The upcoming ‘Diversity + Community 2017' architecture conference will provide a platform to explore some of the less-charted terrains of architectural practice as well as consider the role of architecture as a positive force in uncertain times.

Organised by Architecture Foundation Australia and supported by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as part of the Victorian Design Program, Diversity + Community 2017 will open on 10 February with the event drawing speakers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

The conference will provide a range of informative and inspirational talks revealing the shifting priorities and emerging opportunities for responsive, culturally and socially engaged architecture. Discussions and interactions during the two-day conference will focus on architecture that is open-minded, context specific and capable of empowering diversity and community.

Diversity + Community is developed in partnership with the NGV Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture, and is stimulated by the current exhibition Architecture of Faith – exploring the people, process and implications of Glenn Murcutt’s much anticipated Australian Islamic Centre in Newport, Victoria.

The third day of the conference will see delegates taking a tour to the soon-to-be-completed Australian Islamic Centre guided by architects Glenn Murcutt AO and Hakan Elevli of Elevli Plus.

International Keynote Speakers:

Marina Tabassum (Bangladesh), recipient of a 2016 Aga Khan Award for her Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Niall-McLoughlin (Ireland and UK), recipient of the 2016 RIBA Charles Jencks Award for an architect 'who has recently made a major contribution internationally to both the theory and practice of architecture'.

International Speakers:

Meredith Bowles (England), award-winning architect, residential, urban housing, projects in Taiwan executive architect with Alain de Botton’s ‘Living Architecture’ program.

Mphethi Morojele (South Africa and Lesoto), leading indigenous practice, Berlin Embassy, Freedom Park Pretoria, exhibitions at RIBA, Venice Biennale.

Per Arnold Andersen (Denmark), one of the editorial ‘troika’ of the provocative journal ‘Daylight and Architecture’ Velux.

Wim Goes (Belgium), award-winning practice, public and residential buildings, community project for client with degenerative ALS, exhibitions, publications.

Mette Lang (Denmark and India), award-winning architect, projects in Denmark and Iceland, modular mini house system, moveable schools, floating and tent schools in India.

Diego Montero Espina (Uruguay and Argentina), “all that moves me – literature, art, music, lifestyle and, of course, architecture”.

Bijoy Ramachandran (India), emerging major practice, residential, housing, master planning, film making.

Erik Sommerfeld (USA), University of Colorado design and build program with students.

Piers Taylor (England), award-winning practice, residential and institutional projects, design build studio with AA students, TV programs.

Camilo Moraes Zambrano (Chile), young practitioner, tourist projects in Atacama Desert and Cochiguaz, voluntary emergency housing in Valparaiso after the fires.

Special Guests:

Special guests at the event include Glenn Murcutt (Australia), Professor Brit Andresen (Australia), Richard Leplastrier (Australia), and Peter Stutchbury (Australia).

Event details

Diversity + Community 2017 will be held on 10th - 12th February 2017 at the National Gallery of Victoria, (NGV) 108 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

CPD Points: AIA Refuel - 11 Formal, 3 Informal