Design Speaks Housing Futures 2019

With the rapidly evolving demands of twenty-first century living, the needs and expectations of the housing sector continue to change. Now, more then ever, it is important that architects, designers, planners and policymakers expand their vision and contextual understanding in the delivery of all types of housing. The Housing Futures conference presents global and local experts who are pushing boundaries in their field. Through keynote presentations and case studies, delegates will explore the stories behind groundbreaking projects and be inspired by new ways of thinking about the future of residential architecture.

Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media (which organizes the event), said that as populations continue to grow, there is a steady focus on the delivery of sustainable and affordable housing in Australia. “Reconsidering the status quo is leading to a plethora of alternative housing models and new trajectories in residential architecture,” she said. “The curated speakers will share their research and insights from experiences of working within this industry sector and suggest some possible futures.”

KEYNOTES
Simon Allford, founding director of UK-based Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, will present a keynote on a series of projects, large and small, that explore the potential for a mix of uses “and the implications of the consideration of long-term adaptability.” In each of the projects presented, the focus will be on “constructing the idea:” building as an incremental research project for the development of an architectural theory.

Maggie Ma, co-founder of Hong Kong-based Domat, will share work for people living within limited means, including modifications to subdivided homes and new social housing developments in Hong Kong. “Due to constraints of the projects, options for design are often limited, as well as being morally debatable,” she says. “At the same time, can we ignore the situation, or say it is not our responsibility as an architect?”

Karen Alcock, principal of MA Architects in Melbourne, will explore how we can build a better future for apartments in a local context. “How can architects, developers and governments work together to change the focus of apartment development to achieve the best outcome?” Alcock asks.

Griselda Balian, partner at Buenos Aires Arquitectura Grupal, will also deliver a keynote address. The studio has a focus on the value of collective work, and considers architecture as “a product of a practice and a situated thought, which is potentially richer as it proposes to innovate, research, put into practice, to think.”

In addition to the keynote presentations, case studies will be presented by the designers alongside their clients, in recognition that “exemplary housing developments stem from not only a good architect, but also a savvy and dedicated client.” Case studies include Indigenous housing in East Arnhem Land, which Kieran Wong (The Fulcrum Agency) will explore alongside client Gregson Lalara, founding chairman of the Anindilyawka Housing Aboriginal Corporation; Arkadia, Sydney, by Koos de Keijzer (DKO Architecture) with client Pedro Pan, development manager, Defence Housing Australia; and 443 Queens Street, Brisbane, by Elizabeth Watson Brown (Architectus Australia) with client Michelle Fitzgerald, development manager, Cbus Property.

Reviewing the 2018 conference for ArchitectureAU, Heidi Dokulil wrote: “This interactive forum has established an important barometer, bringing together local and international practitioners, researchers and academics dedicated to making, to measuring the influences that are shaping our cities and to the complex issues that need to be tackled.”

Reviewing the 2018 conference for ArchitectureAU, Heidi Dokulil wrote: “This interactive forum has established an important barometer, bringing together local and international practitioners, researchers and academics dedicated to making, to measuring the influences that are shaping our cities and to the complex issues that need to be tackled.”

To see the full program and purchase tickets head to designspeaks.com.au