What role can architects play in developing healthy and vibrant communities? How might we make a difference when working with disadvantaged communities in Australia and elsewhere? How do we ensure that such work helps to build capacity within those communities, rather than simply being part of another fly-in fly-out quick fix? How does this work help us to think differently about architecture and the roles it can play in societies?

Paul Pholeros, director of Healthabitat; David O’Brien from the University of Melbourne; and Esther Charlesworth from Architects Without Frontiers and RMIT University, will discuss these questions as a panel chaired by Alison Cleary, Victoria Chapter manager and former policy and program manager at Oxfam Australia and Oxfam International.

All have worked in housing, health and community development projects in Australia and abroad and will bring a different range of expertise and experience to the discussion.

The event starts at 6 pm. Bookings are required and can be made at the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter website.