Three internationally acclaimed speakers from overseas will join some exceptional New Zealand disruptors, with James Pearce of Populous exploring how cutting-edge creativity and design principles are creating globally groundbreaking projects that CoreNet says are “pushing boundaries in ways the human race has never imagined before.”

Attention will then turn to two perspectives on how to positively disrupt the future of Auckland’s Midtown, before looking further ahead to ask how architects and urban designers can be bolder about place and placemaking in Aotearoa. To add another dimension to the talks, digital placemaker Emile Rademeyer will present why the Metaverse is now more relevant than ever before, redefining art, culture, and property at unprecedented speed.

Headlining the conference as keynote speaker is an individual CoreNet claims is one of the world’s most inventive — and unconventionally disruptive — thinkers on creating vibrant public spaces, David Engwicht.

Engwicht will present his talk entitled: ‘Disrupt Your Thinking: How to Think Like a Fool’

His presentation will start with an introduction to his concept of an ‘ecology of creativity,’ an ecology that he believes moves in cycles. He’ll then explore why ‘disruption’ which he defines as “a return to a chaotic state” is a fundamental component of this cycle and will share his tips on how to optimise and harness it to tap into your own creative power.

Says Engwicht: “We will zero in on humour, and discuss the role of the Court Jester throughout history. I will then explain the three steps to systematically ‘think like a fool’, and give practical examples of how this can produce out-of-the-box solutions.”

For more information, and to register, go to corenetsymposium.co.nz. A pre-symposium soirée will be held the day before on 14 August 2024.