2015 is drawing to a close and it is time to reflect on an active and interesting year.  My first eight months at the Institute have been a whirl of new experiences – building working relationships with staff, members and allied organisations; becoming involved in the many activities and events that are delivered by the SA Chapter; working on projects including the China delegation; and, most recently, taking on the role of National Education Manager.  Education is an area that I was actively involved in as a member, so it is wonderful to have the opportunity to maintain my involvement, albeit from a different perspective.

One of the standout events for 2015 was FAD, which attracted 4,500 attendees at 40+ events held across the five-day program.  It also had a social media reach of 88,350.  This certainly satisfied its objective to successfully create a broader conversation in the community about architecture and design.

However, after delivering two programs in 15 months, we are using 2016 to take stock of what we have achieved, identify what we can improve and develop a strategy for establishing FAD as a sustainable fixture on the October festival calendar.  2017 will see FAD return in all its glory.

So what is happening in 2016?  The SA Chapter will be delivering: –

♦ The Fringe for the National Conference – 29 and 30 April Dino Vrynios has been appointed as the Fringe Coordinator.  The Fringe will provide a series of project site tours, exhibitions, a Future Forum exploring the potential of prefabrication and a Soapbox Debate.  Along with the Opening Party event at Published Arthouse, the program is designed to showcase Adelaide’s connected and lively atmosphere and some key projects that demonstrate SA’s approach to the “How Soon Is Now” conference theme.

♦ Activities to follow on from the Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance conference, which is being held between 24 -26 September Adelaide is hosting the first APSDA conference to be held in Australia in the Alliance’s 18 year history.  Themed around the concept of Home, the Institute will deliver an insight into what makes South Australia home through the Open House Adelaide program.

In addition to these conference related events the SA Chapter has a program of Public engagement activities planned for 2016 that includes:

♦ public talks and exhibitions around the SA Architecture Awards

♦ Design Conversations Q&A series – exploration of a project or theme from the perspectives of the designer, client and other key stakeholders

♦ Hidden Sounds – music performed in unique spaces

♦ the new Architecture on Show series which engages with local Councils exploring issues including planning reform, increased density, apartment living, design guidelines and maintaining local character

All are intended to engage with the community about the value of architecture and architects as well as to stimulate debate within the profession.  We look forward to sharing these experiences and building a stronger design community with you next year.

In the meantime, the SA Chapter wishes you a safe and happy Christmas.

Nicolette Di Lernia, Chapter Manager

2016 Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship announced

The SA Chapter is pleased to announce Alex Kindlen has been awarded the 2016 Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship.

The Fellowship will provide funding for Alex to travel overseas to explore some of Europe’s most creative cities, coinciding with several prominent architectural festivals: such as the London Festival of Architecture, Berlin MakeCity, and the Venice Architecture Biennale.

His particular interested in exploring how we can identify, encourage, enable and harness creativity specifically through architecture. What makes a creative city? And what steps can we take to ensure that Adelaide will nurture the creative talents of its inhabitants?

Alex will investigate cities that embody a culture of creativity and community-based approach to design, identify the potential opportunities and challenges that Adelaide faces now and in the future, and the affect of architecture festivals to promote, disseminate, and inspire both the design community and the general public.

On his return, Alex proposes to fund either a temporary exhibition, installation; a SA Chapter award; or organise a series of architectural competitions. Read more about Alex’s project encounter: cultivating creative cities at www.jhmtf.org.au

The 2015 Fellow Dino Vrynios recently completed his final tour visiting leading modular construction companies through Europe. Dino will publish a paper on his findings in January 2016, and lead a Future Forum event on Prefabrication and Modular technologies during the National Architecture Conference Fringe program.

With 2015 drawing to a close it is once again time for our awards program to kick off and this year I will be taking over as Awards Director. On behalf of both the members and myself, I would like to extend my thanks to David Brown for a job well done as last year’s Awards Director. David’s commitment to the advocacy of the awards programme and the evolution of awards policy to meet the needs of an ever-developing profession will benefit members and the advancement of Architecture in South Australia in the years to come.

This year I would like to welcome Adam Brown of KHAB Architects as the Deputy Awards Director. Adam has been a keen contributor to the Institute and has had many years’ experience as a juror in the awards programme. Adam brings to the position a tenacity and enthusiasm that shall see the programme in safe hands in 2017 where Adam will assume the role of Awards Director.

