A+W NZ DULUX INNOVATION TOUR 2018

The Dulux Innovation Tour is a unique opportunity for selected A+W.NZ Award finalists to gain an insight into the Melbourne Architectural sector, with a focus on the rich architectural history and transformational nature of the city of Melbourne today.

The Innovation tour itinerary included visits to:

· Eureka Tower which provided a scope and scale perspective of the Melbourne City built environment

· Clare Cousins Architectural practice visit hosted by Clare Cousins current National President of AIA.

· Shrine of Remembrance tour hosted by Andrea Wilson Principal ARM and SOR CEO Dean Lee

· Dulux Innovation Centre – an inside view of the Dulux colour landscape and the innovation process that drives the Dulux brand.

· Palais Theatre – the iconic theatre built in 1927 and recently restored using Porters Paints (Porters Paints is owned by Dulux Group)

· Melbourne School of Design – (University of Melbourne) hosted by Stephen Georgalas Senior Project Leader at JWA and MSD Andrew Middleton UM Development Manager

· Nightingale Project - hosted - Bonnie Herring, Breathe Architecture Director. A world in which contemporary urban housing is built to support wellbeing, community and liveability.

· Dulux Colour Awards – the 32^nd annual awards held at the National Gallery of Victoria - attended by in excess of 200 guests.

Here Jade Kake reflects on the tour;

The study tour was an interesting experience for me, having previously attended architecture school in Brisbane, Australia and having previously living in Melbourne (albeit close to a decade ago).

The use of bold colours and textures in Australian architecture is a lot more pronounced (I think we favour a much more subdued palette) and it was very noticeable to me on this visit.

Nightingale was a highlight for both the architect-led development model and quality of the design. The project makes a strong statement about how we might live more sustainably and be better connected to each other within the urban environment, though it did cause me to pause and think, high-end finishes aside, why shouldn’t developer-led and social housing be of comparable design quality?

The Innovation Centre was a surprising delight – who knew paint science was so interesting? Conversations around colour caused me to consider how I might use colour in my own work, with an emphasis on capturing local and specific colours and textures from the natural environment of Aotearoa.

It was a whirlwind few days with lots to consider and reflect on, though the thing I think I enjoyed most was getting to know and spending time with the other women on the tour.

Original event:

As part of the overall A+W NZ Dulux Awards programme, in May 2018 Dulux will be taking three A+W NZ members to Melbourne on the A+W NZ Dulux Innovation Tour 2018. The three lucky members have been selected from the Fifteen Finalists in the A+W NZ Dulux Awards 2017. The three selected Finalists for the A+W NZ Dulux Innovation Tour 2018 are;

• Natasha Markham (Wirihana Leadership Award Category)
• Jade Kake (Munro Diversity Award Category)
• Briar Green (Chrystall Excellence Award Category)

Dulux are committed to their continued involvement through promoting education and innovation, and together with A+W NZ have developed an ongoing events programme related to the triennial awards.
The three lucky 2017 Finalists will head to Melbourne on 9 May, attend the Dulux 32nd Colour Awards 2018 on 10 May, visit the Dulux Innovation Laboratory, visit Melbourne-based architectural practices and their work, and generally enjoy the wonderful city of Melbourne. The return date is set for 11 May, although I am sure some may take up the option of extending their stay into the weekend...

You can follow their experiences on our social media platforms and website page updates 9-11 May.