How design can deliver social and ecological connection in an increasingly disconnected world
We live in an age where digital saturation fuels fear, fragmentation and a growing sense of social unease. Add extreme heat and humidity, flash flooding and the increasing unpredictability of Queensland’s weather, and these complex forces push many of us inward. Our dwellings become defensive rather than connective as we retreat behind high fences and seal ourselves inside air-conditioned boxes, disconnecting us not only from each other but from the environments that sustain us.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Join the panel for a thought-provoking conversation exploring how architecture and design can counteract these forces and help rebuild connection.
Program
Twilight Walking Tour: 3:30pm–5:30pm
Meeting point: The Curated Space
Distance: 2km
It has been twenty years since the first home was built at The Ecovillage at Currumbin. Recognised as Australia’s most awarded residential estate, with more than 33 accolades including the 2008 FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award for The World’s Best Environmental Development, the village’s 152 homes support a thriving community of around 450 residents alongside abundant native wildlife.
Join developer Kerry Shepherd (Landmatters Pty Ltd) and local architect and resident Teresa Wuersching (ptma Architecture) for a walking tour through the village, its community facilities and the Slow Home Project, exploring how the founding vision of a world-leading, ecologically sustainable community has evolved over two decades.
Panel Discussion: 5:30pm for a 6pm start, The Old Dairy Hall
Facilitator
Professor Paul Burton
Emeritus Professor, Griffith University, Urban Planning
Panel
Shannon Best
A cultural consultant with the Yugambeh Museum and Research Centre, Shannon brings a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage. His work with local and state governments integrates Traditional Owner engagement into a range of projects, from urban development to climate resilience.
Llewellyn Griggs
Architect, Refresh Studio for Architecture. A Registered Architect in Queensland, Llewellyn works across small practice and residential design, and holds teaching positions at Griffith University and The University of Queensland. In 2023 he received the Queensland EmAGN Award for his work as Project Architect on Habitat on Juers, which went on to receive a National Commendation in the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards.
Kerry Shepherd
Co-founder and developer (Landmatters) of the multi-award-winning Ecovillage at Currumbin, recognised as FIABCI World’s Best Environmental Development. Kerry has since developed further Gold Coast subdivisions grounded in balancing human habitation with the natural environment.
Teresa Von Sommaruga Howard
An Ecovillage resident with 40 years’ experience as a practising architect in the United Kingdom (UK-registered), specialising in social housing and resident community engagement. She is also a systemic family therapist and group analyst, and co-author of Design through Dialogue: A Guide for Clients and Architects (Wiley, 2010).
Access and parking
Access to the Old Dairy Hall is via Community Way. Please park in the green space on the corner of Lakeview Place and Forrest Way; refer to the map provided for pedestrian access from there. Accessible parking is available close to the hall entrance if required.
The village has a dark sky policy, so it will be quite dark when returning to your car. A torch and comfortable shoes are recommended.
