Are You Going to the AILA Festival?

The AILA Festival, more officially known as the International Festival of Landscape Architecture, is our favourite event of the year.

Every year the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) works to deliver memorable experiences for its members through four days of discovery, knowledge exchange and opportunities to connect with design, nature and public realm experts.

This year’s theme, The Square and the Park, carefully curated by Cassandra Chilton (Rush Wright Associates), Jillian Waliss (University of Melbourne) and Kirsten Bauer (ASPECT Studios), will explore how we conceive, design, fund, construct and manage urban open space in our contemporary context.

Street Furniture Australia proudly sponsors our sixth annual festival, which will run from 10-13 October in Melbourne. Here are some must-see events and experiences.

Book your tickets at the AILA website.

1. The Square and the Park Conference

Exploring perspectives of the designer, critic and government, three keynote addresses will introduce contemporary ideas and critical reflections on the Square and the Park from around the world. Speakers include Günther Vogt (Switzerland), Julia Czerniak (US), and Kyung-Jin Zoh (South Korea).

Date: Friday 11 to Saturday 12 October 2019
Time: Full program available now
Location: Deakin Edge, Federation Square
Cost: Tickets available from AILA

2. The Future Park Ideas Exhibition

This competition challenges professional and emerging landscape architects, urban designers, architects and planners to speculate on new park possibilities for a future Melbourne. Shortlisted entries will be on public exhibition in the Dulux Gallery at the University of Melbourne from 8am-6pm, weekdays.

Date: Open on the Thursday and Friday of the Festival, 7-31 October 2019
Time: 8am-6pm weekdays
Location: Dulux Gallery, Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne
Cost: Free

3. The Square and the Park Park

A new pop-up outdoor conference breakout area in Federation Square furnished by Street Furniture Australia. Relax and catch up with friends between sessions.

Date: Friday 11 – Saturday 12 October 2019
Time: All day
Location: Federation Square
Cost: Free

4. 2019 National Landscape Architecture Awards

An annual celebration of the leading projects shaping green, open and public spaces across Australia.

Date: Thursday October 10 2019
Time: 6pm
Location: Plaza Ballroom, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Cost: Tickets available from AILA 

5. Street Furniture Australia After Party

Sample our complimentary signature Street Furniture Australia cocktail and bar tab to celebrate the festival. The three winners of the Ready, Jet Set, Go! premium carry-on competition will be announced. RSVP essential.

Date: Saturday 12 October 2019
Time: 5.10pm
Location: Beer DeLuxe Federation Square, the Deck and Meadow
Cost: Free, RSVP essential

6. Ready, Jet Set, Go! Competition

Street Furniture Australia is giving away three Herschel Trade Carry-On suitcases, valued at $329 each, in Vermillion Orange, White and Olive. Enter by popping your business card in the bowl in front of your preferred colour at our competition stand, at the conference. The winner will be announced at the Street Furniture Australia After Party on Saturday night (must RSVP).

Date: Friday 11 – Saturday 12 October 2019
Time: Enter all day
Location: Competition stand at the Conference
Announced: At the Street Furniture Australia After Party, Saturday 12 October, 5.10pm