subjects that may have been historically overlooked or framed within an exclusionary euro-centric discourse. The intention is not to dwell in the past, but rather to reflect with a fresh contemporary perspective in order to seek wisdom, inspiration and learnings.
Facing Forward
What are the precedents we set today for the future we want tomorrow? What is the field of action where architects can make the most impact? Who are the leaders, both in the profession and wider afield, who are challenging the status quo and demonstrating ways to design, work and collaborate differently? We examine how architecture that serves the collective rather than the individual can make a meaningful impact and celebrate how architectural thinking – spatial implications of interconnected systems – is a uniquely powerful toolset to create an equitable and climate-resilient future.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Chair – Shannon Battisson
Bradley Kerr
Cassandra Keller
Catherine Townsend
Erin Hinton
Kevin Miller
Jane Cassidy
Rob Henry
Sander de Vries
LOCATION
CANBERRA
This year, be part of conference at the country’s political epicentre at ‘the meeting place of the nation’ where key decision makers meet, and brilliant possibilities come to life in Canberra.
Canberra is a vibrant and progressive city, home to influencers and thought leaders driving innovation, knowledge, and research, nationally and globally in a range of key sectors.
Offering an impressive array of museums, galleries and institutions each with a unique experience, Canberra showcases diverse aspects of our nation through architecture, exhibitions and collections at Canberra’s museums, galleries and institutions.
Visit the architecturally acclaimed Australian Parliament House, learn about Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping involvement at the Australian War Memorial or browse through contemporary exhibitions, national art collections and enjoy the rich history and culture at MoAD, the Portrait Gallery, National Museum and National Gallery of Australia. Then head over to the Arboretum and take in the stunning panoramic views of the region.
To experience more of Canberra or to make the most of your time in this vibrant city visit canberraconvention.com.au.
VENUE
The 2023 Australian Architecture Conference will take place 29 – 31 October at The Australian National University, Kambri Cultural Centre located in Canberra.
On Sunday 29 October the official Welcome Function will take place at Aboretum. Further details on the fringe program will be available closer to the event.
On Monday, 30 and Tuesday, 31 October the main conference sessions will be held at the Kambri Cultural Centre at The Australian National University (ANU).
ANU is located at the Acton campus in the heart of Canberra and is an easy walk, bike ride or drive to some of Australia’s most significant political and cultural institutions.
Further information on public transport and on-site parking can be found here.
Contact us
Please contact the Institute’s National Events team with any enquiries:
conference@architecture.com.au
Phone: 02 6121 2021
2023 Australian Architecture Conference
