Do you find yourself in absolute awe of the science and art behind buildings, structures and architecture?

The 2017 DESIGN Canberra Festival is your chance to really immerse yourself in the world of architecture and design. We don’t want you to miss out, so here is your reference guide – your journey through DESIGN Canberra and all that it holds. Let’s get started…

 

WEEK 01

Week 01 of DESIGN Canberra is packed full of exhibitions, modernist design dinners, public talks and opportunities to gain plenty of architectural design inspiration. So prepare yourself to be transported into the wonderful realm of architecture and design.

Start the week off with a visit to a photographic exhibition with a difference. On display at Telstra Tower, Anthony Basheer will show how photography can elevate the status of place, using Telstra Tower as the subject. This stunning exhibition will explore the play of light and complexities of colour and texture to reveal materiality and form. Inside is open from 7-26 November.

On the afternoon of Saturday 11 November, join comedian, self confessed design nerd and presenter of the acclaimed ABC TV series, Streets Of Your Town, Tim Ross for an afternoon of assorted stories about his obsession with collecting furniture, Australian architecture and beyond. Join Tim at University House ANU for a casual chat about modernism, Canberra and anything else he feels like!

That night, get your modernist outfit together for an evening at the Canberra Modernist Dinner in the Great Hall, University House ANU. Dress in your finest modernist attire and be prepared to travel to a different time and space in history. Using an authentic menu from the modernist era, University House’s chefs will prepare a three-course meal with wine, and the MC for the night, Tim ‘Rosso’ Ross promises to bring the ‘razzle dazzle’.

Wrap up your weekend with a trip around festival favourite, Living Rooms. Explore acclaimed Canberra houses in the inner south, and discover pop-up exhibitions with works on sale by local artists, makers and craft practitioners. We guarantee you’ll find yourself wanting to head to all 4 living rooms – so pack a lunch and get ready to be inspired.

Then, grab your camera and head to the ANU Acton Campus for a Photography Walking Tour of ANU. Take a walk around the ANU campus and surrounds with award winning photographer Darren Bradley where Darren will share his tips and tricks for architectural photography with several examples of modernist buildings on and around the campus. Darren will also show you how to make your snaps shine with a brief workshop.

WEEK 02 & 03

Catch your breath after an architecture-packed Week 01 and then get ready to launch back into final two weeks of the festival.

Start the week off in a socially responsible way by attending a lecture series hosted by the Australian Institute of Architects on designing, planning and delivering affordable housing on Wednesday 15 November. The Planning for Affordability seminars will provide an opportunity to learn from industry experts and exemplar projects.

Why not grab a glass of wine after work among some of Canberra’s most iconic Mid-Century buildings. This week’s City Sessions are at the Law Courts, featuring music by Evan Buckley & Beth Monzo and refreshments from the Pop Inn from 4:30 on Friday 17 November.

Spend the rest of the week preparing yourself for a fun filled weekend, kicking off on Saturday 18 November with the Australian Institute of Architects 2017 Awards bus tour around Canberra. This all day guided tour will showcase a selection of this year’s ACT Architecture Award residential projects, and will be an architecture lovers delight!

If a bus tour isn’t your thing, then dedicate your afternoon to attending Mary Featherston’s Public Talk at the National Portrait Gallery. Mary is an Interior Designer and was one of the inaugural inductees into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame. This is most definitely an event you will not want to miss as Mary shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences in the design industry.

Continue your fun filled weekend on Sunday 19 November by exploring another set of Living Rooms of acclaimed Canberra houses designed by female architects, where architecture + design+ craft = an open home with a difference.

If you are feeling nostalgic, you can also hop on a bus with mid-century modern architecture enthusiast, Martin Miles who will take you on a guided tour around Canberra’s most iconic buildings featuring renowned architect, Harry Seidler.

Afterwards, head along to Sunday Sessions where Canberra will come alive with music by local acts and an award-winning architectural pop-up wine bar. Sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of Canberra’s iconic architectural landmarks.

Hungry for more? There are many other events that you can partake in, so head to our website for more information.