2023 Australian Gold Medal architect Kerstin Thompson to speak in New Zealand

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Kerstin Thompson, director and principal at KTA.

Kerstin Thompson, director and principal at KTA. Image: Jessica Lindsay

Founding principal of Melbourne-based Kerstin Thompson Architects and Australian Institute of Architects’ 2023 Gold Medal recipient, Kerstin Thompson, will be delivering this year’s Futuna Lecture Series in Aotearoa from April 3–7.

Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal Jury Chair and Past National President Shannon Battisson says Thompson has contributed significantly to architectural discourse through her work as a designer, educator and highly respected keynote speaker throughout more than three decades of work.

“Spanning varying scales, from large public projects to intricate domestic architecture, Thompson’s sublime work is at once generous, bold and highly nuanced. Taking its cues from the context, it creates a built form that allows the setting to take centre stage,” said Battisson. “Further, she has displayed dedication to the profession through extensive efforts with the Australian Institute of Architects, including ‘captaincy’ at the 2019 National Architecture Conference, creative directorship of the 2005 National Architecture Conference, co-curatorship of Australia’s official contribution to the 2008 Venice Architecture Biennale, and participation in countless design panels and juries — all while leading her practice with a level of skill, consideration and aesthetic to which many aspire.”

Thompson’s work, which includes the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, the Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge, the Victorian College of Arts and the Broadmeadows Town Hall, places great emphasis on sustainable principles and a multidisciplinary approach to architecture. She has set new precedents in extending the useful life of existing buildings and her designs integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

Lecture series dates and venues
Auckland: 6.30pm Wednesday 3 April at St Matthews-In-The-City. Book here.
Christchurch: 6.30pm Thursday 4 April at St Andrews College Chapel. Book here.
Wellington: 2pm Sunday 7 April at Futuna Chapel. Sold out.

15 CPD points will be available for NZ registered architects. Your koha will support the ongoing care of the iconic Futuna Chapel.


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