RMIT’s School of Architecture and Urban Design, School of Fashion and Textiles and School of Design were all represented at the event.
More than 70 speakers from 15 countries converged in the city to meet with hundreds of delegates from around the world, exchange ideas, network and explore new business opportunities.
RMIT Architecture alumni Clare Cousins (Australian Institute of Architects national president), Jill Garner (Victorian Government Architect) and Paul Tse (New Office Works) were among those to present to international innovators and creative leaders.
As the event’s official partner city, Melbourne’s local design industry was up in lights, while the Victorian Government also led its largest ever design-focused trade mission to coincide with the event.
The Economist Intelligence Unit named Melbourne the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years and it’s known for its creative culture.
Visitors and delegates were transported to projects located in the Victorian capital via an augmented reality system developed by RMIT Architecture staff members as well as viewing more than a dozen projects connected to RMIT as part of the Melbourne DesignInspire Pavilion.
RMIT Architecture lecturer Philippa Murray, who also works at the National Gallery of Victoria, was one of the pavilion’s curators.
She helped create the key event space, which featured interactive installations, products and projects from more than 90 Victorian designers.
RMIT Associate Dean – Architecture Professor Vivian Mitsogianni said it was wonderful to see the University’s architecture design practice research featured in such a public way.
“RMIT Architecture’s design practice research was on display through the presentations made by staff members on projects completed at the NGV, including by Roland Snooks, Amy Muir and M@ STUDIO Architects, but also by a strong number of our adjunct professors and alumni,” she said.
