How design can deliver social and ecological connection in an increasingly disconnected world

Heat, humidity, flooding and digital saturation push many of us inward, sealed behind high fences and air-conditioned walls, disconnected from each other and the environments that sustain us. It doesn't have to be this way. Join the panel for a conversation exploring how architecture and design can help rebuild connection.

Program

Twilight Walking Tour: 3:30pm–5:30pm, meeting at The Curated Space (2km)

Now twenty years old, The Ecovillage at Currumbin is Australia's most awarded residential estate, with more than 33 accolades including the 2008 FIABCI Prix d'Excellence Award. Join developer Kerry Shepherd and local architect and resident Teresa Wuersching for a walk through the village, its community facilities and the Slow Home Project.

Panel Discussion: 5:30pm for a 6pm start, The Old Dairy Hall

Facilitator

Professor Paul Burton, Emeritus Professor, Griffith University, Urban Planning

Panel

Shannon Best — cultural consultant, Yugambeh Museum and Research Centre, working across Traditional Owner engagement in urban development and climate resilience.

Llewellyn Griggs — Architect, Refresh Studio for Architecture, and 2023 Queensland EmAGN Award recipient for Habitat on Juers.

Kerry Shepherd — co-founder and developer of the multi-award-winning Ecovillage at Currumbin.

Teresa Von Sommaruga Howard — Ecovillage resident and UK-registered architect with 40 years' experience in social housing, and co-author of Design through Dialogue (Wiley, 2010).

Access and parking

Access to the Old Dairy Hall is via Community Way. Please park in the green space on the corner of Lakeview Place and Forrest Way, refer to the map provided for pedestrian access from there. Accessible parking is available close to the hall entrance if required.

The village has a dark sky policy, so it will be quite dark when returning to your car. A torch and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Contact the host of Connected Dwelling: Guided Walk and Panel Discussion