Affirmative Architecture is a two day symposium convened by the Design Research Institute at RMIT University, Melbourne. The event seeks to define an emergent trend amongst young architects to re-engage with the ability of architecture to make life better.

The symposium draws together international and Australian architects and landscape architects who have demonstrated commit-ment to a social agenda and have made significant contribution to the public realm. Curated as a series of interactive lectures and panel discussions the speakers will describe their predominately built work and real projects that address real problems.

Arguably these young practitioners are revising the Modernist ethos that archi-tecture should provide effective solutions that benefit the community and the individual. In a contemporary context their work deals with positive consideration of social engagement, careful analysis of existing conditions and a deliberate, often challenging architectural response.

Organised in terms of geographic situation the symposium shall explore projects that expand the potential of architectural intervention in the city, the suburbs, the urban fringe, rural towns and remote locations.

Speakers:

Takaharu Tezuka
Tezuka Architects, Tokyo
Tokyo City University, Tokyo

Leon van Schaik
RMIT Architecture

Veronika Valk
zizi&yoyo, Tallinn

Deborah Saunt & David Hills
DSDHA, London

Richard Black
Times Two Architects
RMIT Architecture, Melbourne

Finn Pedersen
iredale pedersen hook architects, Perth

Graham Crist
antarctica, Melbourne
RMIT Architecture, Melbourne

Diego Ramirez-Lovering
Monash University, Melbourne

Stephen Neille & Simon Pendal
pendal and neille, Perth
Curtin University, Perth

Melanie Dodd
muf_aus
RMIT Architecture, Melbourne

Peter Ho
Phooey Architects, Melbourne

Nigel Bertram
NMBW, Melbourne
RMIT Architecture, Melbourne

Sue Anne Ware
RMIT Landscape Architecture, Melbourne

Scott Balmforth
Terroir, Hobart

Mat Ward
Managing Editor AR Magazine