Design Intelligence: Civic in Nature: Design in Service of the City and its People
Design Intelligence is conceived as a recurring Victorian Chapter forum focused on design thinking rather than finished work. The series positions architecture as an evolving intellectual practice - tested through built work, challenged through works in progress, and sharpened through debate. Our third event is jointly presented through the AIA and Urban Design Forum Australia. Its focus is on urban scale projects that have a civic impact on the wider city and, crucially, provide a degree of generosity for people that improves the overall urban condition. The discussion will examine how design intelligence is formed, transferred, and contested over time between the project authors and the stakeholder and communities they serve.
Design Intelligence: Civic in Nature: Design in Service of the City and its People
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Woods Bagot, 498 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Price: $20 Members | $40 Non-Members (please refer to FAQs below for terms and conditions)
Light Refreshments will be served.
Registrations close 14 July 2026.
Overview
Design Intelligence is conceived as a recurring Victorian Chapter forum focused on design thinking rather than finished work. The series positions architecture as an evolving intellectual practice - tested through built work, challenged through works in progress, and sharpened through debate.
Our third event is jointly presented through the AIA and Urban Design Forum Australia. Its focus is on urban scale projects that have a civic impact on the wider city and, crucially, provide a degree of generosity for people that improves the overall urban condition. The discussion will examine how design intelligence is formed, transferred, and contested over time between the project authors and the stakeholder and communities they serve.
Speakers
Victoria Reeves, Director of Architecture, Kennedy Nolan
As a Director of Architecture at Kennedy Nolan, Victoria contributes to the strategic and cultural direction of the practice whilst maintaining connection to the reality of project delivery in the construction industry. Victoria values the relationships of colleagues and collaborations, recognising these are essential to the success of complex and pioneering projects. She led the Balam Balam Arts Precinct recently completed for Merri-bek City Council. As co-director of Kennedy Nolan’s first Nightingale project, Victoria gained an insight into the precarities of development.
Kirsten Bauer, Director and Global Design Director, ASPECT STUDIOS
Kirsten is a Director and Global Design Director of ASPECT Studios. As Global Design Director she is responsible for design quality across all studios and thus strategically is involved in significant projects across the globe, from Australia, to London, to Middle East and Asia. Kirsten is a respected design leader with 30 years expertise in public realm and infrastructure strategy and design across Australia and internationally. She creates vibrant, vital spaces that inspire creativity, enhance the lives of people and strengthen natural systems. She aspires to foster community, build social capital and resilience and, through design innovation, build competitive global success for the cities in which she works.
Henry Crothers, Design Director, LandLAB
Henry Crothers is Design Director of LandLAB, a landscape architecture and urban design practice with studios in Auckland and Melbourne. He leads projects that connect landscape, urbanism and public life, with a focus on waterfronts, public spaces and city-making. He is particularly interested in the role of landscape-led design in shaping the future of cities.
Q&A Moderator
Heinz von Eckartsberg, Joint President, Urban Design Forum Australia
As the Head of Urban Design for Australia and New Zealand and President of the Urban Design Forum Australia, Heinz is a strategic thinker with a focus on the 21st century city as a proving ground for climate adaptation, community resilience and social equity. He has led multidisciplinary teams responsible for some of Australia's most significant city-shaping projects. His approach considers design as a response to the complex forces that shape the urban landscape. He believes that close involvement with local communities and a multidisciplinary approach are essential parts of the design process and unlock greater potential of a place.
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