Master architect here

ARCHITECTS from around the state are gathering in Coffs Harbour for Beyond the Prism, the 2011 conference of the Australian Institute of Architects, NSW Country Division, which opens this evening.

Guest speakers at the conference include John Barrow, the senior principal from Populous.

Mr Barrow is the principal master planner for the London Olympics in 2012.

He will be talking mainly about the whole London 2012 experience, with reference to other current Populous projects, with a sustainability agenda throughout.

The four-day conference, the 51st held by the Division and the 10th to be held in Coffs Harbour, has attracted 75 delegates to busy program of talks speakers, presentations, displays and workshops as well as social events.

Among the delegates are Sawtell-based Ann M Gee and her son, graduate architect Oliver Gee, who has just joined his mother’s busy practice.

Mrs Gee said the conference allowed them to pick up on the most relevant and interesting things happening in their field and the product displays by sponsors were always informative.

The formal conference dinner on Thursday will also see the presentation of the division’s annual awards.

Only one Coffs Coast firm is represented on the list of nominations.

Fisher Design + Architecture in association with Mackenzie Pronk Architects have nominated their Muttonbird Island project for the National Parks and Wildlife Service in two categories – projects in non-residential architecture (a new award) and the Termimesh Timber Award.

Giidany Miirlarl (the moon place) is the new outdoor interpretive art and education structure at the base of Muttonbird Island.

The $320,000 project, which was opened to the public in April, showcases the island and its significance to the Gumbaynnggirr people as well as providing an open space for discovery tours, school tours and performances.

Coffs Coast Advocate  |  Belinda Scott | 4th October 2011