ArchitectureAu Asks

The competition system is under scrutiny – how could it be better?

For this year’s ArchitectureAu Asks event, Sydney architect Camilla Block invites us to consider the current state of design competitions – and the urgent need for reform.

When done well, competitions can be powerful vehicles for thinking, experimentation and the creation of exceptional architecture. But today, many architects find themselves grappling with opaque processes, disingenuous briefs, limited budgets, onerous deliverables, and little protection against intellectual theft – all for projects that may never be realised. Why do we accept these conditions? What needs to change to ensure fairness, transparency and value in the competition process? And what might an ideal future for architectural competitions look like?

This series from ArchitectureAu and Design Speaks poses questions that explore current and critical issues for experts and industry leaders to answer.

Visit the Design Speaks website for more information and sign up here for regular updates.

ARCHITECTUREAU ASKS TICKETS
Friday 7 November, 9.30 am – 2.45 pm, Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science

Individual: $265
Group offer (3+): $235 per person
Includes all sessions and lunch.

A discount is available for full-time university students. To access this offer, please submit proof of full-time enrolment to designspeaks@archmedia.com.au

THE GRIFFIN LECTURE – OPTIONAL
Friday 7 November, 3 pm – 5.15 pm, Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science

Attendees of ArchitectureAu Asks are invited to join the Australian Institute of Architects for the 2025 Griffin Lecture, featuring globally renowned architect Gregory Burgess. Simply opt in when purchasing your ArchitectureAu Asks ticket to join us for afternoon tea, followed by the lecture.

Gregory Burgess is the 2004 Gold Medallist and was nominated for Enduring Architecture in this year’s National Architecture Awards for his work on the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. He is an architect with a long history of engaging community in the built form, and will speak on the role architecture and design play in the improving the built fabric of our homes, town and cities.

NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS BUNDLE – SOLD OUT
Thursday 6 – Friday 7 November, Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science

Going to the National Architecture Awards on Thursday 6 November? We've teamed up with the Australian Institute of Architects to offer an Awards and ArchitectureAu Asks ticket bundle. 
Click here to find out more.

ArchitectureAu Asks is a Design Speaks program organised by Architecture Media and supported by premium partners Bondor Metecno and Planned Cover, and hotel partner Ovolo Nishi.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which this event is taking place. We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Please note:

Tickets cannot be split and are non-refundable but can be transferred to another name.

If you are an architect you can accrue 3.5 formal CPD points for attending ArchitectureAu Asks on 7 November. You must attend the event in full to be eligible for CPD points. Points cannot be split.

All details are correct at the time of publication, however changes in format, content and speaker line-up may become necessary, at the discretion of Architecture Media.