Starting yesterday and running until October 29, Hobart is celebrating its architecture — its history, its present and its future — through a diverse and thought-provoking program of events.

The series of events is billed as 'architecture for the community, not just for the industry'

Australian Institute of Architects Tasmania chapter has invited all to 'meander through Hobart’s lanes and arcades, and from the Georgian and the Gothic to the Brutalist and beyond, to explore the buildings that make the city unique'.

Saffire Bay by Circa Morris- Nunn Walker. Image George Apostolidis.

Events include:

  • Hidden Hobart is a self-guided architectural walking tour through the history of Hobart’s built environment that runs from 23 Oct to 5 Nov.
  • Grand Designs Australia presenter and architect Peter Maddison on Tue 25, will be keynote speaker for the Architecture Week Address: Iconography and What Makes Good Design.
  • In 5 X Ten on Wed 26, five designers, builders and thinkers discuss how to build architecture for less. This event is curated by Scott Christensen and speakers include architect Scott Verdouw, builder Chris Luttrell and building designer and educator Scott Christensen.
  • On Thu 27 Sketches of Frank Gehry (2005) screens at the State Cinema. Directed by Sydney Pollack, this documentary examines the life and work of the renowned architect.
  • From the 26-29 October, various schools will be open to the public. The architects behind the work will speak about the design and construction process and visitors will have the chance to explore the new buildings. Participating schools include the Friends School, Franklin Primary School, St Michael’s Collegiate School, Tarremah Steiner School, Fahan, Montrose Bay High and Ogilvie High School.
  • Architecture Week 2011 closes on Sat 29 with Talk to an Architect. Billed as ‘a speed date event to meet the architect of your dreams’, this two hour event invites visitors to spend 10 minutes with various local architects.

Karen Davis, President of the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, comments: "As well as increasing awareness and appreciation of architecture and the role that architects play in producing it, Architecture Week 2011 extends an invitation to residents and visitors alike to really get to know this incredible and diverse city."

Visit www.architecture.com.au/tas for more information.