A program of free public events in Canberra celebrating the role of Australian architecture in our homes and communities marks this year’s National Architecture Week, 26-31 October.

The week kicks off with the official presentation of the Architecture Canberra Medallion to the National Portrait Gallery followed by a special lecture on the design of the Gallery building by the Gallery’s architect, Richard Johnson, titled ‘Art and Architecture’.

Monday 26 October
4pm Presentation of the 2009 Canberra Medallion to Timothy Fairfax AM
4.15pm-5pm ‘Art and Architecture’ presented by Richard Johnson

National Portrait Gallery, free but bookings required, email [email protected]

The Gallery of Australian Design will host all other events, including a competition and exhibition on Canberra’s future as visioned by emerging architects and graduates, and a response to their visions by established practitioners and community members.

Thursday 29 October

6pm – 2009 New Push Design Ideas competition and exhibition, visions for Canberra’s future by emerging architects. Includes exhibitions of Chairs (by industrial design students from University of Canberra) and the ACT 2009 Architecture Awards Winners. GAD, free but bookings required, email [email protected]

Friday 30 October

12.30pm – 2pm Civic: The Old Pull. Responding to the New Push, established architects consider the state of Civic. GAD, free but bookings required, email [email protected]

Thinking of building or renovating? Don’t miss Architecture Open Day at the GAD. There’ll be loads of ideas about how an architect can help you define and create what you want to build, present options you wouldn’t dream could be yours and help you get the most from your budget.

Saturday 31 October – Architecture Open Day

10am – 2pm Talk to an Architect

11am – 12.30 pm Design ideas for your home. Free public seminar with four local architects (Allan Spira, Pedro Geleris, Janet Thomson & Philip Leeson).

To book a session with an architect or to attend the public seminar, email [email protected]

2pm -3.30pm Architectural Lake Cruise with your guide Roger Pegrum

Departs Gallery of Australian Design, Commonwealth Place

$30. To book, email [email protected]

Exhibitions: 2009 ACT Architecture Awards, Cox Humphries Moss Student Design Prize, 2009 New Push and Industrial Design Students’ Chairs.

Full program of events at architecture.com.au/act

The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession, representing more than 9500 members across Australia and overseas. The Institute actively works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design. Visit the Institute at architecture.com.au .

Australian Institute of Architects