NEW TRENDS OF ARCHITECTURE IN EUROPE AND ASIA-PACIFIC
August 17th, 2006, FORM Gallery.
As Perth looks towards a post-boom future, this isolated Indian Ocean city is positioned on a unique cusp between affluence, confidence, enormous growth, and the chance to consider what sort of active legacy it wants to leave. The built environment forms the skeleton and the skin of a city. It is special in this way; architecture can respond to the challenges confronting contemporary cities, communities and the environment, much like a breathing organism. More than a random collection of buildings, urban architecture - if utilized properly – can help shape the legacy of a city like Perth. A city whose built environment interacts with its inhabitants is a city that is intrinsically healthier and happier; a city of wellbeing.
New Trends of Architecture in Europe and Asia-Pacific 2006-2007 was an international touring exhibition and two-day symposium surveying innovative architectural projects throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific, which showed in Perth for the first time, presented by FORM. Following its tour to Patras, Luxembourg, Tokyo and Melbourne, New Trends was launched in Perth by Minister John Kobelke and introduced by Stuart Hicks, Chairman of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority. FORM worked with the Office of Government Architect, Royal Australian Institute of Architects and Iredale Pedersen Hook (IPH) Architects to facilitate the project. The symposium was developed to further explore the themes contained in the exhibition and their relevance to the conditions encapsulating Perth in its current affluence. The symposium brought significant international and national experts to Perth, including local innovators such as IPH. It also enabled attendees to gain insight into international and national projects, and to discuss the implications of architecture and design on Perth’s own future, including topics addressing the obstacles and opportunities arising from place-activation, urban planning, policy and regulations and cultural development. Following a turnout of around 450 people for the exhibition opening, the symposium attracted an average attendance of 300 per day. FORM also produced a Creative Capital magazine as accompaniment (titled Shaping the Legacy) which continued the dialogue initiated in New Trends and introduced it to a wider audience.
Download the New Trends Program HERE.