The Australian Institute of Architects’ National Conference opened yesterday in Brisbane with an opening party held at the Gallery of Modern Art.

The conference will feature architects from around the world including 2012 Pritzker Prize winner Wang Shu, London based Kevin Carmody, South African Peter Rich amongst locals Rachel Neeson from Neeson Murcutt Architects and Richard Kirk, Director at Richard Kirk Architects and many more.

The theme of the conference is 'experience' and the website explains:

"Experience takes the long view of architecture. We need reminding to be wary of beauty that is merely skin-deep.

“Beyond the first blush of encounter, the twittering hubbub of excitement, the web’s ‘like’ at first sight, we ask an old question — will we still respect this building tomorrow?

“Will this remain an inviting place to stop, an enjoyable building to occupy, an uplifting residence to dwell in or a great city to inhabit as it ages? Will it provide delight throughout the day, comfort through the seasons and be of lasting significance across generations?"

Organisers have chosen a range of architectural locations for tours around the region in order to convey the experience theme. These will be by bus, cycling and ferry and will be in small groups.

Wang also constructed the Ziangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art in 2004 where he salvaged over two million tiles from traditional houses that had been demolished and used them for the roofs of the campus buildings. Photo by Lv Hengzhong

Amongst the presentations for today will be a website launch of Women, Equity, Architecture by Naomi Stead and Justine Clark and a presentation by Wang Shu about the Amateur Architecture Studio in Hangzhou which "represents a thoughtful and considered response to the rapid contemporary urbanisation of China."

The conference will finish on Sunday 12 May. To see the full list of programs and purchase tickets visit www.architecture.com.au/experience

Trade expo

Build & Design Queensland is also on at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and is co-located with the Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Conference and CEDIA expo.

“Queensland’s strength and our challenge is our regional diversity,” said Scott Bagnell FDIA, Design Institute of Australia Queensland Co-President. Queensland is the most active branch of the institute in Australia, which speaks volumes of the importance of the expo to the industry in this state.

Scott spoke of the state’s responsibility to take considered and thoughtful action and deliver world-changing design that contributes in a meaningful way to the future of the environment and the way in which Queenslanders live, as well as the legacy that is left behind.

Collaborating is the way in which this can be achieved and that is the main focus of the Build & Design Queensland expo, which is open to all professionals in the design, architecture, building, construction and property development industries.

Shane Thompson FRAIA, Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter President said that the work of architects has never been so daunting with the need for sophisticated skills.

“The array of products and technologies that are now at our disposal can be overwhelming, which is why events such as Build & Design Queensland are so important in enabling not only architects but everyone in the industry to remain knowledgeable about new and better products, systems, materials and technology,’ said Thompson.

Thompson was keen to add that he wanted to encourage the manufacturers of products and services to engage more closely with the design industry and this expo was a perfect setting for that to start.

“Queensland has a reputation as an emerging design centre in the world. Competitiveness in the future will increasingly rely on innovation and design,” said Mr Thompson.

The expo remains open until 4pm today, Friday May 11, including seminar sessions from the UDIA, DIAQ, Woods Bagot and more.

www.bdqexpo.com.au

Madeline Prince

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