Both Adam and myself are keen advocates of the Awards program as the platform for the profession to showcase not only to ourselves but to the broader community architectures ability to form built environments, spaces and experiences that enrich all our lives, we want to see and the awards continue to be a highlight of the year’s programme and architecture and design to be shared by all!

Whether you are a large or small practice, established or just starting out I encourage you all to enter the awards, share the projects that ‘make you tick’, the projects that changed your clients worlds and the projects that enrich the profession; and if your still waiting on the landscaping to ‘grow in’ or for ‘that sofa’ to evaporate, be sure to come along to the awards night and catch up on another year of architecture in South Australia.

Entry numbers have been steadily on the rise, with a commendable effort in 2015. With light at the end of the tunnel and categories for all scales of projects: Small Projects for those lower budget, tightly designed gems of projects we are all proud of; Residential Alterations and Additions is again a separate category from New Houses, and Education will be enjoying its second year as a separate category, we are keen to see the entry numbers grow in 2016!

Book in those photo-shoots, pop a feather in your cap and show the rest of us what you have been up to!

Sean Humphries, 2016 Awards Director

While many of us are either gearing up for or in the midst of Christmas events and activities to wrap up the year, the Chapter Council and staff are already turning our minds to next year – it promises to be a big one, and we can’t start planning for it too early it would seem…..

Firstly, as is the case each year, five positions on Chapter Council become vacant, and nominations are open for those positions for both new members and those seeking re-election. Its certainly worthwhile, and if you are contemplating nominating for the first time, please contact the Chapter Office or me directly to find out more about it. Nominations close on 17 December.

Secondly, planning is underway for the National Conference that will be held here in Adelaide next year. The SA Chapter will be running a Fringe program in parallel with the main conference, which for 2016 will be replacing October’s Festival of Architecture and Design (FAD). It promises to be yet another compelling program.

FAD this year was a success beyond what many of us had hoped, but in order to fit it all in, many of the events that we hold next year will be branded under the FAD banner and targeted at the broader public, so we can enjoy FAD throughout the year for 2016 before returning to an October event in 2017.

Thirdly, we will be ramping up our efforts on planning reform after successfully lobbying for several key elements contained in the current draft of the new Development Act. The new Act is slowly progressing through Parliament, but should it be passed successfully there will be a doubling of effort to ensure that the various regulations, guidelines and design manuals that sit behind it are appropriately developed.

In parallel, the China strategy will continue to be a focus, with an emphasis on aged care and water management as part of a wider design industry alliance. We have had positive engagement with some Chinese trade delegations, but we still need to convert tours and discussions into real opportunities.

Our education and residential task groups will be gearing up to deliver a series of programs and an increased media presence based around the place of research in practice, and client stories around residential design. Contributions will be welcomed.

And finally, the awards entry process for next year kicks off next Monday. Next year the online entry system will be run under a slightly different format, where it will be possible to start your online nomination early without submitting or making payment until the final sign off at the end of the nomination period in February. Perhaps a recognition that we are all notorious for working to deadlines!

It’s been an enjoyable year, and plenty has been achieved by the Chapter staff and a brilliant Chapter Council, and I thank them all for their efforts, and look forward to an even better 2016.

What is the difference between using an architect and a building designer?  This is a common question asked by people outside the profession and one that is important to be able to answer clearly.

The key differences are education, insurance and the code of ethics. All three aspects act to protect the client and the public. None are required of designers outside the profession.

The education component has two facets.  The first is study at a tertiary level at an accredited school of architecture, which is structured to promote holistic and lateral thinking that enables architects to arrive at well resolved, fit for purpose, delightful outcomes.  The second is ongoing education post graduation, required to ensure that architects remain up to date with the rapidly changing world we operate in.

In South Australia the quantum of continuing education to be completed per year is not mandated as a requirement of Registration.  However, this does not mean that continuing education is optional.  It is still required under the Act, with a minimum of 20 points per year the national standard recommended by the Institute and the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.

