Themed “How new is now?” the 2021 Asia Pacific Architecture Festival explores the cyclic nature of the world and looks to the past for design solution for contemporary challenges.
Held in Brisbane and online, the two-week program of events includes exhibitions, symposia, workshops and installation that explore the role of architecture in the culture, sustainability and economy of the Asia Pacific region. Here, we round up five of the program’s highlights.
This exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane explores the how revolutionary ideas of the Weimar Republic in Germany influenced art, design and architecture in Brisbane through migrant and refugee contributions to Australian life and art history in the inter-war period.
Curated by Andrew McNamara and designed by Speculative Architecture, the exhibition features original artworks as well as vibrant creations that demonstrate the impacts of the Bauhaus movement and explore the legacy of its ideas.
How new is not now: A John Gollings photographic exhibition.
Image: John Gollings
Architectural photographer takes a different perspective on the festival theme through this exhibition of ancient buildings, made from brick, stone and timber. “What is new [in architecture] is gratuitous shape making with fragile materials like glass, metal and concrete, a lifespan determined by economics and an aesthetic of immediate gratification rather than timeless verity,” John says.
On 20 March, John will also be teaching a half-day architectural photography masterclass.
Five Mile Radius: Waste Terrazzo
Brisbane design studio Five Mile Radius created Waste Terrazzo, a concrete surface material made entirely from construction waste. In fact, it’s the only concrete surface made from 100% waste material in Australia.
In this workshop, Five Mile Radius will guide you though their production process and you can also design and make your own keepsake using Waste Terrazzo.
Also, look out for Five Mile Radius in the April issue of House magazine, on sale 1 April.
The Queensland Cultural Centre: Then, now and new.
The Queensland Cultural Centre, designed by Robin Gibson, is an iconic precinct in Brisbane and a new theatre, designed by Blight Rayner and Snøhetta is currently being constructed. Michael Rayner, Ruth Woods and Deborah van der Plaat will come together in this virtual event to discuss the evolution of the precinct.
Inform/Reform: Housing in the Liveable City.
Presented by The Singapore University of Technology and Design, this virtual panel discussion asks, “can a work-from-home city still be an innovative city?”
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our homes into primary workplaces, but what is the long term effect on the design of urban housing and town planning in the future? The discussion will also cover topics of mobility and resilience.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
