Increasing the nation’s productivity through design is the objective of the 2014 Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) summit, held at Parliament House, Canberra on 15 July.

The annual conversation features politicians and industry experts discussing funding and infrastructure, climate adaptation, technology and building innovations, in Australia and internationally, and exploring how these can positively influence our economy, society and our environment.

The Hon Tim Fischer AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, is keynote speaker for the event. Guest speakers and panelists also include The Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for the Environment; Professor John Thwaites, Chair of ClimateWorks Australia; Paul Low, KPMG; Dr Warren Mundy, Commissioner of the Productivity Commission; The Hon Jamie Briggs, Federal Member for Mayo and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development and Senator Scott Ludlum, Australian Greens.

The program focuses on the role of design in better connecting our cities, people, ideas and commerce; in delivering greater resilience and sustainability; in opening up clever approaches to infrastructure financing and funding; in elevating liveability and inclusivity and in transforming the way we build cities and create communities.

The full-day summit has featured over 80 speakers since its official launch by Annabelle Crabb at Parliament House in 2008. Issues tackled include: liveability and resilience in a greener economy, Australian city planning (with the release of the results of a ground-breaking capital city strategic plans audit), key principles of urban planning frameworks, strategic planning of cities, new approaches to community consultation and the future of digital technologies such as BIM and 4D modelling.

The successful positioning of key industry representatives alongside the decision makers in Canberra is the result of collaboration and active cooperation between the five host organisations – Australian Institute of Architects, Green Building Council of Australia, Planning Institute of Australia, Property Council of Australia and Consult Australia – with involvement and support from industry peak bodies.

BEMP is proudly sponsored by Think Brick, Autodesk and Lend Lease.