Melbourne Design Week 2025 is just around the corner. Running from 15–25 May, this week-long event offers a rich program of over 300 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria, focusing on the theme "Design the World You Want".

For those particularly interested in sustainability in architecture and design, here are ten standout events not to miss.

1. Building community and place consciously

Join a guided tour of the sustainably redeveloped 47 Easey Street, led by BAR Studio. Discover how Revival Projects transformed this iconic building into a vibrant creative hub, emphasising sustainable building practices and community engagement.

• When: Saturday, 24 May, 2:00–2:45pm & 4:00–4:45pm.

• Where: BAR Studio, 1st Floor, 47 Easey Street, Collingwood.

2. Size matters: Home size in times of climate change

This panel discussion addresses Australia's trend of large homes amidst a housing and climate crisis. Experts will discuss the environmental and social impacts of oversized housing and explore sustainable, equitable design alternatives.

• When: Saturday, 24 May, 2:00–3:30pm.

• Where: Clemenger Auditorium, NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

• Who: Dr Nicola Willand (RMIT University), Irma del Valle Nachon (Breathe Architecture), Liam Wallis (HIP V. HYPE), Secretary Australian Architects Declare Steffen Welsch, among others.

3. A New normal: Net zero architecture

Part of a five-day series by Finding Infinity, this event focuses on achieving net-zero architecture. Through talks, case studies, and exhibitions, attendees will explore strategies to minimise energy, water, and waste in the built environment.

• When: Thursday, 22 May, 8:30am–6:00pm.

• Where: Boyd Baker House, 305-307 Long Forest Road, Long Forest.

4. A new normal: Energy, transport and retrofit

This session examines decentralised energy systems, sustainable transport, and retrofitting existing structures. Industry leaders will discuss policies and practices to enhance building performance and resilience.

• When: Wednesday, 21 May, 8:30am–6:00pm.

• Where: Boyd Baker House, 305-307 Long Forest Road, Long Forest.

5. The changing face of Fitzroy: A panel discussion

This panel explores the evolution of Fitzroy, balancing heritage with new developments. Discussions will focus on integrating hospitality and multi-residential projects into the existing community fabric.

• When: Wednesday, 21 May, 6:00pm–12:00am.

• Where: ‘The Regent’ Display Suite, 84 Johnston Street, Fitzroy.

• Who: Liz Ride (Studio Tate), James Cameron (StandardX), Nick Jumara (Right Angle), moderated by Alice Blackwood (AB Strategic Storytelling).

6. The C word: Shortcuts to circularity

A deep dive into circular economy principles in design and construction. Panelists will share practical insights and strategies for implementing circularity in various sectors.

• When: Tuesday, 20 May, 6:30–8:00pm.

• Where: Robin Boyd Foundation, 290 Walsh Street, South Yarra.

• Who: Jeremy McLeod (Breathe Architecture), Ellie May (Autex Acoustics), Vanessa Katsanevakis (Sussex Taps), Paul Rosenberg (Revert), Irma Del Valle Nachon (Breathe Architecture).

7. Future homes: Unpacking the adaptation process

This panel discusses adapting Future Homes exemplar designs to unique sites and briefs, sharing experiences from the first development to gain a planning permit through the program.

• When: Tuesday, 20 May, 12:30–1:30pm.

• Where: Conference Centre Theatrette (Level 2), 1 Spring Street, Melbourne.

• Who: Stefan Preuss (OVGA), Meron Tierney (Beyond Housing), Marco Cubillos (Includesign), Amy Mak (DTP), Matthew Borg (OVGA).

8. Creating identity in high-density living

This event explores how to create a sense of identity and community in high-density living environments, challenging traditional notions of the Australian dream and promoting sustainable urban living.

• When: Monday, 19 May, 6:00–7:30pm.

• Where: 8/1 Gordon Street, Elsternwick.

9. Wrecked-linear: Applying discarded materials to architectural outcomes

Designer Andy Wilson showcases innovative uses of discarded structural timber and tree branch unions in architecture, challenging conventional material usage and promoting sustainability.

• When: 15–23 May, 9:00am–9:00pm (excluding weekends).

• Where: Ground Level, Melbourne School of Design (Glyn Davis Building), Masson Road, Parkville.

10. Sustainable urban ambitions: Decarbonising our cities through radical collaboration

This panel discusses how radical collaboration and innovative thinking can drive the decarbonisation of our cities, highlighting grassroots and precinct-scale initiatives reshaping Melbourne's future.

• When: Thursday, 15 May, 12:00-1:30pm.

• Where: Melbourne Quarter Tower (MQT) - Level 20 695 Collins Street, Docklands.

• Who: Paul Murfitt (Sustainability Victoria), Kathryn Newland (Communications Collective), among others.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore innovative projects, and contribute to meaningful discussions shaping our built environment. More information on MDW. Don’t miss out!

Image: Melbourne Art Centre / FiledIMAGE

Clémence Carayol

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