4 October
I would like to introduce Vanessa Thamm who joined the SA Chapter just over a month ago as the Communications and Special Projects Officer. With a background in State and Local government, she also has strong policy and advocacy skills. It is great to have her on board.
At a time when the SA Chapter is preparing responses to the 30 Year Plan update, the Local Heritage Discussion Paper and issues arising from changes to government procurement Vanessa’s presence is timely. It provides the Chapter with greater ability to support our members in responding to issues that directly affect the profession.
In parallel with this advocacy work the Chapter continues to be active in raising public awareness of design and the value it provides. The program for SPACE – Tours Through Architecture provides access to a range of projects and precincts. This provides the profession with a powerful opportunity to explain the complex synthesis of information that informs design thinking and leads to well resolved built outcomes. It allows us to demonstrate that architecture is about more than aesthetics. It’s about innovative and effective responses to clients’ needs within the context of environmental, technological, economic and regulatory factors. It’s about exceeding client expectations and showing them the future.
SPACE is being delivered as part of the Open State Festival. The Institute has been asked to curate the Future Cities stream of the Festival and is proud to be coordinating events on the 25th and 26th of October that explore a range of propositions relating to the future of the city. Future Forum – Modulation and Future Forum – Future Transport will be delivered by the SA Chapter as part of this program.
Open State provides a platform for government, professionals and the public to engage in a collective debate regarding the complex factors that shape cities. Once again, it provides the profession with an opportunity to broaden the understanding of what architects do and how our training and expertise can add value in ways that those outside the profession may not be aware of.
The third publicly focused activity is Architecture on Show. This series of talks focuses on specific council areas and addresses issues that are relevant to the local community. Once again it demonstrates the value that architects bring when they respond to these issues.
All of these activities are about building understanding and respect for architectural services. They are about increasing the scope of architect’s involvement in shaping our built environment and regaining our status as trusted professionals.