RACE for 2030 Pathways to Net Zero Precincts Urban Design Forum

The RACE for 2030 Pathways to Net Zero Precincts Urban Design Forum will bring together researchers, industry practitioners and emerging scholars to examine how urban design can enable the transition to a low carbon built environment.

This hybrid forum will be held on 1st October 2026 from 9.30am – 12pm (AWST) with options for both in-person and online attendance.

Speakers and panellists include:

🔹 Brendan McRae – Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

🔹 Sarvenaz Norouzy – Planning Director, Curtin University

🔹 Ross Donaldson – Australian Institute of Architects National President Elect

🔹 Prof Josh Byrne (MC) – Dean, Sustainable Futures, Curtin University

🔹 Dr Giles Thomson – DECRA Fellow, Curtin University

🔹 Assoc Prof Dusan Mills – Hawaiian

🔹 Gemma Cook – RACE for 2030

🔹 PhD Candidates Faz Ikram, Jia Zhang and Patrick Bendall, Curtin University

Full program available here

Through industry perspectives, research insights and case study highlights, the forum will explore connections between sustainability ambition, project feasibility and precinct-to-corridor planning.

The hybrid event concludes with a networking lunch (for in-person attendees) and further doctoral research presentations.

The forum is part of Curtin University’s School of Design and the Built Environment ‘Spring Graduate Research Exchange’ (GRX) which is being held over three days from Tuesday 29th to Thursday 1st October.

The GRX will feature PhD Examinations by Viva, Milestone and In-progress presentations together with keynote and guest lecturers, panels and workshops for both Traditional and Creative Practice Research.