Exploring Ideas in CONTEXT - Colour | Growth | Form - event wrap by Mark Sanders

CANBERRA, 20th-22nd March 2025.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Sikorski, with ADDITIONAL fringe event images by Angus Kell, Marcus Piper and Rhiannon Slatter

THURSDAY

Arriving as a new RAA member, after my flight from Melbourne (via Saigon earlier that day) at Assembly The People’s Pub provided an initially daunting experience.  Assembly immediately struck me as a rich case study in the convergence of spatial atmosphere, communal dining, and urban sociability as I moved from ‘the front bar’ – filled with tradies and public servants – to the rear outdoor dining area which was largely filled by a group of RAA architects (by the way, what is the pronoun for a group of architects?).  Finding a quiet spot for the bag that had been home for the previous 10 days, I was almost immediately offered a cold drink and so the introductions and conversations began.

Delegates gathered for the Thursday community dinner at Assembly pub, photo by Marcus Piper

The Arboretum, photo by Marcus Piper

Backtracking here in the linear flow of Context, Marcus Piper and Rhiannon Slatter kindly offered to provide their reflections on the preceding happenings of the day.

During Thursday afternoon, delegates had attended a walking tour at the Arboretum guided by RAA president Tim Lee where they viewed Canberra from a hilltop vantage point from where its growth over the years was clearly laid out. Following this, a choice was made between a jewellery design workshop with contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter or a walking tour with artist Ham Darroch.

The jewellery design workshop with Phoebe was process driven. After viewing her studio and all its equipment with the potential to bend and shape the hardest of metals, attendees set about developing their own concepts and constructing models of their designs. It was a very calm setting while everyone focussed on their work.

Phoebe Porter running her workshop, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Phoebe Porter showing delegates her workshop, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Leading the walking tour, local artist Ham Darroch, a fellow studio-resident of the Gorman House Arts Centre with Porter, pulled a few surprises with the tour starting at the National Gallery of Australia where he introduced us to Dancing to the music of time, 2022 – a dotted wall painting by 94 year-old British op-art icon, Bridget Riley. Being a long-term assistant of the French-based creator, Ham’s integral role in the development of this work allowed a thorough explanation of the process highlighting how such a piece utilises thinking shared with architects and spatial designers. 

After talking us through the installation of other major works he has had a hand in, we moved on with the walk making our way across the lake to the ACT Legislative Assembly where, behind the security gates and closed doors, Darroch shared with us his A fragment of Measure 3 wall painting – a site-specific painting that spans the highly-traffic stairwell. 

Continuing on, somewhat amazed at what we were experiencing – the tour concluded at Ham's studio where current works-in-progress were shared alongside colour tests, form studies and stories of an international career, vision and exacting understanding of his craft. After three hours of talking in total, and a few more steps than average, Ham’s generosity and enthusiasm was not lost as we moved on to digest and share what had already been an inspiring afternoon.

Ham Darroch showing delegates his studio (left) and with his installation at the Legislative Assembly (right), photos by Marcus Piper

FRIDAY

Session 01 of CONTEXT Canberra 2025 commenced with a Welcome to Country by Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land. This was followed by opening remarks from RAA President Tim Lee, who emphasised the importance of regional architectural discourse. Creative director Hal Guida then introduced the day's speakers, setting the stage for a series of insightful presentations.

Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan performing a Welcome to Country at Ainslie Arts Centre, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Event creative director Hal Guida, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Dr. Julian Raxworthy, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead of Landscape Architecture at the University of Canberra, delivered the first keynote. A registered landscape architect, academic and principal of Free-Range Landscape Architects, Dr. Raxworthy explored the dynamic relationship between design and natural processes. Drawing from his extensive experience and his book Overgrown: Practices Between Landscape Architecture and Gardening, he discussed how landscapes evolve over time through both intentional design and organic growth. His presentation highlighted the significance of embracing change and entropy in landscape architecture, advocating for designs that are adaptable and responsive to their environments.

Dy Julian Raxworthy, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Following Julian, Nikos Kalogeropoulos, Director of Molonglo, shared insights into directing growth at urban peripheries. Molonglo, a property development firm with projects in Canberra, Melbourne, and Athens, is known for its landscape-led approach to development. Nikos took us on a journey through the ‘trials and tribulations’ of the Molonglo Dairy Road precinct project - a 14-hectare development that will ultimately integrate residential, industrial, and recreational spaces within a native landscape setting. Not being a fan of ‘the Masterplan’, Nikos emphasised Molonglo's iterative design process, which involves making micro-interventions to assess impact before implementing larger changes. This approach fosters community connections and respects the existing character of the surroundings. Kalogeropoulos's presentation underscored the importance of thoughtful, process-based development that prioritizes environmental sensitivity and community engagement.

