Open Nature

Overview

Open House Melbourne has become renowned for its annual program that offers design buffs the rare opportunity to explore some of the city's historic, architecturally significant buildings. And this year, we've scored a spinoff, as the all-new Open Nature hosts a ten-day celebration of ecologically responsive design practices as part of Melbourne Design Week.

From Thursday, March 17–Sunday, March 27, the program will deliver a slew of walks, tours, talks and other events, looking at responses to climate change through the lens of design.

To kick things off, industrial designer Alex Goad and food creatives Long Prawn are hosting a boat trip from Docklands to Williamstown, featuring artist chats about the ways in which considered eating can support our marine ecosystems. Guests will slurp fresh molluscs, learn about their sustainable value, and craft their own oyster knife from recycled ocean plastic.

Elsewhere, you can tour some of the city's most thriving community gardens, explore the Yarra by boat as Traditional Owners share their stories and knowledge around the Greater Birrarung Parkland, check out a kayak made from recycled river plastic, and embark on various design-focused bike and kayak tours.

And on Friday, March 25, head to Traralgon's new Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) for a thought-provoking day of design chats, unveiling a host of creative ideas from innovative locals.

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association's Yarra Plastic Paddle, created from recycled river plastic.