2 Jun
The 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale opens this weekend.
The Biennale is arguably the most important event on the international contemporary architecture calendar. With thousands of the world’s most influential architects, designers, urban planners and critics visiting the event, the Biennale is a valuable opportunity to showcase the diverse, leading-edge work in which Australian architects are engaged.
The duration of the 2014 exhibition is twice as long as in previous years – a major change to the scope of the event. As the new Australian Pavilion is under construction, the exhibition also had to be envisaged without the traditional venue.
In responding to these elements, as well as Rem Koolhaas’ ‘Fundamentals’ theme, creative team felix._Giles_Anderson+Goad has created a truly unique survey of unbuilt architecture in Australia from 1914 to present time.
For every finished building, there are countless designs that, for whatever reason, don’t eventuate. These masterpieces often remain hidden to the outside world. The 23 projects that make up Augmented Australia, provide a wealth of insight into architecture for an Australian setting from the past 100 years, presenting an Australia that could have been.
This ground-breaking exhibition tells the story of Australia’s architectural heritage as never before through reimagining and hi-tech digital innovation.
I wish the creative team, the coordinating committee and all of those involved in the event the very best for the coming months.
Last week the Institute’s Annual General Meeting was held at 41X in Melbourne.
The AGM marked the end of Paul Berkemeier’s tenure as National President. I want to thank Paul for his commitment to the Institute and the profession. In particular, his contribution to issues such as gender equity and diversity and architectural education, as well as setting in train the bid for the UIA 2020 Congress, have all been hugely valuable. At the meeting, Paul passed the Presidential chains of office to David Karotkin.
David comes to the Presidency following three years as WA Chapter President. In this role, he strongly advocated for the profession in that state, in particular for the mandatory use of architects to design certain types of buildings. Now, the profession will benefit from his leadership and advocacy at a national level. On behalf of the Institute, I welcome David Karotkin as our new National President.
Kind regards,
David.
David Parken, CEO
