The SA Chapter is constantly exploring ways to engage more directly with the general public through creative ways to talk about architecture and the value of design. One way that is proving successful is through our Great Music in Great Spaces series.

The series is run as a collaboration with Gabriella Smart and the Soundstream Collective. Gabriella provides musicians who are usually internationally acclaimed and who deliver short performances in fascinating architectural spaces. One of our architects discusses the space and an acoustic engineer talks about the dynamics of the sound. With the musician also discussing their music and the performance environment, the audience then engage in a dialogue surrounding the experience of the architecture and the space.

This provides a gateway to architecture through music which in itself has great synergy with concepts of architectural design. We have had performances in the Adina Tunnels, Woods Bagot Studio, Samstag Gallery, Innova 21 Building and the Freemason’s Lodge among others. These spaces are reinterpreted as performance spaces but with ambient noise and light which causes the audience to consider more carefully their environment and how design and architecture facilitates different human experience.

On Saturday 24 our next event in the series will occur at Bonython Hall when Gabriella Smart will perform Alvin Curran’s Inner Cities, a six hour piano cycle. Prior to Inner Cities, there will be an open forum discussing the transformation of space in music performance with Alvin Curran, MONA FOMA Artistic Director Brian Ritchie, Senior Lecturer Uni SA Rachel Hurst and led by Steve Grieve, president of the Institute of Architects SA Chapter.

Come along and be part of this innovative program … bring a bean bag or yoga mat and come and go throughout the performance.

Saturday 24 August
2-3pm: Open Forum
3pm – 9pm: Gabriella Smart performs Inner Cities
Bonython Hall, North Terrace

BOOK NOW

Today marks the start of our new e-communications strategy which Paul Berkermeier explains in his adjoining column. We look forward to telling you more about what’s happening in your Chapter and throughout your Institute. One of the big changes locally, is the number of new architectural practices established in SA this year.

Until recently there have been very few new practices start up in SA. In this year alone however we estimate there have been up to 20 new practices created. Most by experienced architects that for a variety of reasons have decided to go out on their own or with a colleague. To respond to this trend, the SA Chapter is putting in place strategies to support these emerging practices and is establishing a new member group specific to supporting their needs. If you are one of these members or considering going out on your own then read on.

We want to assist these new practices or anyone considering setting up a new practice by linking you into a community of like-minded practitioners. In the near future we are launching a new initiative that will provide networking and targeted CPD opportunities to help members successfully develop their practices. Topics will be varied but all specific to the demands of establishing your business and servicing clients.

Through supporting one another to succeed, not only do you benefit but the whole profession is strengthened. We think of it as co-operating together to compete more successfully. So contact us at the Chapter for more information and watch out for upcoming news about this initiative.

Richard Hosking
SA Chapter Manager

Before 2013 there have only been a handful of SA architects set up new practices in recent years. In this year alone however we estimate there have been over 20 new practices established in the state. Most of these practices are being created by experienced architects that for a variety of reasons, have decided to go out on their own or with a colleague.

The Institute is putting in place strategies to support these emerging practices and has established a new member group specific to supporting their needs. If you have gone out on your own or are considering this, we want to assist you by linking you into a community of like-minded practitioners. In the near future we are launching a new initiative that will include networking and targeted CPD opportunities to help members successfully develop their practices.

It has long been recognised that the broader community struggles to understand the value of design and its impact on society. Our members have expressed concern that more needs to be done in this area. Recently we convened a meeting of members interested in designing creative events that will engage with the broader community, explaining the value of architects and design. After an initial workshop we are now organising a larger event that will lead to capturing a raft of ideas for new initiatives. These ideas will then be analysed and their feasibility considered for a range of future events run by architects in collaboration with other designers.

Are you a South Australian graduate of up to five years interested in undertaking independent research or further study in Architecture or related field, potentially overseas?

You may be interested in applying for the Jack Hobbs Travelling Fellowship, which aims to increase your understanding and skills in architecture and design through travel and experience.

Proposals can be funded up to $15,000 for airfares and local travel, subsistence and any tuition fees.

Applications open from 2 September and close on 8 October at 4pm.

Download the Fellowship outline and conditions and start preparing your application now.

RAH Ideas Competition and Adaptive Re-use of the Buildings

With the RAH Ideas Competition well underway, design teams will already be well into the process of analysing the site. One key consideration is the issue of heritage and the implications for the site. The National Trust, who have a very keen interest in these issues, have contacted our Institute to offer their assistance to individuals, groups and private practices with ideas and suggestions for adaptive re-use. To take up this offer contact their CEO Eric Heapy, on 8202 9200 or eheapy@nationaltrustsa.org.au.

RAH Open Ideas International Competition is Closing Soon

We hope that by now you have registered to enter the Royal Adelaide Hospital Site Open Ideas Design Competition.  Just a reminder that the registration date closes on 14 August 2013 with Stage One submissions due by 2pm 28 August 2013.

www.odasa.sa.gov.au/rahsite
Important changes to RAH Open Ideas Competition Conditions

Please be advised that there have been changes made to the Competition Conditions, particularly Clause 2.4 Local Content.  “The South Australian participant may be a lead or sub-consultant within the revised Registration Form” is now changed to “The South Australian participant will be a sub-consultant within the revised Registration Form.” This ensures that the Registered Entity remains the same throughout the process.

Likewise, there has been additional and amended site information (clause 2.5) made available to registered entrants.

For further information about these changes please contact the Competition Advisor, Andrew Mackenzie at rah@citylab.com.au