Today’s public spaces have broadened beyond their early promotion of civic engagement and healthy spirits. Our public spaces are a reflection of the society that creates them. Decisions made about the future of our city reflect the values of a community at that moment in time, made manifest in the symbolic form of its buildings and landscapes. How can contemporary urban renewal make visible Canberra’s distinctive design identity, transformative processes and the hopes and dreams of our community?

‘The Visible City’ is an urban renewal series of public conversations presented as part of the DESIGN Canberra festival. The series brings together international, inspirational and sometimes radical perspectives with contemporary case studies in urban renewal to inform Canberra’s ambitious CBD renewal as it transitions form and function. This event asks: how can we take risks with radical solutions to make visible Canberra’s distinct design identity within the city’s footprint?

The speakers at this forum will be:

Rob Mirams | Director at Fender Katsalidis.

Erin Hinton | Senior Lecturer Architecture, University of Canberra.

Ninotschka Titchkosky | Co-CEO and Strategic Champion of Digital Innovation and Robotics, Architecture BVN.

Malcolm Snow | CEO, City Renewal Authority

Each speaker will give a short presentation on the topic, then engage in a public conversation.

Selected Civic Square festival programs have been made possible with support from the ACT Government under the City Renewal Authority’s City Grants program.