WAYS OF WORKING
– ArchiTeam Conference Preview
Ahead of the ArchiTeam Conference, Creative Directors Delia Teschendorff, Adam Newman and Ross Brewin shared their thoughts on how the nature of work and life has changed, and the importance of collaboration in architecture.
What can people expect from the conference?
A ‘Way of Working’ might be considered as being an ethic, a method, an intent, an agenda, a process, a framework, or a guiding principle.
Ways of Working – Strength in small Practice is the fourth biennial ArchiTeam conference focussing on three interlinked aspects of practice – Teamwork, Detail and Modes.
Drawing together an exciting range of speakers from around the continent, the conference will be an excellent opportunity to absorb diverse practice knowledge, experiences, and processes, as well as an opportunity to share your own experience of practice with other attendees.
Image: Tatjana Plitt The construction industry is currently in turmoil; should architects look to larger collaborations as a solution to a downturn in renovation work, and how realistic is this approach?
T=The industry, including the architecture profession, is moving into a phase of rapid change. Change induced by major global shifts affecting all facets of society – geo-political restructurings, technological advancements in production and technique including AI, energy systems, material and supply chains, all underpinned of course by climate change and its infinite ramifications.
As small practitioners, we can embrace these changes through exploring alternate ways of practice. An aspect of this to be addressed at the conference is collaboration with others, including large and diverse teams, and projects/research perhaps not analogous with the traditional sphere of architecture. We would consider this less as a means to tackle a downturn in renos, but more as a means to solve the problems at hand.
With so much focus in the built environment discourse on the big picture problems such as climate breakdown and housing affordability, what role does the well-crafted detail have in progressing an architectural agenda for our times?
The notion of the well-crafted detail speaks to a broader language of design and construction that is robust, adaptable and by extension delightful. In other words, the Vitruvian synthesis of Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas holds true and should be the basis of any act of design and construction.
Careful consideration of technical resolution, material suitability and finish, appropriate construction methodology all directly affect maintenance, durability, energy efficiency and quality of the built environment, which in turn contribute to sustainability — a core tenet of an architectural agenda for our times.
Image: Tatjana Plitt A strength of many small practices is the flexibility to work in different modes and integrate secondary lines of expertise within their practice. Is this trend of broadening practice beyond traditional architectural services a sign of industry maturity? Or is it a response to unsustainable low fees expected by clients for traditional services?
The broadening of practice methodologies beyond traditional architectural services is a sign of industry maturity and creative thinking. The ability to integrate secondary lines of expertise within small practice is a reflection of adaptability and a propensity for innovation. It allows diverse skill sets and perspectives to come to the table, delivering more innovative and sustainable design solutions, and a more holistic approach to problem-solving.
Which speaker are you most excited to hear from?
All of them! We have been very fortunate in procuring a talented and highly diverse selection of speakers from across the continent, all with nuanced perspectives and extraordinary bodies of work. We can’t wait!
Ways of Working
Friday 12 May 8.30am – 5.00pm Melbourne Museum or online
