WHAT IS… … the importance of PLAY in design?

Architecture is a weighty profession as serious amounts of capital are involved. However the realisation of architecture is also a creative act. Architects balance the pragmatics of the client’s needs and the playfulness inherent in the act of designing.

What is the balance we need to strike between addressing the client’s expectations of what a building should be like (experientially and physically) and stretching the boundaries of a client’s comfort zone in an effort to create innovative, unexpected and intriguing buildings and spaces?

Architecture is not all fun and games. There are serious issues that need to be addressed in terms of our cities, the environments in which we live and our ethical duties to ensure our professional culture is sustainable. Can architecture really live up to all it claims to achieve or do we all just need to lighten up a little?

Is architecture serious business?

speakers for the affirmative:
Tom Morgan, Michael Roper, Louise Wright

speakers for the negative:
Justine Clark, Andrew Maynard, Simon Thornton

Tram: Middle Park stop, #96 tram
Parking: exit left off Cantebury road (opposite theMiddle Park Hotel) and go UNDER the tram lines.