Designing Cities Symposium

Cities are constantly evolving places where people come together. Who makes the decisions that shape the spaces and places we share, and how might cities be better for all?

Join us for an afternoon symposium that will examine city-making from different perspectives and provide practical ideas to inform a better, more sustainable future.

Three presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and question time, and the event includes viewing Monash University XYX Lab’s award-winning exhibition ‘HyperSext City‘.

Before the event, take the opportunity to tour the Walyalup Civic Centre, guided by the building's award-winning architects, Kerry Hill Architects. To join, choose this option when you book - places are limited.

The symposium is for architects, urban designers, planners, local government and anyone with an interest in city-making. This event will earn CPD points.

Make the most of the day - have lunch or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and cafes. Why not come for the weekend? The Hougoumont Hotel and the Warders Hotel are ideally located for a Fremantle staycation.

PROGRAM

12PM – 12.45PM Optional tour of Walyalup Civic Centre - limited places

1PM – 2PM Arrival, registration and viewing of the 'HyperSext City' exhibition.
Fremantle Design Week is proudly partnering with Monash University XYX Lab to bring the award-winning exhibition ‘HyperSext City’ to the PS Art Space. Through arresting hypergraphics and video works, ‘HyperSext City’ uses data to examine the nexus of gender and public space, drawing attention to the experiences of women, girls and LGBTQI+ communities in urban environments and amplifying the voices of those often unheard. 

2PM – Presentation 1 - Gender-sensitive approaches to design, architecture and urbanism
presented by Nicole Kalms / Monash University XYX Lab (via Zoom)
What does spatial equity mean and why should we want it? Nicole Kalms will share the work of Monash University's XYX Lab, a team of experienced design researchers exploring gender-sensitive design practices and theory at the intersection of gender, identity, urban space and advocacy. Her presentation will explore the concept of spatial equity and offer insights that can contribute to a larger movement for change that will make cities safer for women, girls, LGBTQI+ communities and all community members. 

2:45PM – Presentation 2 - Walyalup Civic Centre: A case study in getting civic architecture right
presented by Russell Kingdom, Manager Strategic Planning and City Design, City of Fremantle and Patrick Kosky, Director, Kerry Hill Architects   
The Walyalup Civic Centre swept the pool at the WA Architecture Awards and has been recognised as an outstanding example of public architecture and urban design. The building has boosted civic pride and changed the face of the port city. How does a project like this succeed - what are the ingredients and processes and how does the initial vision remain intact? Russell Kingdom from the City of Fremantle and architect Patrick Kosky will share the story of the project from planning and funding through to design and construction. 

BREAK

4PM – Presentation 3 - Elders-first approaches to city making 
presented by Barbara Bynder and Farley Garlett/ Directors of Karrda; contributors to DevelopmentWA’s Subi East Redevelopment Project 
DevelopmentWA’s Aboriginal Development Manager (ADM) pilot program began in 2019. One of the key determinants for the creation of ADMs on urban development projects is to develop mutually beneficial and transparent partnerships with development Project Teams to foster two-way learning environments for constructive professional growth and the inclusion of Noongar values and value systems to be embedded in the urban design approach. Barbara Bynder and Farley Garlett, Directors of Karrda Pty Ltd, are working with DevelopmentWA across a range of projects and will share their experience on these projects alongside wider perspectives. They will also share their expertise on how urban environments can be better places when cultural knowledge and Elders-first approaches are embedded in projects from start to end – and beyond. 

4:45PM – Panel discussion and question time
moderated by Shea Hatch, Studio Principal at UDLA and President of the WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA)
What contradictions and synergies have emerged from the three presentations? The presenters will explore practical ways we can design our cities better, with a focus on the local context, and will open up to the floor for questions. 

5:15PM – Close and drinks
The Fremantle Design Week Bar will be open for drinks, conversations and networking. 

Stay on for PechaKucha, a meal at one of the nearby restaurants and the Fremantle Design Week Closing Party.

About Fremantle Design Week
This event is part of Fremantle Design Week, which celebrates design through an engaging program of exhibitions, talks, workshops and site visits in Fremantle from 14—21 October, 2022. The event connects audiences with designers, explores new perspectives and shares ideas for making life better. Immerse yourself in the port city - design lives here. See the full program!