‘Unlike other cities’: Recognising Canberra’s residential design amid COVID-19 crisis

To say the pandemic has changed the way we view our homes is an understatement. It has become our place of work, our playground and our own little sanctuary with essential amenities and green spaces close by.

And at the height of the pandemic, Canberra’s suburban nature shone through.

In November, Craft ACT will be highlighting all things design at its annual Design Canberra Festival. Its newest series, dubbed This is Suburbia, will take you on a journey across the capital city’s neighbourhoods.

“This series evolved when we were all in lockdown in March,” said Design Canberra program director Kate Nixon.

“Unlike other cities, we found ourselves quite lucky to live in Canberra because the way it was designed made it easy for everyone to enjoy spaces outside.”

This is Suburbia will take shape via two events. The first is a photography exhibition of entries from Craft ACT’s photo competition and photography by Canberra photographer Davey Barber.

This is Suburbia will showcase at the Belconnen Arts Centre and Canberra Contemporary Arts Centre between November 9 to 29. 

The exhibition sought photographs that responded to the theme of “this is suburbia” which included Canberra homes, laneways and the residents themselves.

“This photo series from Davey Barber documents the photogenic city that is Canberra and while most photographers use suburban streets to get to their destination, on this occasion the streets are the destination,” Ms Nixon said.

“Canberra is often known for being quite suburban and in a COVID-19 world, the city really stood out when compared to big cities.”

The second event as part of This is Suburbia is a keynote address from Australian author and social commentator Bernard Salt on November 17 at The Shine Dome. 

Design Canberra will also be holding its annual Architecture Stroll which will take you across the city’s architectural history including Aranda’s Araba Place.

“Aranda came about in the late 1960s and 1970s and was home to a lot of professionals and students who had notable architects build their homes,” Ms Nixon added.

“It’s not very obvious when you’re walking along but once you start looking, it’s everywhere and set among the city’s native bushland.

“It’s a tiny street but within that street, there are these incredible houses built by phenomenal architects.”

To buy tickets or find out more about the Architecture Stroll and This is Suburbia, head to the Design Canberra Festival website.