For those architects who are unclear about the obligation to undertake ongoing education post graduation a first step should be to familiarise yourself with the APBSA Code of Conduct and Guidance Note 4 – Continuing Architectural Education, both of which can be found on the Board’s website www.archboardsa.org.au

While you are there, take time to view the “What does an architect do?” films.  They provide insight into the multifaceted and unique profession of architecture and add to the conversation regarding the distinction between an architect and a building designer.

Nicolette Di Lernia, SA Chapter Manager

Last Friday Councillor Tony Giannone, Chapter Manager Nicolette DiLernia and I met with representatives from UniSA (Mads Gaardboe and Stephen Ward) and the University of Adelaide (Veronica Soebarto) to discuss how we could develop a closer relationship between the profession and the universities. Many thanks to Tectvs for hosting us.

It followed on from a President’s breakfast last month on a similar theme.

It’s something that has been on my mind for some time, and there are several reasons for this.

For one, the topic of research is not well understood in architectural practice, particularly here in South Australia. We can make better use of the capacity of the universities to work with the profession to provide an evidence base for the design decisions that we make. Much of what we do is based on gut feel and intuition – we know that something works, but we don’t quite know why. Or we know it is of benefit, but we can’t provide the data.

To have evidence that backs up our design instinct changes the design discussion – it is harder to refute evidence than it is to challenge instinct. The conversation moves from one on based aesthetics to one based on facts.

It’s about relevance. For example, we know that we bring economic value to clients in workplace design through things such as productivity gains, less absenteeism and increased staff satisfaction. But to be able to make factual statements about how we do that moves us from being optional ‘stylists’ to must have business advisors.

Research can be as simple as data collection by students. Jan Gehl employs this to great effect, partnering with a local university to gather data around how a city is functioning to inform his reports.

At the other end of the scale, it can be as complex as a full PhD on a topic.

There can also be secondments and staff exchanges – academic staff working in a professional studio and vice versa to bring value to projects and our clients. There’s lots of avenues, but they should lead to better business outcomes for the profession as well as providing targeted topics for research for academics.

There’s also a cultural aspect of improved engagement between our two groups. Simple things such as speaker series. Or getting a better understanding of a rich but somehow forgotten history of houses and other buildings from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Just having a conversation can only be a good thing.

The Chapter Council’s Education Task group will focus on this area over the coming months, with an aim to holding a seminar sometime around the National Conference next year to look at both developing a better understanding in the profession as to what the universities can offer, and promoting a better culture and dialogue.

David Homburg, SA Chapter President

Entering in the 2016 SA Architecture Awards?

Give your entry the best chance you can by coming along to the lunchtime session on preparing your entry for the next round of the Awards. This year’s awards director Sean Humphries, and last year’s director David Brown will talk though some pointers on how to prepare an entry that will best support your project.

You still have to have a great project, but this session will help you put together an entry that will grab the attention of the jury. David and Sean will share the highs and lows of past entries, and you can get tips on how to fill out those annoying categories (yes the jury members do actually read those words!). They will also talk about the best photos to upload (you only get 10 after all), as well as the best type of drawings to make things clear. These skills can also be applied to submissions, marketing and other aspect of practice where clear writing and graphic presentation is required.

Finally there will be a presentation by Coptercam, who are the leading fully licensed commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aerial photography and video specialists in Australia, and one of the first to operate in South Australia. They utilise the latest technology and most sophisticated aircraft and camera systems in order to deliver excellent quality and value UAV services. The Coptercam team are specialists at what they do, and are committed to staying abreast of the rapidly changing landscape of UAV technology. This includes the use of GPS systems and professional camera equipment to deliver a professional service that can cater to a range of requirements.

So come along and be tempted by the stunning aerial shots of architecture that you could include in your entry. Plus you can see a drone at close quarters and be in the running to win a door prize of $500 worth of UAV services, generously donated by Coptercam.

Event Details
Date: Monday 2 November 2015
Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Venue: SA Chapter – 100 Flinders Street, Adelaide
Cost: FREE event
RSVP: COB Thursday 29 October 2015 to sa@architecture.com.au

We would like to thank Architectural Window Systems (AWS) for their continued and generous support of the Co-Opertition Network this year.