Together, these presentations underscored the significance of integrating environmental sensitivity and community-focused design in and around Canberra.

Nikos Kalogeropoulos of the Molonglo Group, photo by Andrew Sikorski

After a short break and a scrumptious morning tea, Session 02 commenced with Rob Stefanic taking the stage to take the audience through his professional roles and positions in managing the balance between the management and maintenance of significant government buildings – including his ‘baby’, Parliament House – with their intrinsic heritage values and the design intent of their creators.

The integration of technical advancements, security and the people management of heads of departments and how to quickly age the raw copper roof – as the specified deliverable - of a parliamentary gatehouse restoration/refurbishment provided an in depth, practical and humorous insight into another layer of Context.

Delegates and technical members engaging over morning tea, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Rob Stefanic, photo by Andrew Sikorski

From the largely ‘pragmatic’, we were taken into the more ‘speculative’ world of artificial intelligence (AI) by Adam Wigg.

Adam – a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Canberra with a background in architecture and urban design - addressed the ‘elephant in the architecture studio’ – AI.  A crash course in understanding AI was provided, followed by how it could be applied to the delivery of architecture in terms of ‘Practice, Technical and Creative’ pursuits that form the basis of what it means to work as an architect.

His presentation highlighted the need for understanding and applying AI to the extent that it did not distract from the creativity and application of ‘nuanced thinking’ that only the human brain can deliver.  There were however many AI applications that ‘could, would and should’ make all of our lives easier and better – analysis, iteration, visualisation and…..creating meeting notes and minutes – the bain of every architect’s life. 

Adam Wigg, photo by Andrew Sikorski

A delectable lunch followed Adam’s presentation – allowing time to refuel as well as visit the tables of the RAA Technical Members who also provided quick presentations about their companies, the products and systems they supply and how they can support RAA members.  It was obvious to myself that the relationship between the RAA and Technical members was meaningful and symbiotic – with the Technical members providing support, products and systems to enable RAA members to bring their projects to life.

Peter Tasker of Murobond, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Technical experts from Natural Brick, Tait and No1 Roofing with delegates

Technical experts from Weathertex, Arcpanel, Evoheat, AWS and Polyflor with delegates, photo by Andrew Sikorski

A delicious lunch spread by Cafe Stepping Stones, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Post lunch, we entered ‘the third quarter’ of proceedings with local architect Joanna Nelson and architectural photographer Thurston Empson taking the stage.

Joanna Nelson, as a seasoned architect with a practice spanning the ACT, NSW, and Victoria, presented her approach to finely crafted architectural interventions. With a career that began in Melbourne in 1987 and included a tenure as Senior Architect with the National Capital Authority in Canberra, Joanna returned to private practice in 2010.

Joanna presented a series of her works – almost as ‘anti architecture’ in their humility, yet meaningful in the way they oozed of invention, reinvention and the rigorous exploration of each project's architectural potential.

Nelson's presentation highlighted projects such as the award-winning "House on a Path," which received both the Canberra Medallion and The Gene Willsford Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) in 2024. This project in particular exemplified her philosophy of making precise yet loosely programmed additions that reorient and reorganize existing structures to better engage with their surroundings – their context.

Joanna Nelson, photo by Andrew Sikorski

Our last official speaker and presentation for the day was from Thurston Empson - Architectural Photographer.

As a relatively new Canberra resident, Thurston reflected on how he was ‘integrating and adjusting’ to the Canberra way of life.  He then took us on a journey using his photographs as the mode of transport.  The thematic of architecture within and looking out into landscape – as well as the architecture or landscape itself - provided a perfect way to round out the day…all the while as the afternoon landscape dappled rays of sunlight started making their presence felt from the west facing windows of the venue.

Thurston Empson, photo by Andrew Sikorski

The presentations for the day ended with a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by President Tim Lee, bringing together three highly respected voices in the built environment: ACT Government Architect Catherine Townsend, landscape architect Dr Julian Raxworthy, and architectural photographer Thurston Empson. This panel offered a rich, cross-disciplinary dialogue that explored the interwoven responsibilities and opportunities facing design professionals working across public, environmental, and visual domains.

Catherine Townsend, in her role as ACT Government Architect, contributed her insights on the importance of design leadership in shaping Canberra’s urban and civic spaces. Known for her advocacy of good design in government procurement and policy, she spoke to the value of holistic planning, sustainable growth, and community-oriented design. Catherine emphasised the crucial role of government architects in influencing long-term urban quality and resilience.

