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10 Dec 2018<\/p>\n
\nIn my final message to you for 2018, I\u2019d like to thank all our members for your support throughout what has been a tremendously busy and productive year. Your involvement, whether through committees, completing our surveys or participating in awards and other events strengthens the Institute immeasurably. It enables us to be a stronger advocate for you and your practices. I would also like to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment to our organisation to deliver the Strategic Plan.<\/p>\n
There are many memorable things to mention in recapping 2018, from the festivities of the Venice Biennale to the re-launch of Acumen Practice Notes and the passionate defence we mounted to protect the integrity of our public architecture \u2013 be it the Sydney Opera House or the War Memorial\u2019s Anzac Hall.<\/p>\n
These campaigns and others on cladding, housing affordability, competitions and many more that impact the daily practice of our profession are centred on the value architects bring to our communities and the built environment.<\/p>\n
And while the festive season is fast approaching, there is still a lot of work underway at the Institute that I would like to provide an update on before the Christmas break.<\/p>\n
New Environment category for Acumen<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the successful re-launch of our Acumen Practice Notes earlier in the year, I\u2019m pleased to announce that from next week the platform will house our Environment Design Guide under the new category, Environment \u2013 containing over 175 peer-reviewed design notes on built environment sustainability. Acumen Practice Notes will be a one-stop online architectural resource for our members.<\/p>\n Anzac Hall campaign update<\/strong><\/p>\n We have received tremendous support from the community and members for our #HandsoffAnzacHall campaign. The strength of the community\u2019s opposition to announced plans to demolish this award-winning, and relatively young, building has been clear. The proposal still needs to be approved by the National Capital Authority (NCA) amongst other hurdles and we will maintain pressure on government and the Australian War Memorial\u2019s management to reconsider their plans. We\u2019ve had initial meetings with both parties and will organise a series of community events to kick off 2019.<\/p>\n