Well, here we are, post FAD. As with most big events the build-up is all consuming and then suddenly it’s over. Those involved – organisers, volunteers and attendees – should feel proud that their efforts have provided an engaging and enjoyable vehicle for promoting educated consideration of architecture and design.

FAD15 presented a broad range of events that attracted the wider public as well as design professionals. It enabled and enhanced understanding of what architects do and the value of good design. It got people talking about architecture.

This is a conversation that needs to be initiated and lead by architects. We are the authorities in this field and it is only through being active participants that we will build knowledge and informed decision making regarding built environment issues.

FAD is one way to do this. However there are others:
• Participate in the review and development of the planning legislation, which is embedding roles for “accredited professionals”
• Engage with end users and stakeholders to build their understanding of the design process and the value it can bring to their environment
• Contribute to the debate regarding DPTI procurement
• Submit an article to InDaily or the Adelaide Review
• Communicate your passion and expertise to others when talking about design with friends, family and acquaintances
• Write up a project for publication in Architecture Australia
• Talk about architecture at your children’s school
• Lobby your local MP regarding built environment and design issues

So, what works for you? How can you contribute to a robust and wide reaching conversation about architecture? It’s time to find your voice.

Nicolette Di Lernia, SA Chapter Manager

News

Architects INprofile with Life Fellow Guy Maron
South Australian architect Guy Maron AM LFRAIA this year enjoyed the unique experience of having two major modern buildings heritage listed in the same year. In this interview by Yaara Plaves, Guy looks back on his achievement with a great deal of satisfaction, particularly since these examples of his work express the architecture he has always pursued and embody his evolution as an architect and the work he has produced since graduating in 1960.

Read the full article here.

Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance (APSDA)
Australia is to host APSDA for the first time in Adelaide, 24-26 September 2016. APSDA 2016 will explore the theme of ‘Home’ from a multi-disciplinary perspective, bringing together professional designers and students from all disciplines from across the Asia Pacific region. Conference highlights include:

•A diverse program featuring international and Australian keynotes, panel discussions and masterclasses
•Design exhibition showcasing designer-makers and small-scale producers
•Studio visits, day trips and design dinners
•Student program and student design exhibition
•APSDA gala dinner and General Assembly
•Pre and post conference touring

For further information and to register your interest, please visit apsdaaustralia.net.au

In September, Minister Rau tabled the government’s new Development Act in Parliament. The new act proposes some fundamental changes to planning procedures.

The SA Chapter was a vocal advocate in the planning reform consultation process that has led to this new act, and I am pleased to see that many of our recommendations have been incorporated into the legislation. These include:

– Early engagement with the community in setting planning policy to provide certainty through the system. The idea of Community Engagement is now a key principle in the Act and is intended to set policy up front and avoid policy making on an application by application basis

– The importance of good design. The principle that good design underpins development is enshrined up front in the guiding principles of the legislation – a significant step in the right direction. Design review is embedded as a pathway option through the system, and the development of design standards and a Planning and Design Code will be part of the planning process

– Professionalization of assessment. With policy settings occurring at upfront, proposals will be assessed by assessment panels comprising of accredited professionals rather than a mix of elected and professional members

The new legislation is not intended to provide all of the answers in one Act. Instead, it forms the framework that will allow the further development of new regulations, guidelines, processes and standards.

There is much work to be done, and the overall success of the changes will very much depend on the development of the detail behind the Act. The Chapter Council has formed a Planning Task Group that will continue to liaise with the State Government in developing the next suite of documents.

We view this next step as being equally important as the process that has just been completed, and welcome the participation of any members who have an interest in this area. After all, our advocacy can only be as strong as the members who contribute to our activities. Get in contact with the Chapter Office if you would like to know more.

And on another note, the Festival of Architecture and Design kicks off this week, with the opening party in Leigh Street on Wednesday evening. We have had some fantastic media exposure this year for a packed program of events in the media.

Come along with friends and families and enjoy some truly compelling events and activities. And don’t forget to get on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to spread the word.

From the Chapter Manager

Thanks to all who responded with their experiences regarding ABIC contracts. We are keeping a record which will be used to better understand the lenders’ concerns and advocate for a more educated approach to ABIC contracts. Please continue to contact me with your experiences – good and bad – as they occur.

