1 - Social: In conversation with Catherine Ramsay and Samantha Donnelly

In this episode our conversation partners are engaged by host Angelique Edmonds in discussion of:

• The relationship between design and enhancing social connection/supporting social impact
• How the balance of hard and soft infrastructure influences opportunities for social connection
• What they consider to be the greatest challenges designers face when seeking to enhance social connection
• projects they are involved with that seek to enhance social connection, and how they’ve managed challenges themselves

Catherine Ramsay has been a practicing architect for over 20 years and specialises in community and public buildings. A strong interest in environmentally sustainable outcomes for the built environment is integral to catherine’s practice of architecture and informs her design decisions.

Catherine has been the design director for numerous community and public buildings. This includes the saltwater community centre, designed for wyndham city council which was awarded both the australian institute of architects melbourne prize and sustainability award in 2016 and the phoenix youth centre which was awarded the 2010 winner local government property award and australian property institute awards of excellence 2009 winner community assets & infrastructure initiative award for the local government pro excellence awards.

Samantha Donnelly's architectural work focuses on social impact, inclusion, gender-sensitive design and sustainable practices. She has worked with not-for-profit organisations and vulnerable communities on projects that respond to the need for spaces that provide a sense of dignity and care. Samantha currently lectures at UTS in the School of Architecture and is an active collaborator with the UTS Design Innovation Research Centre on projects that address violence through design. As a PhD candidate at Monash University, Samantha’s research considers the benefits of tailored accommodation for women and children leaving violence and the importance of safe, long-term accommodation for older women.

Our host Angelique Edmonds has been working in this area for the last two decades with a passion for how we can elevate design for social impact. Her practice work has consulted with local, state, and federal governments, in parallel with teaching at the the University of South Australia for the past 12 years. Her contribution to the conversation is informed by her own practice research presented in her 2020 book - Connecting People, Place and Design.
These first three episodes of the series are a part of a CPD product for the AIA. Be sure to go to this link to record your points.
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This program has been made possible with support from the Alastair Swayn Foundation. Find out more at alastairswaynfoundation.org
Find out more about Angelique’s work at the schoolforcreatingchange.com and in her 2020 book Connecting, People, Place and Design. Available in Australia here, and internationally here
Credits:
Samantha Donnelly:
Instagram: @samdonnelly11
Croxon Ramsay:
Instagram: @croxonramsay
The Fulcrum Agency:
Instagram: @thefulcrum.agency
LinkedIn: @thefulcrum.agency
Twitter: @fulcrum_agency
Angela Dapper:
Website: https://grimshaw.global/practice/people/angela-dapper/
Flora Samuel:
Twitter: @floraarchitect
Instagram: @profflora
LinkedIn: @florasamuel
Community Consultation for Quality of Life Project Website: www.ccqol.org
Angelique Edmonds:
Instagram: @angelique.edmonds
LinkedIn: @angelique.edmonds
Website: schoolforcreatingchange.com

Technical production:
BIGBUOYS PRODUCTIONS
Instagram: @big.buoys
Website: https://bigbuoys.studio