Fuse Talks: Diversity in Architecture

We live in a vibrant, multicultural country. In addition to being home to the world's oldest cultures, Australians identify with more than 270 different ethnicities. In the past seven decades, almost seven million people have immigrated to Australia. The richness of our cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. Our Australian identity is rooted in it. People from diverse backgrounds and cultures contribute uniquely interesting qualities to Australian built environments, and this should not only be understood but also celebrated, as they continue to contribute to the development of Australian urban culture. We believe that incorporating the needs of diverse cultures will make our cities and architecture more welcoming, dynamic, cosmopolitan, and equitable.

As we discuss the possibilities for creating an inclusive home for all Australians, join us online and our guest presenters Dr Kelum Palipane, Lecturer in Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, University of Melbourne and James Wilson, Director at Lyons Architects.

Register to join us online 5pm 7th December 2022

Cost: Free

Speakers

Dr Kelum Palipane

Dr Kelum Palipane is Lecturer in Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, University of Melbourne. Her research uses creative ethnographic methods to explore migrant experience and identity, examining how unprogrammed placemaking practices can inform design.

Kelum is a graduate of architecture with experience in several practices based in Melbourne and overseas. She obtained her PhD by Creative Works from the University of Melbourne in 2016.

Kelum's doctoral research involved developing a design framework that would help retain and foster the diverse placemaking practices of multicultural communities in neighbourhood regeneration projects. Kelum has teaching experience in several undergraduate and graduate subjects. Through her teaching she aims to explore the pedagogical implications of multicultural teaching - learning strategies that would make students aware of the impact of varying epistemes in knowledge creation and learning.

James Wilson

James Wilson is a Director of Lyons and a practice leader in design and briefing for civic, cultural, and educational projects. Highly experienced in the development and delivery of complex, multimillion dollar public precincts, his expertise lies in bringing together the collaborative nature of learning and research environments.

James’ extensive experience over the last 20 years has seen him become a national leader in innovative learning, cultural and library spaces. He is highly recognised for his formative design work in the ‘vertical campus’ model.

Integral to James’ design discourse is the integration of cultural strategies that connect communities and local histories to provide meaningful urban places. He also brings leading environmental design knowledge to Lyons’ major projects, expanding strategies beyond rating systems to incorporate social wellbeing, cultural and carbon based platforms.