MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 23 October 2009
Celebrating Australia’s distinct design culture
A program of free public events in Canberra celebrating the role of Australian architecture in
our homes and communities marks this year’s National Architecture Week, 26-31 October.
The week kicks off with the official presentation of the Architecture Canberra Medallion to the
National Portrait Gallery followed by a special lecture on the design of the Gallery building by
the Gallery’s architect, Richard Johnson, titled ‘Art and Architecture’.
Monday 26 October
4pm Presentation of the 2009 Canberra Medallion to Timothy Fairfax AM
4.15pm-5pm ‘Art and Architecture’ presented by Richard Johnson
National Portrait Gallery, free but bookings required, email act@raia.com.au
The Gallery of Australian Design will host all other events, including a competition and
exhibition on Canberra’s future as visioned by emerging architects and graduates, and a
response to their visions by established practitioners and community members.
Thursday 29 October
6pm - 2009 New Push Design Ideas competition and exhibition, visions for Canberra’s future by
emerging architects. Includes exhibitions of Chairs (by industrial design students from University
of Canberra) and the ACT 2009 Architecture Awards Winners. GAD, free but bookings required,
email act@raia.com.au
Friday 30 October
12.30pm - 2pm Civic: The Old Pull. Responding to the New Push, established architects consider the
state of Civic. GAD, free but bookings required, email act@raia.com.au
Thinking of building or renovating? Don’t miss Architecture Open Day at the GAD. There’ll be
loads of ideas about how an architect can help you define and create what you want to build,
present options you wouldn’t dream could be yours and help you get the most from your
budget.
Saturday 31 October - Architecture Open Day
10am - 2pm Talk to an Architect
11am - 12.30 pm Design ideas for your home. Free public seminar with four local architects (Allan
Spira, Pedro Geleris, Janet Thomson & Philip Leeson).
To book a session with an architect or to attend the public seminar, email act@raia.com.au
2pm -3.30pm Architectural Lake Cruise with your guide Roger Pegrum
Departs Gallery of Australian Design, Commonwealth Place
$30. To book, email act@raia.com.au
Exhibitions: 2009 ACT Architecture Awards, Cox Humphries Moss Student Design Prize, 2009 New
Push and Industrial Design Students’ Chairs.
Full program of events at architecture.com.au/act
ENDS
Australian Institute of Architects | Media Contacts
Ms Sophie Clement, ACT manager - phone 02 6208 2100, mobile 0439 555 533
Ms Kirsten Trengove, National media/pr - mobile 0439 555 427
The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing more than 9500
members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the quality of our built environment
by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design. Visit the Institute at architecture.com.au .
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