Affirmative Architecture is a two-day symposium and exhibition convened by Dr Martyn Hook (Design Research Institute at RMIT University), Simon Pendal, Dr Stephen Neille (Pendal and Neille, Curtin University) and Adrian Iredale (iredale pedersen hook). The event seeks to define an emergent trend amongst young architects to re-engage with the ability of architecture to make life better.

The symposium draws together international and Australian architects and landscape architects who have demonstrated commitment to a social agenda and have made significant contribution to the public realm. Curated as a series of interactive lectures and panel discussions the speakers will describe their predominately built work and real projects that address real problems.

Arguably these young practitioners are revising the Modernist ethos that architecture should provide effective solutions that benefit the community and the individual. In a contemporary context their work deals with positive consideration of social engagement, careful analysis of existing conditions and a deliberate, often challenging architectural response.

Organised in terms of geographic situation the symposium shall explore projects that expand the potential of architectural intervention in the city, the suburbs, the urban fringe, rural towns and remote locations.

Speakers

Takaharu Tezuka
Tezuka Architects, Tokyo

Anthony Hoete
WHAT Architecture, London

Simon Pendal & Stephen Neille
Pendal and Neille, Perth

Diego Ramirez-Lovering
Monash University, Melbourne

Melanie Dodd
muf, Melbourne & London

Emma Williamson & Kieran Wong
CODA Studio, Perth

Rachel Neeson
Neeson Murcutt, Sydney

Michael Banney
m3architecture, Brisbane

Marco Vittino & Katherine Ashe
vittinoAshe, Perth

Richard Black
Times Two Architects, Melbourne

Nigel Bertram & Marika Neustupny
NMBW, Melbourne

Scott Balmforth
TERROIR, Hobart, Sydney & Copenhagen

Jennie Officer & Trent Woods
Officer Woods, Perth

Stuart Vokes
Owen and Vokes, Brisbane

Adrian Iredale, Finn Pedersen & Martyn Hook
iredale pedersen hook, Perth & Melbourne