We like our cities big, bustling and constantly changing. But it doesn't hurt to sit down every so often and have a think about what we're actually doing. What does this new skyscraper mean for life in the city? How can we improve on design and function? Thankfully, this is exactly what is happening this week. Inspired by the forthcoming construction of the MPavilion in the Queen Victoria Memorial Gardens, The Wheeler Centre are hosting two talks with local and international designers, architects and thinkers.
Architecture and Cultural Identity on Monday, September 15 will see David Gianotten in conversation with Virginia Trioli. Gianotten is a world-renowned architect based out of Hong Kong who has in the past done research for the Venice Architecture Biennale. During the one-hour session he will be advocating a case for local design culture — he claims you must totally familiarise yourself with a city if you intend to design for it.
On Thursday, September 18, Creating a City with Meaning will see a panel of local architects give their perspective on the state of Melbourne's skyline. Debating issues like modern design, the importance of heritage, and the problems of Melbourne's impending population growth, they'll explore the role of architecture in our everyday lives.