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Density Done Well | Exhibition Opening + DI Provocation
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Density Done Well | Exhibition Opening + DI Provocation

Date: Monday 6 October 2025 
Time Exhibition Opening: 4pm-5pm at Central Park
Time Talk: 5.00pm for a 5.30pm start at Gresley Abas (Level 5 / 56 Willian St)
Location: Perth CBD

Main event and exhibition partner: NATSPEC

The participation to this event will count for 1 informal CPD point.

Photo by Robert Frith: Montreal Commons by Hillam Architects

Overview

Continuing our Design Intelligence (DI) series, this Density Done Well | Exhibition Opening, curated by the WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, showcases architecturally designed housing projects across Western Australia that demonstrate how thoughtful density can enhance liveability, community, and sustainability.

The accompanying DI Provocation features award-winning architects exploring principles of civic generosity, Housing First models, and landmark sustainable developments, each offering bold, real-world responses to the housing and affordability crisis.

This movable feast will commence with the Exhibition opening at Central Park at 4pm Monday 6 October, then travel to Gresley Abas at 5.00pm, for a 5.30pm start, for the presentations. 

Part 1 | Density Done Well Exhibition

Curated by the Western Australian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, the Density Done Well Exhibition will be presented between 6 and 10 October in the lobby of Central Park (158 St Georges Terrace, Perth). The opening of the exhibition will take place at 4pm on Monday 6 October.
The exhibition showcasing a selection of architecturally designed housing projects across Western Australia to demonstrate how density can be successfully delivered.
Key data has been collected from selected projects to demonstrate diverse approaches: case studies range in size, height and type.
Comparative analysis makes clear that well designed denser housing can be delivered in various forms – with each demonstrating a positive contribution to both residents and neighbourhoods.
The exhibition unpacks the real-world aspects of liveability and puts the resident experience front and centre to sponsor the question we should all be asking: Would you choose to live here?

Part 2 | Talk DI Provocation 

Jimmy Thompson
Design Director | MJA Studio

Jimmy discusses the first principles of ‘Density done well’ via comparison of three AIA WA Chapter award winning projects of varying scales; Evans st, Victoria House and Forbes residences. This talk addresses the need to relate to context at all scales and will infer that the larger the project and density, the harder it must work in terms of its civic generosity.

Jimmy Thompson in his role as Design Director of MJA studio seeks design solutions that respond to local context, heritage and environment in a way that incorporates a sense of whimsy and delight for the people who occupy them. Above all Jimmy truly gives a damn; about People, Perth, Humanity and the ability of design and Architecture to have a positive effect on its occupants and the environment that surrounds it.

 

Jonathan Lake
Director + Design Leader | Gresley Abas
Housing First and its role in addressing the housing and affordability crisis
Over the past 5 years GA Architects has been involved in the design of several projects based on the housing first principle. This presentation seeks to use a recently completed project as a case study for density as a component of successful delivery of these projects.

As a practicing architect for almost 30 years Jonathan has had a broad range of experience across all scales and sectors. In that time, he has developed a strong commitment to socially and environmentally sustainable design. He believes (still) in architectures role to change people’s lives through the elevation of everyday experiences for people of their place.

 

Greg Ewart
Project Director | Hillam Architects
Montreal Commons – landmark sustainable Multi-residential
Montreal Commons represents a perfect alignment between planners, developers, architects and builders to create truly sustainable housing outcomes.

Each stakeholder committed to delivering under the One Planet Living framework, a holistic accreditation system which goes beyond the energy efficiency, water usage, materials and waste management criteria which guides other sustainability rating systems such as Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Rating tool.

As one of only a handful of certified One Planet Living Apartment buildings across Australia, the design of Montreal Commons embodies the vision of a sustainable, operationally carbon neutral development that is financially superior for residents, setting a new benchmark for sustainable design practices in the future.

The One Planet Living flexible framework is guided by ten overarching principles aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

These guiding principles are:
  • Health and Happiness
  • Equity and Local Economy
  • Culture and Community
  • Travel and Transport
  • Land and Nature
  • Local and Sustainable Food
  • Sustainable Water
  • Materials and Products
  • Zero Waste
  • Zero Carbon Energy

Montreal Commons meets these challenges through integration with the precinct plan, shared resources, pedestrian permeability, designing for social inclusion and interaction, passive sustainability features supported by technology and on-site power generation.

As one of the first multi-residential developments in a premium, gateway location to the precinct, Hillam Architects relished the opportunity to set a new standard for sustainable development that meets the current and future needs of the community.

After commencing his architecture career in Perth, Greg has designed and delivered residential projects of all densities including high-rise apartments, townhouses and master planned communities with projects in Perth, Brisbane & the Gold Coast. Joining Hillam Architects in 2023, Greg is a firm believer in the power of meaningful architecture to influence positive transformation of our urban spaces and to create places that enrich simple everyday human interactions.

 

Ross Donaldson
WA Chapter President
MODERATOR
Ross Donaldson was CEO and Chairman of Woods Bagot from 2006-2016. Living in Hong Kong for ten years, he led the firm through its global growth to becoming the 6th largest firm in the world and in 2016, named the 7th most admired firm in the WA100 survey of 2000 international practices. 

Prior to Woods Bagot he had his own small firm in Perth and taught at UWA for 17 years.

Since returning to Perth he has become deeply involved in climate action for the construction industry and has prepared two series of lectures for the profession undersigning for carbon. He continues to teach at the Schools of Architecture and provides strategic consulting to a number of national architectural firms.

Price

The price covers both Density Done Well Exhibition Opening event and the talk. 
Members $10
Non-Members $25
SONA and Graduate members within 5 years of graduation $5 

Please register to help the organisation with an approximation of the number of participants.

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Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms and conditions for information about refunds and cancellations. By registering for this event you are agreeing to these terms.

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