Spirit of Place – the inaugural Regional Architecture Conference – takes place on the 6 and 7 September in Cairns. This event focuses on the unique opportunities available to architects practising regionally, responding to the unique ‘spirit of place’.
The Creative Director of the conference is Stephen de Jersey, a practicing architect in the regional city of Townsville.
‘This conference gives architects a chance to pick up where the 2012 National Architecture Conference – Experience left off. That successful and acclaimed event started many conversations and we want these exchanges to continue, to evolve,’ says Stephen.
‘In recent times, the effect of distance has been dramatically changed with the advent of immediate communications systems as well as cost effective travel. Regional communities can now be serviced in a multitude of different ways; however, in many respects, responding directly to the uniqueness of a regional place is becoming increasingly at risk.
‘The aim of the conference is to excite and inspire the practice of architecture in regional Australia. Our country is in its infancy, and we believe that it will be of significant benefit to future generations for us to acknowledge and respond to the unique ‘spirit of place’.’
The conference features an illustrious set of keynote speakers, whose work responds to this mandate. In addition, there will be a rich range of associated tours and events that explore the extraordinary locality of the Cairns region.
Speakers include:
Robert Morris-Nunn – Circa Morris Nunn Architects, Tasmania
Hua Li – Trace Architecture Office, China
Alice Hampson – Alice Hampson Architect, Queensland
Fernando Menis – Fernando Menis Architects, Spain
Thomas Bailey – Room 11, Tasmania
Jorge Gracia – Gracia Studio, USA/Mexico
Stuart Harrison – Harrison White Architects, Victoria
Kevin Low – Small Projects, Malaysia
Don Watson – State Library of Queensland, Brisbane
Bronwen Kerr and Pete Ritchie – Kerr Ritchie, New Zealand
Adrian Iredale – Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects, Perth
Spirit of Place is the first in a biennial program of Regional Architecture Conferences, which will provide considerable opportunities for the Institute’s regional members.
Stephen de Jersey is Principal, Stephen de Jersey Architect, a practice that he established in 1994 in Townsville. Projects include health, religious, commercial and community projects and ‘adventurous tropical residences’.
Spirit of Place – 2013 Regional Architecture Conference is hosted by the Queensland Chapter, Australian Institute of Architects.
6 and 7 September, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns.
http://wp.architecture.com.au/spiritofplace/
For media enquiries contact:
Alexandra Cato
National Media and Communications Officer
Australian Institute of Architects
P. + 61 (3) 8620 3813
alexandra.cato@architecture.com.au
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing almost 12,000 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design. Learn more about the Institute, log on to www.architecture.com.au.