University of Melbourne Events Calendar

Please join us for the Melbourne School of Design’s opening Dean’s Lecture Series for 2026.

Speaking at the University of Melbourne for the first time, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, architect and co‑founder of Snøhetta, will introduce the evolving history and guiding philosophy of the global architecture and design practice. Founded in Oslo in 1989 and inspired by the UN’s Our Common Future report, Snøhetta is built on the belief that design and architecture can strengthen the relationship between people, nature, and the built environment.

Today, Snøhetta is a transdisciplinary practice spanning architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, art, and product design, with seven studios across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia.

In this keynote lecture, Thorsen will explore how architecture and design can act as catalysts for cultural transformation and social sustainability. Through the lens of cultural precincts and performance spaces, he will highlight the creative potential of built environments in shaping inclusive futures. In addition, the talk will introduce the evolving role of public art, inviting the audience to imagine speculative futures. It will also examine the nuanced interplay between landscape and architecture as a foundation for cultural resilience.

Image: Render by MIR / Snøhetta

The Glasshouse Theatre (Queensland Performing Arts Centre), currently under construction, due for completion in 2026.In May 2019, Snøhetta was announced the winner of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) design competition together with local Meanjin (Brisbane) based partner Blight Rayner. 

Future Energy Forum

The Future Energy Forum, jointly delivered by the Melbourne Energy Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Industry Partnerships team, will bring together senior leaders from industry, research, technology, investment, and government to examine emerging technical and commercial advances in fusion energy.

Featuring keynote speakers Prof. Maria Rost-Rublee (University of Melbourne), Dr Sam Sicilia (Hostplus), Dr Warren McKenzie (HB11 Energy), and Mr Charlie Baynes-Reid (Type One Energy), the Future Energy Forum will explore the role that fusion energy could play within Australia’s evolving energy mix as the nation accelerates its transition to net zero. The Forum provides a strategic opportunity to evaluate technological readiness, deployment pathways, capital investment considerations, regulatory implications, and system-level integration questions relevant to Australia.

+ Hybrid event +

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Melbourne Energy Institute and The University of Melbourne.

The Melbourne Energy Institute welcomes broad discussion. Please engage respectfully and considerately with all perspectives.