The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)’s 2012 National Architecture Conference will bring together 14 distinguished speakers, sharing their ideas on architectural experience.

The conference, to be held in Brisbane for the first time in over 20 years, will feature renowned architectural experts from 9 countries.

Creative Directors Shane Thompson, Michael Rayner and Professor Peter Skinner, all from Brisbane, have chosen the theme experience to discuss the meaning of architecture to the life of its users and occupants.

Speakers were chosen for their connection to the fundamental issues of architecture, and for a portfolio of work that responds to its place, time and culture at a time when architecture is returning to “fundamental principles and grass root functions.”

“The shift in focus requires structures to be more suitable to their climate, responding to experiences, rather than using internationally undifferentiated models of design that neither fit nor function in response to individual community needs,” said the creative team.

The major drawcard this year is Wang Shu (pictured above), who was recently announced as the winner of the 2012 Pritzker Prize.

The full list of speakers is as follows:

Wang Shu, Amateur Architecture Studio, China
Kjetil Thorsen, Snøhetta, Norway

Kjetil Thorsen

Luis Feduchi, Luis Feduchi Architect, Spain
Richard Kirk, Richard Kirk Architect, Australia

Richard Kirk

Paul Finch, Programme Director, World Architecture Festival, UK

Paul Finch

Anuradha Mathur and Dilip da Cunha, Spain/North America

Mathur and da Cunha

Koji Tsutsui, Koji Tsutsui & Associates, Japan/USA
Rachel Neeson, Neeson Murcutt Architects, Australia
Kathryn Findlay, Ushida Findlay, Japan/UK
Peter Rich, Peter Rich Architects, South Africa
Kevin Carmody, Carmody & Groarke, UK
Inaki Abalos & Renata Sentkiewicz, Abalos + Sentkiewicz Arquitectos, Spain

experience will be held 10-12 May 2012 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with associated events taking place throughout the city.

Visit the conference website for full conference program and details.