Invicta House – 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, image courtesy of Plus Architecture

Adaptive Reuse | Reimagining Melbourne’s Heritage Buildings for Future Generations Past Event

Presented by Plus Architecture

Date

Booked out
Thu 30 May 7:45am - 9:30am

Tickets

Free, Booking Required

Venue

Level 5
107 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia

Access

Accessible bathroom, Seating available, Wheelchair accessible

Join Plus Architecture for an expert panel discussion on the critical role adaptive reuse must play in the creation of more sustainable cities.

Invicta House is a historic, seven story building close to the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street. Over 100 years old, the former silk factory was latterly converted into a backpacker’s hostel. Now, the building has been transformed by Plus Architecture. Comprising a restaurant, commercial office space, and a two-story extension housing a rooftop terrace, the building has been given a new lease of life, all whilst restoring and celebrating its heritage character.

Nigel Mak, Associate at Plus Architecture, who led the project’s redesign, will kick off the event by sharing insights into how the building’s heritage has inspired their design interventions – from a new classical inspired colonnade to the innovative central staircase that creates three delineated pathways for the building’s different users. Further industry leaders will share their insights into the importance of adaptive reuse as a tool to both revive dormant commercial spaces, and as part of a strategy to design more sustainable cities.

Participants

CR Nicholas Reece
Cr Nicholas Reece was elected Deputy Lord Mayor in November 2020, after having previously been elected Councillor in the City of Melbourne in 2016. Nick is portfolio lead for City Planning and deputy lead for Finance, Governance and Risk and Heritage portfolios. Nick is also Council’s representative on the following committees and bodies: Committee for Melbourne, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute Advisory Board. Nick is a senior executive at the University of Melbourne and holds the academic position of principal fellow at the Melbourne School of Government. Nick has considerable experience in government and policymaking, having worked as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. Nick has also served as Secretary of the Australian Labor Party in Victoria. Nick is a founder and former chairman of global men’s health charity Movember. Founded in Melbourne, almost 10 million people have participated in Movember and raised almost (AUD) $1.5 billion for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. For over 10 years, Nick was a director for the street newspaper The Big Issue, Australia’s most successful social enterprise for homeless and marginalised people. Nick is married and has three daughters who attend school in Melbourne.
Candice Ng, Plus Architecture Principal

Candice is a registered architect and Practice Manager with over ten years of experience at Plus Architecture. She has established a depth of experience across all project types and scales and is responsible for the management and delivery of some of Plus Architecture’s marquee projects. Establishing herself as a well-rounded Project Architect with proven results, Candice has experience across all project stages from feasibility, master planning, sketch design through to construction administration. Her excellent track record is derived from her exceptional attention to detail, strong project management approach and proven organisational skills. Utilising her extensive knowledge, Candice advises and supports the Melbourne studio as Practice Manager across strategy and operations while being a workplace culture champion.

Nigel Mak, Plus Architecture Associate & WELL & Green Star Accredited Professional

Nigel is a measured and diligent Architect, and a dedicated and valued member of the Plus Architecture team. His experience predominantly covers the multiresidential and commercial sectors. Always one to lend a hand and offer a considered solution, Nigel’s collected demeanour, passion and methodical approach to architecture makes him an indispensable member of any project team. His confidence in design and ability to effectively problem solve makes him a great asset on all his projects. With his background in construction management, he possesses an extensive knowledge of the construction process and is adept at working closely with both clients and builders to deliver high quality project outcomes that value both the design vision and buildability. His attention to detail and collaborative approach to the design process enables him to jump into a project at any stage and produce high quality work. Playing a leading role in Plus Architecture’s shift towards greater influence in the sustainability movement Nigel’s versatile skill set and significant experience across a range of sectors and building typologies enables him to be actively involved with projects through all phases, from inception to practical completion.

Patrick Lardi, STRE Management Group Chairman and General Manager
With entrepreneurial spirit at his core, Patrick takes his wide business & cross-industry experience to whoever he encounters on his frequent travels across the world’s continents; whether he be on the Rwandan savannah, in a start-up workspace or traditional corporate board room in Australia or in the USA. Patrick successfully works for ST Real Estate Holding Inc. in multiple roles since 2014, enriching his experience in commercial real estate investments in Australia and residential Real Estate investment in the USA. Extensive experience in project management and business development. Worked among others for a Swiss-based group specialized in Industrial and Residential Real Estate. He is member of the Board of Directors of the australian subsidiaries and USA subsidiaries. Was co-founder of Newscron a Swiss-based media start-up and he is inested directly or indirectly in other around 40 start-ups in Europa and Sud America. He holds an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from Università della Svizzera Italiana.
Patrick enjoys both food and sports, and his career enables him to experience diverse cultures and continents. If given the opportunity for rebirth, he would aspire to embody “Tony Stark” and dedicate himself to advancing teleportation technology, enabling rapid travel between continents and across different epochs.
Alice Blackwood, Editor, Journalist & Communications Strategist

Alice Blackwood is a design editor, journalist and communications strategist. For 20 years Alice has been a passionate advocate of the Australian architecture and design industry. She served as Editor on Indesign magazine and Indesignlive.com until 2023; has contributed in a programming capacity on major international design festivals, and the INDE.Awards since its inception in 2016; and helped to establish numerous major platforms that recognise and celebrate the region’s most exciting architecture and design, and elevate those industry leaders into the global spotlight. “Our region’s architecture and design industry is defined by a fresh and sharp-sighted entrepreneurial spirit. We see bold propositions and the flawless execution of complex ideas that go on to achieve world-leading outcomes. I’m fascinated by all the moving parts of our design community – the businesses, the brands, the big thinkers, the everyday doers, and the change-makers,” she says. Alice is an active member of the Australian design and media industries as a Moderator, MC, Judge, Commentator, Mentor and Advisor.