DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY TWO
Day two of the annual DesignBUILD expo seminars looked at the opportunities of new technology in design and construction, a new era of luxury and the constant development of new industry practice.
Key points covered:
- Evolution of smart cities
- Role of designers in building regulatory reform
- Rise of luxury in the built environment
LISA MCLEAN FROM OPEN CITIES
Open Cities CEO Lisa McLean covered the topic of urbanisation in Australia with a focus on how we must create genuine self-sustaining, liveable communities. This could be achieved through the use of smart and sustainable technologies such as renewable energy, water recycling and more.
DR SIMONE ZARPELON LEAO FROM UNSW
Dr Simone Zarpelon Leao – Associate Dean at the Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW shared insight into the connection between technology, sustainability and building resilience. Dr Simone encouraged the audience to question what kind of change will take shape as we develop smart, sustainable cities.
BRONWYN WEIR FROM WEIR LEGAL AND CONSULTING
Legal expert Bronwyn Weir discussed the pertinent topic of regulatory reform and shared her vision for the improvement of Australian building standards. Weir believes the industry must place more importance on the value of peer review and that good documentation processes must be in place throughout the course of a project – from design to completion.
MICHELLE CIESIELSKI FROM KNIGHT FRANK
Michelle Ciesielski explored the rise of luxury developments, drawing facts from Knight Frank’s recently released The Wealth Report 2019. Ciesielski noted that the changes in currency conversion rates could be causing an increase in international buyers seeking luxury property across Australia.
WILLIAM SMART FROM SMART DESIGN STUDIO
In keeping with the luxury theme, architect William Smart of Smart Design Studio said that from a design perspective, the idea of luxury is shifting as modern living requirements change. Instead, there is more of a focus on creating authentic and unpredictable spaces.