Ricardo Legorreta’s insightful Black talk was recorded by eClassroom in partnership with AAA. So for all those who missed out, the erudite Mr Legorreta is available at the touch of a mouse.

In his Black talk, Ricardo Legorreta revealed his deep appreciation of traditional Mexican architectural elements and culture. He also showed through his work his thoroughly modern sense of design reflecting the early training with Mexican master Luis Barragan.

Underlying this he had a strong and emotive message about the role of architecture in today’s world – that message alone makes this recording more than worthwhile for anyone intereted in expanding their knowledge and understanding of architecture.

This is the first partnership between AAA and eClassroom and if successful will become a model for coverage of future Black talks. AAA members will recieve a $25 cash back off the eClassroom purchase price if they indicate their membership number when ordering online at eClassroom.com.au

Currently showing at Sydney’s Customs House until the end of October. The AAA has produced an exhibition to mark World Architecture Day and Architecture Week.

It features the work of the following architects:
Terroir, Angelo Candalepas and Associates, Marsh Cashman Koolloos, Chenchow Little Pty Ltd, Neeson Murcutt Architects, Fox Johnston, Andrew Burges Architecture, Drew Heath, 4Site, Fergus Scott Architects.

Curator Gerard Reinmuth says in the exhibition catalogue:

Australia can be a bittersweet place for a young architect to practice. A tradition of individual home ownership our culture of ‘home improvement’ has enabled a wide range of opportunities for our younger architects… This exhibition shows what is possible.”

Now showing at Customs House, Level 2 Library, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay. Mon-Fri 8-7pm, Sat 10-4pm, Sun 12noon-4pm.

Louis Faucheux(right) watching Terry Yong as they start the tour that Anne Eager enjoyed so much:

I want to congratulate AAA on the concept and execution of the architecture tours. I went on Saturday, not knowing what to expect becasue I was not aware of who was behind the tours. I was fascinated and enthralled by the content of the tour and the enthusiasm of Terry and Louis, the tour guides. I love hearing about an art from the voice of a practitioner. On this occasion I was able to get into the minds of the architects who build the buildings that Sydney is now so lucky to have. I will never walk in Sydney again without looking up the flow of the levels, patterns and shapes above my head. Thanks AAA…”

– Anne Eager participant in the City Walk on Saturday 27 August 2005.

The AAA has been included on the Federal Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO) that is managed by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

Glenn Murcutt, AAA Founding President said, ‘There have been important moments for architecture before in Australia, but the inclusion of the AAA on the Register of Cultural Organisations ranks with the most important.’

‘The decision taken just over 50 years ago to hold an international competition for the Sydney Opera House was an important moment for architecture, the impact of which is still being felt right across the Australian community,’ he said.

‘I think the inclusion of architecture onto the Cultural Register is equally significant, particularly as this is the first time that an organisation concerned with architecture has been included.’

He maintained that the AAA has taken a strategically critical step for architecture, moving it beyond a concern of only those involved in the building and development industry, into the wider community.