Dr Julian Raxworthy brought a landscape architectural perspective, highlighting the role of environmental processes and adaptive design particularly in relation to reimaging the interface and blurring of boundaries between private and public (nature strip) spaces. Drawing on his academic research and practice, he stressed how cities must evolve alongside natural systems, advocating for greater fluidity between built and organic landscapes.

Thurston Empson added depth to the discussion by speaking about the visual narrative of place. With his sensitive approach to architectural photography, Empson emphasized the power of images to communicate spatial experience, atmosphere, and the subtleties of design intent to broader audiences, including the public and policy makers.

This session was also open to the general public, underscoring the inclusive mission of CONTEXT Canberra 2025. The dialogue served not only as a deep dive into professional perspectives but as a call to integrate design excellence more fully into civic life.

The diverse expertise of the panel sparked a dynamic exchange that highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to shape more responsive and resonant environments – this being augmented by a member of the ‘public audience’ putting forward a compelling case for rethinking how suburbs of Canberra (and perhaps beyond) would be well served by acknowledging that our aging population wish to reside in more appropriate housing in the same area/neighbourhood rather than being ‘shipped off’ into a new, unfamiliar area.

Panel discussion with (left to right) Dr Julian Raxworthy, Thurston Empson, ACT Government Architect Catherine Townsend and RAA president Tim Lee, photo by Andrew Sikorski

With the conclusion of the Program at Ainslie Arts Centre, most of us made our way to the Cento Apartments to view and enjoy Lymesmith’s ‘Between Mountains’ mural….

After multiple lift transfers, we made it to the 7th floor to begin our viewing of Between Mountains – a mural spanning seven storeys that transforms the internal atrium of Canberra’s Centro Building into a vibrant celebration of place, colour, and community.

The mural is divided into two halves, each comprising a grid of 100 rectangles, reflecting the hues of the southern slope of Galambary (Black Mountain) and the western face of Mt Ainslie, respectively. These colours were meticulously documented by the artistic team from the local flora and landscapes, creating a tapestry that positions and orients the building within its natural context.

As another example of Context, Between Mountains exemplifies how thoughtful, site-specific art can enrich residential spaces, offering residents a dynamic and immersive experience that resonates with the natural beauty of Canberra’s terrain.

‘Between Mountains’ with Sonia van de Haar, aka Lymesmith, photo by Andrew Sikorski

From the Centro, it was off to our dinner venue for the evening – the Parlour Dining Room, situated in Canberra's historic 1927 Hotel Acton.

As a large group of ‘architect types’, the venue's eclectic and vibrant interior design, featuring cosy couches, intimate nooks, and an outdoor terrace, provided a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.  It suited our gathering well with the food in ample supply, the drinks – particularly the local wine - at public servant pricing (being over the top by the glass, but approaching reasonable by the bottle….so by the bottle it came to be) and the company well primed after being conversation starved for most of the day.

All in all, it was a fitting end to a day that covered a huge diversity of topics delivered by top quality speakers.  Bravo RAA Committee and creative director Hal Guida.

BUT WAIT….there was more to come the next day with a site visit and tour of the National Library and the Molonglo Dairy Rd Precinct.

SATURDAY

After an early coffee the Saturday program started with a tour of the National Library of Australia, designed by Bunning and Madden (completed 1964) in the Late Twentieth Century Stripped Classical style.

The clear modernist and classical influences of the exterior are complemented by the Tom Bass sculpture (titled Lintel Sculpture) installed over the entry, the decorative marble throughout the Foyer, the stained-glass windows by Leonard French and tapestries by Mathieu Matégot.

The library staff walked us through the program to replace the marble fascia and restore and upgrade the bronze framing and glazing. The thoughtfulness of the execution and detail in the solution 

National Library of Australia, interior photo by Angus Kell, exterior photo with Marcus Piper ready to lead the ride to Dairy Road by Rhiannon Slatter

The final session was on to the Dairy Road Precinct where Nikos Kalogeropoulos and his team provided a detailed commentary followed by a tour of the Project. Walking through the precinct it was evident that ‘less is more’ has been the driving factor behind what appeared to be a very popular destination.

Saturday’s program continued the theme of Friday in that the thoughtfulness of restraint can deliver design outcomes that maximise both the physical and social environment of the site.

Nikos Kalogeropoulos at Molonglo’s Dairy Road office, photo by Angus Kell

Dairy Road Precinct, photos by Rhiannon Slatter

We look forward to seeing you all on 20th June 2025 for our next event in Dungog.

Want to join the RAA for our next event? Want to become a member of the RAA or know someone who would? Spread the word and reach out via this website.