If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to review the massive line-up of exhibitions, installations, talks and events all taking place as part of Melbourne Design Week, running from 18—24 May. We put together some of our highlights (which you can read here). Stay tuned in the coming days as we have more coverage.
In the meantime, here are some of the talks the Habitus and Indesign Media team are excited to be taking part in.
SATURDAY 20 MAY
The Interior: Miriam Fanning and Hamish Guthrie in conversation with Jan Henderson
Interior designers Miriam Fanning (Mim Design) and Hamish Guthrie (Hecker Guthrie) will share their insights into working and designing with collectible design, in a conversation led by Indesign Media’s Jan Henderson.
2pm / Mercedes Benz TALKS Space, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
SUNDAY 21 MAY
The Collector: Jeromie Maver and Ian Wong in conversation with Alice Blackwood
Join collectors Jeromie Maver and Ian Wong in conversation with design journalist Alice Blackwood as they share their wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives on collecting twentieth-century Australian furniture and product design.
12pm / Mercedes Benz TALKS Space, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
MONDAY 22 MAY
Found in Translation
This panel talk is a complement to the exhibition Found in Translation, featuring works of Melbourne-based photographer Rohan Hutchinson alongside furniture pieces by Karimoku Case Study.
The panel brings both photographer and Japanese architect/designer Keiji Ashizawa to discuss the intersection of contemporary Japanese design and culture, while unpacking the creative practices and cross-pollination of art and design with a Japanese and Australian twist. Indesign’s Jan Henderson will drive the conversation as moderator.
Panellists:
— Rohan Hutchison
— Keiji Ashizawa
12–2pm / Apato showroom, 421-423 Swan Street, Richmond
THURSDAY 25 MAY
The future of data-led science in experience and place-making, presented by Collectivity Talks
Moderated by Habitus editor Aleesha Callahan, this talk will explore the current trends in how data shapes placemaking and our cities, and the ways in which new and emerging technologies are fuelling a data-led approach. Set on the framework of the CBDs revival, leading experts in retail and workplace property will share the stage with a data expert and an architect to discuss the many potential futures that may lie ahead for our city and how data (and increasingly AI) can be used alongside design to create spaces people want to inhabit.
Panellists:
— Zelman Ainsworth, director at Ainsworth Property
— Callan Cameron, director at propella.ai
— Nicole Ward, general manager at ISPT
— Nick Travers, director at Technē Architecture + Interior Design
6-9pm / The Commons, 10-20 Gwynne Street, Cremorne
Adaptive reuse: Redefining the Melbourne skyline through sustainable design
The 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction found that buildings, in their construction and daily operation, are responsible for up to 38 per cent of global carbon emissions. Addressing this challenge has been on the agenda for many in the AEC industries as they collectively seek to incorporate more sustainable ways to build up and out within our cities.
By “re-lifing” Melbourne towers — rather than knocking them down and beginning again — there is an opportunity to deliver modern, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly homes and offices without the waste and carbon emissions associated with a new build.
In October, the City of Melbourne voted unanimously in support of a discussion paper that outlined ways the local government could incentivise re-life projects in the CBD, including rates incentives and emissions caps, with an ultimate goal to increase the number of adaptive reuse projects by more than ten times the current supply. Moderated by Alice Blackwood, this event brings together leaders of the Melbourne built environment in a robust discussion about how to improve the commercial viability of adaptive reuse, best practice in sustainable design, and the role it will play in enhancing our community and securing its environmental future.
Panellists:
— Nicky Drobis, Partner at Fender Katsalidis
— Dr Dominique Hes, Zero Carbon Buildings Lead at City of Melbourne
— Edwina Molony, Business Development Manager at Mirvac
— Professor Brendon McNiven, Architectural Engineering at University of Melbourne
5.30–7pm / 90 Collins St Level 12 90 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
There are plenty more conversations and talks to get involved in, read the full program at designweek.melbourne
An initiative of the NGV and Creative Victoria, Melbourne Design Week is quickly becoming an exciting series on the calendar.