When:
May 8: 9am–4pm – focus on wellbeing in architectural education
May 9: 9am–6pm – focus on wellbeing in architectural practice 

Where:  Collingwood Yards Music Market 

The Wellbeing of Architects [education + practice] symposium marks the conclusion of a comprehensive research project, The Wellbeing of Architects: Culture, Identity and Practice (2020-2024). This event, held over two days, presents the study’s findings and – more importantly – proposes actionable recommendations for addressing the mental health and wellbeing issues prevalent in the architecture community.

Day one focuses on architectural education, exploring methods to improve the wellbeing of students and educators. It will feature insights from teachers and student leaders, aiming to identify effective practices and cultures that foster mental wellbeing – in the studio and beyond.

Day two delves into architectural practice, addressing issues such as workload management, service valuation, and the promotion of a thriving culture. The symposium will provide practical advice for practitioners of all sizes and sectors, considering the broader construction industry context and the role of peak bodies in driving change.

The event will also launch the Guides to Wellbeing in Practice, a set of research-informed guides aimed discussion and action towards transformative change. Speakers include researchers, industry leaders, and innovative educators and practitioners, offering attendees new insights, tools, and resources to lead efforts in enhancing mental wellbeing within the architectural community.

The Wellbeing of Architects symposium aims to drive positive change, helping to create a healthier, more sustainable future for the architecture community.

Register now 

When: Thursday, 9 May 2024

Time: 10.30am–12.00pm

Venue: Brickworks Design Studio, Shop T1/367 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Secure your seat for a light-hearted brunch to discussing the importance of diversity.  During this event, you’ll hear from a panel of diverse speakers discussing the importance of diversity to create an equal playing field.

Speakers

• Rob Henry (moderator), Executive Director ACT Chapter RAIA and Director of Studio Heim
• Gunjan Shah, EmAGN ACT Co-Chair
• Jamileh Jahangiri, Studio Orsi
• Dinh Huynh, Melbourne School of Design

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When: Thursday, 9 May 2024

Time: 10.30am–12pm

Venue: NH Architecture Studio, 7/12-20 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Generation Exchange offers a unique platform for emerging professionals to engage in conversations with seasoned professionals about various issues encountered in practice. In this particular event, our focus is on the valuable lessons learned from experiences that don’t always go as planned and how unexpected twists and hurdles in professional journeys become the catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Speakers:

• Sean Godsell (Moderator), Sean Godsell Architects

• Hamish Lyon, NH Architecture

• Hudson Smith, Phorm Architecture + Design

• Elizabeth Watson Brown, The Greens Member for Ryan

• Emily Von Moger, NH Architecture
  
  

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When: Thursday, 9 May 2024

Time: 12.30pm–2.30pm

Venue: Various

Tour 1: Architects Own Homes   

** This walking tour includes internal and external stairs without lift access as well as unpaved terrain. 

Be welcomed into the private homes of some of Australia’s most celebrated architects along the banks of the Yarra River in the eastern suburb of Kew. This is a unique chance to experience a remarkable collection of architectural gems ranging from mid-century to contemporary.  Further details to follow.  The tour includes bus transport to and from central Melbourne.

Tour 2: Open Firm    

Explore the studios of some of Australia’s leading architectural practices. This central Melbourne walking tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the spaces where some of the country’s award-winning projects take shape. Centered around the bustling Flinders Lane cluster, each stop will feature a studio tour led by a practice representative.  Further details to follow.

Tour 3 (A & B): Robin Boyd Foundation – Walsh Street House    

**Walsh Street House includes internal and external stairs without lift access. Please advise any accessibility requirements when registering.

Presented by the Robin Boyd Foundation

You will hear about the inspiration and design of Robin Boyd’s iconic modernist residence designed for his family in 1957, followed by an opportunity to explore Walsh Street and take photographs.

