The final date for lodging your award’s entry is rapidly approaching. All entries for the Awards, including the City of Adelaide Prize, must be in the online system by next Monday 17 February 5pm. After this date entries cannot be accepted. You then have an extra week to submit your A1 display boards and other entry materials.

For more details go to the SA Architecture Awards website.

We continue to provide new services for our members. One of which is our new ArchiTECH series. ArchiTECH, which provides 3 formal CPD points, provides members with a free opportunity to gain product knowledge from a range of suppliers. The series has proven to be very popular interstate which is why we are introducing it to our local members in 2014. Our first in the series is entitled ArchiTECH Steel and will be presented by Bluescope, Bondor and Lysaght. The session, which will be delivered in three parts explores the use of steel in architecture from structural to cladding.

This free CPD event is being run on Friday 21 February 9:00am – 12:00pm and is  suitable for a cross section of members, so please consider who should attend from your practice and register now. You can find all the details here

– Richard Hosking, SA Chapter Manager

2014 is shaping as a year of opportunities for our Institute and profession.

For much of 2013 South Australia’s Expert Panel on Planning Reform has been busy formulating a new statutory framework for development in this State. While the panel’s work is expected to be concluded in October this year, our Chapter Council has been focusing its attention on getting registered architects incorporated more meaningfully into the statutes. At the moment the only statute applying directly to architects is the one that allows registered architects to call themselves an ‘architect’ (the Architects Practice Act 2009).

Our Chapter holds the view that now is the time to more fully imbed the role of architects and good design in the development process. We will be continue to discuss, debate and hopefully convince the abovementioned Expert Panel of the value of this. And given that the March 15th State Election is looming (larger than expected) the SA Chapter is formally asking each of the major parties to formally respond to questions such as will your party legislate the role of architects in buildings?

Other countries certainly recognise the importance of the role of architects. For instance, in France the law states that a request for a building permit (Permis de construire) cannot be investigated unless a qualified registered architect has “established the architectural project”, that is, prepared the plans and written documents, shown site plans, volume and layout, sections, and elevation treatment, as well as choice of materials.

Ultimately the SA Chapter believes that all buildings and structures requiring certification under the Building Act should involve the services of a registered architect – just as in France.

Another calendar milestone has nearly come and gone and with it, a chance to down tools and get a fresh perspective on 2014. It has been a tumultuous year in many ways with a lot of practices undergoing change to meet the market and a spate of new practices emerging. There are encouraging signs suggesting we are seeing the front end of slow paced economic growth. There is growth in a range of foreign indices and in our own backyard, a significant increase in activity across the city.

Next year we will continue to strengthen our advocacy position with a focus on the planning reform agenda and the role of the architect. We will also continue to create new initiatives that better connect the profession to the public. The late Nelson Mandella said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” and while he may have used it in a different context we definitely need to better educate the public about the critical contribution the built environment makes to our wellbeing.

In the last two weeks we have had our annual member’s Christmas drinks held at UniSA and a Distinguished members Christmas lunch. These are just two recent new initiatives aimed at building a stronger unity across the profession. Next year will see more new initiatives introduced so we hope you will participate as much for the good of the profession as for yourself.

I trust you will come into 2014 with a renewed passion to help make the world a better place through architecture. Merry Christmas from the staff and see you in the New Year.

 

– Richard Hosking, State Manager

 

In 2014, the SA Chapter will be partnering with the Open House Adelaide in delivering the program. This presents the profession with a unique and valuable opportunity to engage with the public around the architecture of Adelaide. Through story telling about our processes, our buildings, and our connections to our environments, the community can better understand what we as Architects do. There are a number of ways you and your practice can get involved by:

Becoming an Open House Adelaide sponsor or practice partner. A variety of sponsorship and partnership packages are available and can be tailored to meet your needs. Download a copy of the Practice Partner proposal.

Opening a building/studio during the weekend. We are looking for buildings/studios in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide to participate in the event. You would be required to open during the weekend (it is possible to open on only one day) to present people with a deeper understanding of design and architecture. Ideally this would be through a guided tour, although permitting self-guided tours is also possible. You can submit an expression of interest of your building on the Open House Adelaide 2014 website

Volunteering during the weekend. The event requires volunteers to welcome visitors and to assist building owners. In some cases this may require providing tours and information to visitors.

Promoting the event to your network. The more people who participate in Open House Adelaide, the larger the conversation it will generate. More people thinking and talking about architecture and design can only be good for the profession.

Participating in the Open House Adelaide Symposium. The Friday before the Open House Weekend (2 May) a symposium will be held which will explore the theme Adelaide’s future heritage: conversations that matter.

Please contact us at the SA Chapter on 8402 5900 or sa@architecture.com.au to discuss your involvement.

