Architecture prize launched
The RAIA Departure lounge conference in Melbourne kicked off with the launch of the 2007 RAIA BlueScope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize. The prize has been established to recognise outstanding architectural student work which demonstrates excellence in response to place, technology and Australian culture. The prize will be presented every second year at the RAIA National Architecture Awards. Also featured at the conference was a presentation by the RAIA’s 2007 Gold Medallist Enrico Taglietti, the Italian-born Canberra architect, recently recognised for over 50 years of achievement and contribution to the profession. Taglietti is responsible for the creation of a large range of residential projects in Canberra, as well as public and commercial works ranging from schools, ambassadorial buildings and motels.
FrameBuild conference
Australia’s first FrameBuild conference will be held as one-day events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney on July 9, 16 and 23 respectively. FrameBuild is the only national conference for the housing industry on structural timber systems. It is designed specifically for designers, developers, and home builders and provides information on the use of timber framing systems in dwelling construction. Conference sessions will focus on structural timber systems including truss and frame prefabrication and termite treatment; engineered and framing timber and building site issues; the impact of energy ratings on housing; timber sustainability and certification; and environmental factors. The timber industry peak body A3P and the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia are amongst industry organizations assisting with the program.
Seal of approval
There has been a positive response from community groups and individuals to the Australian Safety and Compensation Council’s (ASCC) Draft National Code of Practice for the Safe Handling of Tilt-up Wall Panels and Concrete Elements in Building Construction. The Chairman of the ASCC, Bill Scales said that this was the first time submissions received by the ASCC have been made widely available to the public. “Tilt-up and pre-cast concrete construction is an increasingly common method used in the building industry. Tragically, there have been a number of incidents in recent years where people have been severely injured or have died as a result of being crushed by panels which have collapsed or have fallen.”
“In developing the Code, the ASCC has worked closely with representatives of the construction industry, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the Australian, state and territory governments.” “A preliminary analysis of comments has revealed a number of issues that must be considered, including clarifying the scope of the code of practice, and its relationship to other Australian Standards; developing greater clarity around the obligations of duty holders, especially for designers and persons with control; ensuring clarity in definitions in the code; and ensuring that the final document meets industry needs and is easy to use.”
Source: BPN