Tour 4: Public Melbourne Tour with Open House Melbourne    

Led by Open House Melbourne’s Executive Director, Tania Davidge, this walking tour explores the history of Melbourne’s public spaces, looking at how they have changed over time and how they are being imagined into the future. The tour provides insight into Melbourne’s long search for a town square and gives you a behind the scenes perspective of Fed Square to unpack the important roles design advocacy, governance and stewardship play in the creation and development of public space. It looks at Melbourne’s vision for its public realm and the public life of the city into the future. Beginning at the State Library of Victoria, this tour covers important sites such as City Square, Federation Square and Collins Arch and future projects such as the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation and the Greenline. Please note individual tours run concurrently. Venue details and departure locations will be provided closer to the conference.

Register now 

When: Thursday, 9 May

Time: 2.30–3.30pm

Venue: Level 2, 41 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

As part of their commitment to improved transparency and accountability, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is engaging with leading professional peak bodies to share information about their work program and seek feedback on issues for the future. Members and Conference attendees are invited at attend a dedicated Q+A session with Gary Rake, CEO of the ABCB, to talk about key changes included in their upcoming Public Comment Draft.

Please register your interest soon as this event has limited capacity.

This is a FREE event.

Register now 

When: Thursday, 9 May 2024

Time: 4:30pm arrival, 5pm start. Finishing at 6:30pm

Venue: The Edge – Fed Square, Cnr Swanston and Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000

As our environments of work and home profoundly changed through lockdowns, value was shown where it had previously been overlooked, and new possibilities for how we occupied our physical environments emerged – sometimes radically.

Alongside these rapid adaptations, climate impacts and significant rises in living costs have been exerting their own influence on the patterns of our daily urban life.

What’s this now mean for our disrupted city centres? What economic, social, and cultural rhythms do we want to see develop in the future?  In the aftermath of the pandemic, what lessons and values about the importance of the CBD as a key hub now guide us?  Just what is the future of the Australian CBD?

Join leading figures from across government, the arts, business and the built environment in a dynamic panel discussion.   This event will be held at the Edge in Federation Square, and is presented in partnership with Alspec and Open House Melbourne. 

Speakers:

• Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Melbourne City Council
• Kellie Payne, BatesSmart
• Katrina Sedgewick, MAP Co.
• Mark Tait, Investa
• Philip Oldfield (chair), University of NSW
  
  

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This event is now SOLD OUT.

Open the door to Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence after-hours for Spring Sunset Cocktails.

When: Thursday 9th May

Time: 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Venue: 290 Walsh Street, South Yarra VIC 3141

30 places available

Designed to complement a modern lifestyle, with its floating salon and private central courtyard, Walsh Street lent itself to sophisticated entertaining. On this tour, our guide will share anecdotes of one of Melbourne’s hot-ticket party houses – as mixologists serve signature 60s-inspired cocktails. You’ll then be free to discover Walsh Street as the dusk light dances across this unique architectural masterpiece.

The Robin Boyd Foundation, in collaboration with Four Pillars Gin, have curated some signature cocktails (and mocktails) for this unique tour experience.

Tickets include:

– Guided welcome and introduction to Walsh Street

– Up to 3 signature cocktails or mocktail drinks per attendee.

– Shared food platters

When: Friday, 10 May 2024

Time: 6.00pm–7.00pm

Venue: The Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne

Join us at The Capitol Theatre for an in-depth conversation with Liam Young moderated by Professor Naomi Stead.

Liam Young is an Australian-born film director and architect. Young’s work is situated within the fields of design fiction and critical design. Professor Naomi Stead is an architectural writer, critic, educator and researcher, and director of the Design and Creative Practice Enabling Capability Platform at RMIT.

This event does not include catering or networking.

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When: Friday, 10 May 2024

Time: 7.00pm–10.30pm

Venue: The Regent, Plaza Ballroom, 191 Collins St, Melbourne 3000

Join fellow delegates at The Regent, Plaza Ballroom in what will be a memorable evening.

You are invited to The Regent, Plaza Ballroom in what will be a memorable evening. Your dining experience will take place in the stately and elegant ballroom which has undergone detailed reconstruction in order to return the Plaza Ballroom to its former beauty. Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s ‘Paris End,’ the Plaza Ballroom has history, culture and pure magnificence from the 1920s. The heritage venue features remarkable Spanish Rococo architecture style -with grand staircase entry, stunning architecture, high ceilings, bespoke light fittings and original chandeliers. Guest additional tickets will be available for purchase during your registration.

Register now