Award-winning architecture near you

This November, Geelong Design Week offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative designs and engage with local architecture and architects.

We are lucky to live in Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design, but many people in Geelong might not realise we have award-winning architecture right here in our backyard.

If you’re keen to discover the architectural gems in your area and celebrate unique and beautiful structures on the Bellarine Peninsula, take part in A Celebration of Local Architecture.

A Celebration of Local Architecture is an audiovisual online architectural walk through the Bellarine’s coastal seaside havens and Geelong’s remarkable buildings.

During the self-guided walk, you will receive optional tips to help you stimulate your senses with deep listening practices that help nurture a deeper connection with the natural environment.

As you navigate through this immersive experience, you’ll witness the interconnectivity of Country and sustainable architecture and design.

The trio of architectural walks take place in Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Geelong.

In Barwon Heads, AB House will open its doors for public tours on Sunday 24 November.

Architects Office MI-JI and their clients will be opening this two-storey house for three 30-minute tours.

Constructed from corrugated fibreglass and galvanised steel, this house is designed to adapt to its occupants and recently won the prestigious National Award for Steel Architecture at the 2023 National Architecture Awards hosted by the Australian Institute of Architects.

It sits raised off the ground due to a flood overlay and is set inside a deformed perimeter of columns.

There are many more exciting events to experience in Geelong Design Week 2024 with a program for the whole family that gets kids of all ages involved in design, innovation and creativity.

Learn Space – Design + Play sessions encourage children to think creatively and explore their ideas without limitations. They’ll play and experiment with different materials, colours and shapes.

Do you want to build a fatberg? is a hands-on activity where you’ll help create a giant reproduction fatberg and learn about our sewage system.

Last year’s Geelong Design Week hosted 17,288 attendees, which was a 172 per cent increase from the previous year.

The event saw visitors from outside our region inject $1.6 million in revenue alone into our local economy.

This year Geelong Design Week will run from 21 to 30 November and include more than 70 exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops and experiences.

There are plenty more events that celebrate design excellence, creativity and innovation across Greater Geelong.

To see the full list of events and get your ticket, head to geelongdesignweek.com.au

Ali Wastie

Chief executive officer, City of Greater Geelong