We are pleased to report that over recent months there has been an increase in the amount of members becoming directly involved in the planning and delivery of our programs and events. As members it is important to remember it is your Institute and only as strong as the involvement of you the members. Those members who choose to get involved find their membership of far greater value and feel they can contribute more toward the profession.

You can get involved by simply providing us with your feedback and innovative ideas for what we might consider doing in the future. This can be for programs or events or might even be regarding policy areas. If you would like to propose policy ideas either for member or public related policies you simply need to contact us with your proposal. Ideas from individual members can go through our staff to your State Council and from there through to the National Council. Every member is entitled to their say, so contact us now with your ideas.

 

Richard Hosking, SA Chapter Manager

P: 8402 5900 E: sa@architecture.com.au

A dozen workshops are planned between late November and mid-December across Australia to gather information for the National Energy Efficient Building Project (NEEBP) review.

 

About the project

A joint consultant team of Pitt & Sherry and Swinburne University have been engaged to provide professional services throughout the project.  Over the next fortnight Pitt & Sherry and Swinburne University will be contacting those identified as key stakeholders in the building cycle from concept and design, through assessment and approvals, to building, fit-out and hand-over.

The project has been commissioned as a response to persistent feedback from the building industry that compliance with current energy performance requirements is less than optimal.

The NEEBP is funded through the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency, and the South Australian Government has been tasked with managing the project on behalf of all states and territories. The project is being conducted over the period November 2013 to June 2014 and has been divided into two phases.

 

The Process

Phase 1 of the National Energy Efficient Buildings Project (NEEBP) involves three key parts:

1. A national review of key systematic or process weaknesses or possible points of non-compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code;
2. A national review of the uniformity and effectiveness of current standards or regulations to deliver energy efficient alterations, additions and retrofits;
3. A national information register of materials that support industry capacity to understand, implement and comply with the energy efficiency provisions of the National Construction Code.

Phase 2 of the project will develop and trial practical strategies to address problems wherever they occur in the construction cycle. These strategies will be identified in Phase 1 and could include activities as broad as industry capacity building, voluntary guidelines and standards or recommended changes to policy or regulations.

 

How to get involved

1.      Attend a workshop

Come to one of the industry workshops being held at different times in 11 locations around the country. The workshop locations, dates and times are at the end of this message. Take the opportunity to discuss the issues with a range of industry players and make your views known to our team.

Please email RSVP@pittsh.com.au with the workshop’s location and time in the subject box to let us know you’re coming.

 

Adelaide Workshop 1

Day: Monday 2 December 2013

Time: 4.00 – 7.00 pm

Place: Linden & Tusmore Room (upstairs) –

City of Burnside, 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore SA  (enter off Portrush Rd)

 

Adelaide Workshop 2

Day: Tuesday 3 December 2013

Time: 9.30 – 12.30 am

Place: George Robertson Room (upstairs) –

City of West Torrens, 165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA

 

Port Augusta Workshop

Day: Friday 13^th December 2013

Time: 10.00 am– 1.00 pm

Place: Yarta Purtli Cultural Centre, Institute Theatre (next to Town Hall), 52 Commercial Rd, Pt Augusta, SA

 

2.      Complete a brief, online survey

Spend 10 – 15 minutes on our NEEBP online survey. From Monday 25 November, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NEEBP  to complete the survey.  Please complete the survey by Friday 13 December, and note that it will no longer be possible to do so after Friday 20 December.

 

3.  Make a submission or register your interest

Respond to the topics and questions that are included in the Issues Paper. Send us a quick email with a few comments or a detailed submission if you prefer. If you just want to note your interest in the project please send us an email that notes your area of interest or expertise. We need your response by Friday 13 December. Please email it to:

consultation@pittsh.com.au with ‘NEEBP submission’ included in the subject box

 

4.      Have a private meeting or conversation with our NEEBP team

While the project timeline is tight, we will have three consultation teams visiting every capital city and a few regional centres. If you are unable to attend a workshop, or if you would prefer a private conversation with the team, we will do our best to meet you either face to face or over the phone.

Please send a request to RSVP@pittsh.com.au – first in, best dressed!

 

How do you perform against your peers?

The Institute has launched a benchmarking solution for members. It is free for A+ members and will become available at a discount for non A+ members

Benchmarking is a business benchmarking solution which will allow A+ practices to compare their financial and operational performance with the profession standard. It involves the completion of a questionnaire online which will then produce a confidential report for the practice so that they may further develop their strengths and improve their shortcomings. Practices taking up this service are required to complete a questionnaire by the 31^st of December 2013 should they wish to take part. The Institute at no stage has access to the data submitted by each individual practice – it is strictly confidential.

Information can be found on the Benchmarking page of our website, and all member enquiries can either be directed to enquiries@benchmarking.com.au or membership@architecture.com.au.

