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.