For those using the ABIC contracts there is a schedule of rates available on Acumen for insertion into the contract. The schedule is set up to allow the Architect to stipulate the proportion of payment to be made at each phase of construction and should be tailored to reflect the program and trade breakdown provided by the contractor at tender.

At a National level, the Institute is finalising a new edition of the ABIC contract that incorporates a payment schedule. It is anticipated that this will be available for purchase by the end of this year.

In other news the preparations for FAD have been at fever pitch. With a program of 41 events the creative directors, Institute staff and event organisers have been working with great focus to deliver a thought provoking and entertaining program.

We look forward to seeing you at various FAD events. And remember to post your review and images from events on social media #FAD15 to build the conversation about design.

Spaceland: Call for architectural models

‘Spaceland’ is a review of model making across Adelaide’s architectural practice. The exhibition takes its title from the 1884 novel ‘Flatland; A Romance of Many Dimensions,’ by Edwin A Abbott. While paralleling the confines of geometry with Victorian culture, the underlying premise of the book could be considered a commentary on the discourse around the nature of two, three and potentially a fourth dimension. While the novel takes the reader into the complexities of shifting across dimensions, it seems architects do this with ease – moving constantly between two and three-dimensional forms of representation.

‘Spaceland’ invites speculation on the nature of the difference between two and three-dimensional representation. It also asks the audience to ponder on the future of physical model making. With the expanding access to digital model making tools, what is the future of card, balsa, plastic, and plaster model making in every day architectural practice?

If you would like to participate in the Spaceland exhibition, please contact the curator Anthony Coupe from Mulloway Studios on 8231 3131 or anthony.coupe@mulloway.com by COB Tuesday 29th September.

‘The Hero Shot’ – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE – FAD exhibition

‘The Hero Shot’ is both a talk and exhibition of FAD 2015, celebrating the art of architectural photography. Local architects, practices and designers are being asked to send through a favourite creative ‘Hero Shot’ of one of their projects to feature in the exhibition which will be high-resolution large format printed for the exhibition thanks to Canon Australia.

The exhibition opens on the FAD opening night party and the images will be sited in the Office for Design and Architecture SA, where the talk by 2014 AIPP SA Photographer of the Year David Sievers will be held at 6pm, Thursday 8th October.

Places are limited – To submit your Hero Shot for the exhibition, please upload high resolution images files, pref 300 dpi to the www.wetransfer.com website, entering julian@lumenstudio.com.au as the delivery address by COB Tuesday 29th September.

Do not email directly. The image file name should include the name of the photographer, the designer/practice of the project photographed and project name as applicable. Due to number of entries, quality of files and order received, there is a possibility that not all images submitted may be printed with preference given to earliest received.

Registration for the talk is via http://theheroshot.eventbrite.com.au

Briefing for Draft Planning Legislation

The Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure (DPTI) is holding a series of industry briefings in relation to the draft planning legislation.

This legislation is the culmination of the Planning Reform process.  Instigated in 2013, this review of the planning system in South Australia aimed to address issues inherent in the current Development Act 1993 and to develop a new legislative framework that would be more responsive, efficient and adaptable into the future.

The Institute has been an active participant in the planning review process, making a number of submissions to the expert panel.  Institute members have their opportunity to hear about and comment on the proposed legislation on October 1.  Numbers will be limited to 50 people, so book early to secure your place.

Date: Thursday 1 October
Time:  4:00pm – 5:30pm
Venue: SA Chapter – 100 Flinders St, Adelaide
RSVP: Monday 28 September by email sa@architecture.com.au

Calling for submissions: ‘The Hero Shot’  exhibition

‘The Hero Shot’ is an exhibition in FAD15 celebrating the art of architectural photography. Local architects, practices and designers are being asked to send through a favourite creative ‘Hero Shot’ of one of their projects to feature in the exhibition which will be high-resolution large format printed for the exhibition thanks to Canon Australia.

The exhibition will be held at ODASA 26-28 Leigh Street, with the opening on Wed 7 Oct and a talk by photographer David Sievers held on Thu 8 Oct.

This is a great chance to have your project shot printed and exhibited alongside other high profile images.

Places available are limited and architects/practices are invited to submit one of their favourite images to julian@lumenstudio.com.au via the ‘We Transfer’ (www.wetransfer.com) website.