Beginnings

In 2008, the Government of South Australia invited Professor Laura Lee, FAIA, Hon, FRAIA to become an Adelaide Thinker in Residence. Internationally recognized for her expertise and advocacy of the principles of integrated design, her residency focused on the value of design and the impact of the built environment on the quality of life for all South Australians.

In itself, the residency was a national ‘first’ delivered under the auspices of the ground-breaking Thinkers in Residence program.  While Professor Lee’s findings were grounded in her experience of Adelaide, the model which looks to the principles of integrated design as a decision making process, can be adapted by other cities, regions or local communities.  

From this perspective, Professor Lee’s report An integrated design strategy for South Australia:  Building the future, designs a way forward for Adelaide, South Australia and is a landmark text of international significance on the design, planning and development of cities for future generations. 

Professor Lee’s report is aligned with the State Government’s 30 year plan for Greater Adelaide. The report concludes with nine recommendations and a number of these have been activated, most notably:

• The appointment of a Government Architect which brings the Government of South Australia in line with national counterparts.
• The establishment of the Integrated Design Commission South Australia (IDC SA tasked with supporting the design, development and delivery of the recommendations in the report.  The Commission is led by the Government Architect.  
• The development of an Integrated Design Strategy (IDS) for inner Adelaide.  The Strategy is being delivered through the IDC SA.

 To read the report in full and learn more about Professor Lee’s residency click here.

Read Premier Mike Rann's 2009 Proclamation Day address announcing the establishment of the Integrated Design Commission SA.

Above photograph: Sam Noonan. 2011.