Space and Openness A Panel Conversation

We are celebrating 40 years of the Alexander Library building with a panel discussion perfect for architecture enthusiasts and Perth Brutalism fans.

Designed by Western Australian architects Cameron, Chisholm and Nicol, the Alexander Library building is part of a suite of architecturally significant Perth buildings in the Brutalist style.

Hear from architects and experts from the design community reflecting on the significance of the building and how it fits within Perth’s wider architectural landscape.

Featuring:

• Sandy Anghie, architect and Chair of Perth Design Week
• Gavin Broom, architect Cameron Chisholm Nicol
• Tim Ross, writer and presenter
• Katrina Chisholm, architect
• Karen Jacobs, Managing Director / Chairperson of Indigenous Economic Solutions and Chairperson of The Whadjuck Foundation
• Catherine Clark, CEO and State Librarian, State Library of Western Australia

Presented in partnership with Perth Design Week.

Panellists

Tim Ross

Tim Ross is a celebrated comedian and a passionate advocate for architecture and design promoting its value in multiple forums. He is the recipient of the National Trust Heritage Award for Advocacy regarding Australia’s legacy of modernist architecture; of an Australian Institute of Architects National President’s Prize for activism and outstanding contribution to the profession; was a National Architecture Awards jury member and was awarded as an honorary Institute member. Tim has performed his live Man About the House show in significant buildings throughout the world, at the Venice Biennale and London Festival of Architecture. His ABC TV series Streets of Your Town, and Designing A Legacy; exhibitions including Design Nation, and Motel; prolific publications; guest speaker engagements and as a provocative design commentator have made design accessible to a wide, diverse and appreciative audience.

Gavin Broom

Gavin has over 48 years’ experience and is the current Practice Manager (19 years) of Perth architectural firm Cameron Chisholm Nichol. Formerly a Director at CCN (16 years) he has gained extensive experience across a broad range of project sectors including civic, retail, education, commercial, multi-residential, mixed-use and industrial. Gavin’s expertise comprises all phases of delivery, from brief inception through concept and schematic design, contract documentation, and contract administration during site delivery to project completion. As a young architect, Gavin was involved in the original Alexander Library building project. 

Katrina Chisholm

As an architect and heritage consultant, Katrina Chisholm has been actively involved with the conservation of the built environment in WA for over 30 years. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects Heritage Committee and has researched and contributed to publications on West Australian architects and architecture. She has a particular fondness for mid-late twentieth century architecture and is the WA representative of Docomomo Australia which promotes the documentation and conservation of buildings of the modern era. 

Karen Jacobs 

Karen is a bloodline descendant and a Traditional Owner of Whadjuk Country. Her primary focus is on developing and encouraging Aboriginal people’s involvement in social enterprise and business opportunities. She is the owner of her own business Indigenous Economic Solutions Pty Ltd and has an extensive background in Aboriginal cultural heritage, delivering design and place making services, environmental plans and management, cultural tourism and education. Karen is a member of the State Design Review Board. 

Catherine Clark

Catherine commenced as the State Library of Western Australia’s CEO and State Librarian in 2022. In addition to her position at the State Library, Catherine’s experience has included roles in public, health and academic libraries over 30 years. Prior to commencing at the State Library, Catherine held a number of senior leadership positions in the libraries of the University of Western Australia and Curtin University. As University Librarian at Curtin University, she played a key role in the design and delivery of the full refurbishment of the TL Robertson Library, a 20,000sqm, seven storey, 1972 brutalist icon at the heart of the University’s Bentley Campus.