– Richard Hosking, SA Chapter Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects is pleased to congratulate Stephen Hooper, Graduate of Architecture at woodhead as the winner of the 2013 Jack McConnell Travelling Fellowship.

The focus of Stephen’s research will be to investigate digital fabrication in architecture and design, and the maker world.

His winning fellowship titled ‘a [fabricate]d craft’ has particular relevance to South Australia with the State Government’s current interest in developing greater innovation in the manufacturing sector. Supported by a group of mentors, next year he will travel to a number of conferences or exhibitions in Zurich, Perth, Kyoto, Venice and Montpellier.

On behalf of all the members, we congratulate Stephen and look forward to learning about the outcomes of his Fellowship at the end next year. You can follow Stephen’s travels on Twitter @mec1

Image: Msc2 Hyperbody 1:1 protoypes, 2012, designed by ROK Rippmann Oesterle Knauss

Nominations for Fellow of the Institute

Did you realise that qualifying for nomination to Fellow within the Institute may be simpler than you realise. Achieving the status of Fellow, displays to the profession, clients and others your high standing within the profession and your advanced level of skill and contribution. It also brings you one step closer to Life Fellowship which is a privileged honour bestowed on members who are confidentially chosen by the Honours Committee for this honour.

 

There are three key criteria to be recognised as a Fellow:

1) Time: a minimum of 12 years as a Corporate Member

2) Contribution: significant contribution to the profession; and

3) Endorsement: recommendation by two Corporate Members as well as the recommendation of Chapter Council

 

This is explained in more detail on the attached application form.

There are quite a number of members who would meet these criteria but for various reasons have not been nominated. You can nominate yourself (with support from two others) however a number of our members have not felt comfortable about doing so and prefer that someone else within the profession initiate the nomination in the first instance.

If you work with a colleague who meets these criteria we would encourage you to look into nominating them. It may well be that an Associate or Director in your practice could become a Fellow with your support. Perhaps you believe you meet these criteria in which case we would encourage you to consider your own supported nomination.

For any assistance with the process please contact us at the SA Chapter on 8402 5900 or sa@architecture.com.au

Over the last week you will have seen some discussion in the media concerning the Government’s new ‘Housing in the City’ Policy. We believe this is a very positive step forward for both the profession and the residents of Adelaide. The plan stops short of legislating the inclusion of registered architects in defined project types however the Institute will continue to lobby for this outcome. For now the Government is focusing on the Design Review Panel (DRP) process to champion better design. While DRP’s are only incentivised and not legislated, their success is seen in part, in that there have been no cold lodgements outside of this process.

The policy focuses on key strategies that will:

1. Increase residential growth for inner Adelaide through re-zoning
2. Create more affordable housing through stamp duty relief
3. Create better designed housing
4. Create more usable public spaces
5. Provide an Integrated Transport and Land Usage Plan

New initiatives to improve design outcomes include:

• In areas rezoned for increased height and density (along transport corridors) projects of five stories and above will go through pre-lodgement design review with compulsory assessment by the Development Assessment Commission.
• The creation of a set of design guidelines with industry and the community to inform better design outcomes
• Creation of a new Architecture and Design Centre that may house the DAC and ODASA and tasked to create high standards of design and development
• Creation of a physical city model (housed in the new Design Centre) to assist  understanding of project scale and context

 

To read the policy document click here.

Through ODASA the Government is driving an agenda that promotes built form characteristics relating to design, suitability, viability, affordability, innovation and sustainability to help guide the emerging housing types in Adelaide.

 

The DRP as their principal design vehicle, is upheld by to the following principles:

Independent

It is conducted by people who are unconnected with the scheme’s promoters and decision-makers and ensures that conflicts of interest do not arise.

Expert

It is carried out by suitably trained people who are experienced in design and know how to criticise constructively. Review is usually most respected where it is carried out by professional peers of the project designers, because their standing and expertise will be acknowledged.

Multidisciplinary

It combines the different perspectives of architects, urban designers, urban and rural planners, landscape architects, engineers and other specialist experts to provide a complete, rounded assessment.

Accountable

The Design Review panel, and its advice that informs the Government Architect’s recommendations, must be clearly seen to work for the benefit of the public.

Transparent

The Design Review panel’s remit, membership, governance processes and funding should always be in the public domain.

Proportionate

It is used on projects whose significance warrants the investment needed to provide the service.

Timely

It takes place as early as possible in the design process, because this can avoid a great deal of wasted time. It also costs less to make changes at an early stage.

Advisory

The Design Review panel does not make decisions, but it offers impartial advice that informs recommendations to the people who do.

Objective

It appraises schemes according to reasoned, objective criteria rather than the stylistic tastes of individual panel members.

Accessible

The recommendations arising from Design Review are clearly expressed in terms that design teams, decision-makers and clients can all understand and make use of.

 

To find out more contact the Office of Design and Architecture SA directly.