Architecture for a New Era

Architecture for a New Era

Is the environmental health of our future dependant on the way we design, deliver and manage our built environment? Do we need to develop new ways of thinking about design to reflect changing values, ethics and the role we play in the communities we serve? How do we move architecture in a direction that achieves a better future for the generations that follow? Are we at the threshold of articulating a new form of beauty?

These questions will be explored through case study presentations of two recent buildings by Tzannes.

At the time of completion, International House Sydney was the tallest timber commercial building in the world. It is estimated to lower green-house emissions by 50%. Initially rejected by the investment and tenant market, it is now a commercial success, leading to greater industry confidence in this technology worldwide. The presentation will explain the technology, design process and construction, including lessons learnt in the course of delivering an advanced engineered timber structure.

The second case study is of a major commercial building at the heart of Sydney’s most important commercial and ceremonial precinct, Martin Place. The project proposes architecture that is not engaged with concepts identifiable as self-referential or about the brand of a firm or architect. The design concepts bring to focus the re-positioning of architecture in society and the role of the architect as a city-maker engaged with regulation reform and development in the interest of achieving a more sustainable environment.

ALEXANDER (ALEC) TZANNES AM

Director, Tzannes

Emeritus Professor, UNSW Built Environment

BSc (Arch), BArch (Sydney), MS Arch + UD Columbia

AIA (Hon), MRAIC (Hon) FNZIA, FAIB, LFRAIA, DUniv

Alec Tzannes is the founding Director of TZANNES, an Architecture and Urban Design practice. He has served as Dean of UNSW Built Environment and is now an Emeritus Professor.

TZANNES is recognised by more than 100 local, state, national and international awards in architecture, urban design and industrial design.

In 2014 Alec was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to architecture, as a practitioner and educator and through professional organisations.

In 2017 UNSW honoured Alec’s achievements with the degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa.

In 2018 he was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal. The Gold Medal recognises distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, produced work of great distinction resulting in the advancement of architecture or endowed the profession of architecture in a distinguished manner.

In 2019 The Hellenic Union of Eptanisians honoured Alec for his contribution to architecture and academic endeavours.