Presented by Uro Publications

While many architects might aspire to profoundly transform their cities, very few ever manage to build at scales that would make this possible.

The architect Robin Gibson not only built prolifically and at expansive urban scales, his projects redefined the culture and identity of one of Australia’s major capital cities, Brisbane. ‘Light, Space, Place: The Architecture of Robin Gibson’ is the first book ever published on this immensely significant Australian architect, designer of some of Brisbane’s most important civic and commercial environments, including the Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland, the Performing Arts Complex and the renowned Queensland Art Gallery.

To commemorate the launch of the book, join editors Deborah van der Plaat and Lloyd Jones in a discussion of Gibson’s distinctive vision of Brisbane as a sub-tropical city, sensitive to climate and place, and alive with people.

TICKETS: Book Now

HOST: Melbourne Design Week | Bookshop by Uro

Presented by Uro Publications

The Bauhaus was founded in 1919 and disbanded in 1933, but in its short existence it served as a crucible for much of what came to be known as modernist design. It set out to transform daily life for the better by incorporating mass manufacturing techniques into the design of everything from single objects to buildings, putting in motion the democratisation of design.

Just 10 years after the Bauhaus’ closure, this principle would become the theoretical and functional foundation for IKEA. ‘Design for everyone’, IKEA’s motto, is both the embodiment of Bauhaus ideals and a business plan that has seen modernism repackaged in the form of a global consumer goods empire. Considered together, the Bauhaus and IKEA could be said to have profoundly transformed how our societies relate to and understand design and its artefacts. But as we grapple with climate change and the wreckage brought about by the consumer-driven, mass manufacturing models promulgated by the Bauhaus, and then perfected by IKEA, how might we reckon with this legacy, and what can we learn from it?

Through a carefully curated selection of essays and photography, the book ‘Bauhaus X IKEA’ traces the profound but not always benign influence of these global design icons across history, politics, pedagogy, art and society. To commemorate the launch of the book, join the editors in a discussion of these two icons of 20th century design and their mixed legacies.

TICKETS: Book Now

HOST: Melbourne Design Week | Bookshop by Uro

Presented by Dr Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs

This event is a collaboration between Dr Nanette Carter, independent scholar Robyn Oswald-Jacobs, authors of Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles and curators of the NGV’s Department of Fashion and Textiles. Carter and Oswald-Jacobs will lead a group discussion focused on examples of the work of Australia’s leading textile designer of the post-war period chosen from the collection and made available for this special viewing by NGV staff.

As a young woman, Burke chose to ‘design the world she wanted’. During World War II when imported printed fabrics were scarce, she sold dress fabrics and hemmed lengths of furnishing fabric in her bright modern designs allowing Melbourne women to ‘make do’ in style. Afterwards Burke continued her business designing and printing while lecturing, writing about design, advocating for design through her work as a founding member of the Society of Designers for Industry from 1947 and collaborating with leading architects including Sir Roy Grounds.

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HOST: Melbourne Design Week | National Gallery of Victoria

Presented by the Robin Boyd Foundation in conjunction with Four Pillars Gin and Haus of Fraser

Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence was one of Melbourne’s hot-ticket party houses in the 1960’s. Now you can experience this modernist masterpiece as the dusk light dances across this unique architectural backdrop. On this informal tour, our guides will sharing anecdotes of parties past, as our mixologists serve signature 60’s inspired cocktails.

Robin and Patricia Boyd’s reputation for hosting was greatly admired and appreciated by Melbourne’s young & burgeoning creative establishment in the 1960’s. Designed to complement their bohemian lifestyle, with its floating salon and private central courtyard, Walsh Street lent itself to sophisticated entertainment. And the Boyd children, not always seen and heard in their own glass-fronted rear pavilion, were often enthralled spectators.

The Robin Boyd Foundation, in conjunction with Four Pillars Gin and Haus of Fraser, have curated some signature cocktails (and mocktails) for this unique experience. Consider making a special night of it – stop in for a unique sunset cocktail experience, then head out, perhaps rediscovering your favourite Melbourne restaurant.

TICKETS: Book Now

HOST: Melbourne Design Week | Robin Boyd Foundation