Fast fashion architecture - the end of throw away buildings

In an era where the impacts of climate change and urban sprawl demand urgent action, the concept of retrofitting—modifying existing structures to meet today’s environmental challenges—presents a critical solution. Join us for an engaging panel event accompanying the Retrofit Exhibition, where experts will delve into the real-world strategies that could transform Australia’s urban landscapes, ensuring they are resilient, sustainable, and livable for future generations.

Why attend?
This event will not only showcase innovative ideas but also highlight actionable pathways for communities, governments, and industries to adopt resilient practices that ensure our cities are prepared for the demands of tomorrow.

Speakers:

Elizabeth O'Sullivan-Myles
Former Melbourne City Councillor and chair of Sustainable buildings Melbourne, Elizabeth has a passion for the less sexy side of sustainability, regulation and policy! Drawing on the engagement and involvement of industry and community stakeholders, Elizabeth believes championing innovative and ambitious public policy will play a critical role in delivering on our climate targets.

Emily Foenander
Associate at Finding Infinity
Emily is a design professional with broad experience across architecture, interior design, project management, fashion, brand and marketing. Her diverse experience across a range of disciplines has allowed her to manage and deliver projects across retail, commercial and cultural sectors both locally and globally. She has developed extensive client and stakeholder management through managing and delivering projects over the last 10 years from initial ideation and strategy to final implementation and handover. Working on a range of weird and wonderful projects, Emily is a highly skilled creative problem solver and can effectively manage and deliver complex and challenging briefs. Being both design and project management focused, Emily provides a holistic perspective in the complexities of design, strategy, delivery and their interaction with the environment.

Jake Milgrom-Marabel
Director at Tripple
Jake is one of the Directors of Tripple, a 100% Impact family office established by Jake and his siblings Adam and Bec. Tripple are dedicated impact investors, working across all asset classes and utilising both investing and grant-making to use capital as a force for good. Jake has a passion for leveraging capital to unlock opportunities for those who have been disadvantaged by the system around them.

Moderated by Dr Katie Skillington
Lecturer in Architectural Design
Katie is an Architect and Lecturer in Architectural Design in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. Her research lies at the nexus of architectural design and sustainability, with a specific focus on the environmental consequences of designing with material reduction and efficiency, the indoor environment quality of dwellings, and policy approaches for improving building performance. Motivated by her desire for the built environment sector to more deeply pursue environmentally sustainable design, Katie’s research focuses on industry-applicable outcomes and partnerships.

Exhibition open daily: Friday 25 July - Friday 29 August 2025, 10am - 4pm.
The Design Gallery (formerly the Dulux Gallery), Ground Floor, Glyn Davis Building (133).

The Glyn Davis Building is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about your visit, email us at msd-exhibitions@unimelb.edu.au.

Parking is available at the Eastern Precinct Carpark For your best public transport route, visit Public Transport Victoria