Fostering architectural and planning debate

Fostering architectural and planning debate

Award-winning architects, artists and designers feature in the annual Communiqué lecture series hosted by the School of Architecture and Planning at The University of Auckland. This year’s series is run in tandem with the 5th Auckland Triennial, and presents a broad view of issues relevant to architecture and planning with the aim of fostering critical discussion and debate. Among the celebrated speakers are world-renowned architects, Teddy Cruz and Bijoy Jain.

"Copper House II, Maharashtra, India (2011) by Studio Mumbai.
Photo: Hélène Binet"

Professor of public culture and urbanism at the University of California, San Diego, Teddy Cruz co-foundered the Center for Urban Ecologies. Renowned for his work in urban areas his projects often target poor, minority and immigrant communities. His work has transformed California border neighbourhoods as well as areas in New York by creating affordable, quality housing and public infrastructure.

Bijoy Jain is an Indian-born, US-trained architect and founder of Studio Mumbai. Formed as a collaborative team of architects, engineers and traditional craftspeople, the studio employs a unique methodology in which every member contributes ideas and drawings to the design, with Jain describing himself as “the conductor of an orchester”. With a team of over 100 staff who make use of both modern technology and traditional Indian building techniques, every aspect of a buildings design and construction takes place - down to door handles and hinges.

Running through April and May other highlights include:
• Graphic designer, writer and curator Jonty Valentine who co-authored River Road with David Cook and Wiremu Puke.
• Sound artist and designer Rachel Shearer whose work encompases site-specific installations as well as creating music for film.
• Auckland-based designer Sarosh Mulla, founding member of the experimental design collective OH.NO.SUMO who has been named as one of the top twenty-four architectural graduates in the world.
• Urban planner Mark Davey who will discuss the new Auckland super city and its ongoing development.
• Photographer and moving-image artist Natalie Roberston (Ngati Porou/Clan Donnachaidh) whose work encompases site-specific projects and events with an emphasis on local and indigenous knowledge.

The Communiqué Lecture Series runs until 21 May at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and The University of Auckland. All lectures are free and open to the public.

School of Architecture and Planning staff and students also feature in the upcoming 5th Auckland Triennial, themed If you were to live here… by international curator, Hou Hanru. Teams of academics, students and architects will contribute to a design-based open laboratory called The Lab, mounting a series of rolling exhibitions and public events at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

For further information about the Communiqué Lecture Series and The Lab at the 5th Auckland Triennial visit www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/communique

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for Art Studies (CAS), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.

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