From the National President

Clare Cousins

 

10 Dec 2018

 
In my final message to you for 2018, I’d like to thank all our members for your support throughout what has been a tremendously busy and productive year. Your involvement, whether through committees, completing our surveys or participating in awards and other events strengthens the Institute immeasurably. It enables us to be a stronger advocate for you and your practices. I would also like to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment to our organisation to deliver the Strategic Plan.

There are many memorable things to mention in recapping 2018, from the festivities of the Venice Biennale to the re-launch of Acumen Practice Notes and the passionate defence we mounted to protect the integrity of our public architecture – be it the Sydney Opera House or the War Memorial’s Anzac Hall.

These campaigns and others on cladding, housing affordability, competitions and many more that impact the daily practice of our profession are centred on the value architects bring to our communities and the built environment.

And while the festive season is fast approaching, there is still a lot of work underway at the Institute that I would like to provide an update on before the Christmas break.

New Environment category for Acumen

Following the successful re-launch of our Acumen Practice Notes earlier in the year, I’m pleased to announce that from next week the platform will house our Environment Design Guide under the new category, Environment – containing over 175 peer-reviewed design notes on built environment sustainability. Acumen Practice Notes will be a one-stop online architectural resource for our members.

Anzac Hall campaign update

We have received tremendous support from the community and members for our #HandsoffAnzacHall campaign. The strength of the community’s opposition to announced plans to demolish this award-winning, and relatively young, building has been clear. The proposal still needs to be approved by the National Capital Authority (NCA) amongst other hurdles and we will maintain pressure on government and the Australian War Memorial’s management to reconsider their plans. We’ve had initial meetings with both parties and will organise a series of community events to kick off 2019.

2019 National Conference

On behalf of the Institute and members, I extend our congratulations to Monique Woodward and Stephen Choi for their appointment as Creative Curators for the 2019 National Architecture Conference in Melbourne, which will be held from 20 to 22 June. They are preparing an inspiring and thought-provoking program under the theme Collective Agency, that will celebrate projects from small, medium and large practices inside and outside of architecture. Tickets will go on sale early next year and we look forward to announcing the speaker line-up and program soon. Expressions of interest are also now open for the role of Creative Curator for the 2020 Conference so make sure to visit the website for details.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. I’m looking forward to a productive 2019.
 
Clare Cousins
National President

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