Peter Poulet // Architecture & Public Policy: Why a Government Architect?

Last night our guest lecturer Peter Poulet, invited as part of the Fall Lecture Series 2016, inspired the audience with his lecture: Architecture & Public Policy: Why a Government Architect?

Peter Poulet – IAAC Lecture Series

Peter started with an introduction about Australian history and geomorphology, describing the delicate environment which has been misunderstood and taken for granted by European settlers, who have not understood the subtle stewardship required and the power of landscape, vegetation, water systems, landform and geology to make a unique and enduring place.

Peter Poulet – IAAC Lecture Series

In the contrary the Aborigines have traditionally had a unique spiritual connection to the land in Australia. Before white colonial settlement they tended the land and drew inspiration and life from it in a sustainable and resilient manor.

Peter Poulet – IAAC Lecture Series

Peter Poulet followed on talking about how he redefined the role of Government Architect and the future of the largest city in Australia: Sydney. The Office of the Government Architect turned 200 years in 2016, and Peter has taken this anniversary as an opportunity to modernise the office and reframe its focus and methods.

Peter says that the future of Sydney lies in this deep understanding of how the indigenous people related to and kept the land, an equally deep understanding of the geomorphology, landscape and form of what is here and the recent overlay of our colonial and multicultural patterns of living.

Peter Poulet – IAAC Lecture Series