Sydney Mardi Gras (16th February to 3rd March) is upon us, an international celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, art and community. To kick off this momentous occasion, Architecture With Pride launched their program of events with The Architecture Ball at The Burdekin in Sydney on Thursday night, 15th February.

The Architecture Ball was a night of glamour and sophistication, bringing together architects, designers, artists and creatives from around the world to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

“Architecture with Pride is made possible through our sponsor network – we owe tremendous thanks for their support! Staff from the sponsor network showed up in force and had a great night out”, says Aris Ioannou-Marsh, Studio Coordinator from SJB and AWP event organiser. 

AWP is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the architecture and design industry. Through events such as The Architecture Ball, they hope to bring attention to the contributions of LGBTQ+ architects and designers while also creating a safe and welcoming space for members of the community to come together and celebrate.

Related: AWP 2024, all the events

“We had 300 queer and ally designers join us for The Architecture Ball to celebrate our diversity in Australia’s built environment. It is vital that the industry reflects the diversity of the community it serves.” says Ben Peake, Principal at Carter Williamson Architects and AWP event organiser. “The Architecture with Pride program is built on the simple understanding that the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives leads to better design outcomes and more innovative solutions”.

Sydney Mardi Gras is a time to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality and to continue pushing forward towards a more inclusive and accepting future. The Architecture Ball is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable program of events.

‘Love Letters to Our Future’ is set to take place at Palms on Oxford Street on 22nd February, bringing together 12 of Australia’s most diverse design practitioners and creatives for a PowerPoint-style presentation sharing their experiences exploring, designing, creating, and celebrating queer futures – each posed as a love letter. AWP will select 12 proposals for five-minute immersive Love Letters and speakers will receive $250 for their participation.

Also in Sydney, ‘In Conversation: Queering Architecture’ will discuss modes of queering architecture in built form and across the profession. The event will be moderated by AIA CEO, Cameron Bruhn, with a panel featuring Practice Director of Smart Design Studio, Christina Markham, Director of Co-AP, Will Fung and Alison Cox, campaigner for gender neutral bathrooms to be mandated in the National Construction Code.

Last but not least, AWP will be marching for the third year down Oxford Street in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. AWP will invite 80 queer and ally designers to celebrate Our Future.

Architecture with Pride
architecturewithpride.com.au

Photography
Jack Rockliffe, Merena Nguyen

Read on: Queers in Property event discusses inclusivity.