Spec-Net Building Index
DesignBUILD

DesignBUILD 2019: Speaker Series Highlights

DesignBUILD 2019: Speaker Series Highlights

DesignBUILD 2019 kicked off its 33rd year from May 14-16 with the theme "Setting the New Standard." The event took place at the ICC Sydney and was attended by thousands of experts in architecture, building, construction, and design, both locally and internationally.

Experts from different sectors participated in DesignBUILD's 3-day speaker series and discussed their commitment to setting new standards for the industry. Topics included the evolution of smart cities, the role of designers, the rise of luxury in the built environment, generative design, naturalising cities, and the future of construction.

Day One

This day addressed the commitment of the building community to improve and set new standards for the industry, and also the issues of compliance to Australian Standards for construction and modern slavery.

Richard Choy from NATSPEC shared his experience with emphasis on the importance of good documentation to reduce building failures and avoiding the use of non-compliant or incompetent materials. Nicole Thompson from Edge Environment also advised the need for good documentation to assist the industry in recognising the modern slavery act, which is now in place in NSW and at a federal level in Australia.

Another session that took place was the plan for a big Australia, highlighting the possibilities of the rise of three CBDs in Sydney. Rob Mirams of Fender Katsalidis suggested the need for cultural institutions while Craig Allchin from UTS advised that the industry should focus more on the framework for change than master planning.

Day Two

Highlights of this day include the evolution of smart cities. CEO Lisa McLean of Open Cities commented on how the striving cities (Melbourne and Sydney) should encourage embracing change: The move toward urbanisation and sustainability in building developed, self-sustaining, and liveable communities.

Another angle to be considered for the improvement of building standards and outcomes was then discussed by one of the headline speakers, lawyer and author of the Shergold-Weir Report, Bronwyn Weir. The author pointed out the need for a professional standard set to reduce the lack of confidence and transparency in the sector.

The release of The Wealth Report 2019 from Knight Frank was also a hot topic on the second day of the conference, highlighting how luxury is taking over the property market. The panellists recognised 'downsizers' as one of the major factors behind this trend. Michelle Ciesielski from Knight Frank Australia noted the changes in currency conversion rate as a driving factor.

Day Three

The final day focused on generative design, naturalising cities, and the future of construction.

Leading the discussion on basic concepts and trends behind generative design, artificial intelligence, and machine learning was Nando Mogollon of Central Innovation. According to Mogollon, one way to move forward is to embrace new technology, taking advantage of the latest developments for better outcomes. Professor Andrew Harris of Laing O'Rourke also offered insight into the use of technology advancement to practice the delivery of the best innovative solutions.

Speaker architect Koichi Takada presented the final topics for the expo, discussing the role of architects in creating cities for the next generation on both the local and global scale. The expert emphasized the importance of humanising design, respecting heritage, and neighbourhoods, with a philosophy that focuses upon the natural landscape and taking advantage of each individual setting.

DesignBUILD is returning for their 34th year April 28-30 in 2020. For further inquiries, visit www.designbuildexpo.com.au today.



DesignBUILD Profile

02 9275 9200

DesignBUILD Profile

02 9275 9200

ENQUIRE HERE

ENQUIRE NOW






Related News Articles