Space & place: discussing architecture and design

Please note: the Library Bar will be open from 5pm ahead of the event.

Hear from a panel of architecture and design experts about the power of design in shaping Australian lives and communities. Phillipa McGuinness, editor of Openbook magazine, hosts a discussion exploring how thoughtful architecture transforms our daily experiences — from Sydney architect Peter Muller’s site-specific organic houses, to the innovative architecture of public libraries across NSW, and the State Library’s own buildings and spaces. Drawing on articles from the most recent edition of Openbook, as well as the Library’s collections and expertise, this conversation explores how spaces are created that nurture connection, creativity and community.

Caroline Butler-Bowdon began in the role of State Librarian in November 2023. She is a published author and curator of architecture and urban history and has 20 years of executive leadership experience in public institutions, including the Historic Houses Trust and the Art Gallery of NSW. Her career has been dedicated to leadership that connects citizens and visitors to special places, culture and heritage through a broad range of statewide public engagement programs. Before starting at the Library, she was Deputy Secretary for Cities and Active Transport for NSW Government, where her work focused on major policy and a program of investment in NSW addressing the wellbeing, walkability and activation in our streets, and civic places. She led a Premier’s Priority, Greener Public Spaces from 2019–23. She also serves on a range of committees and boards to promote the power of place, culture and community in Australia.

Recognised as a thought-leader in mixed-use design, Adam Haddow’s buildings reflect his belief that architecture should provide an armature for community life; that the activities buildings facilitate are just as important as the physicality of the buildings themselves. His designs embody ambitions of beauty, delight, joy and surprise. Adam has been a Director at SJB since 2002 leading some of the firms most notable projects. He is a Churchill Fellow who investigated alternatives to conventional models of urban design, resulting in a research project entitled ‘Shall We Dense,’ an examination into the state of modern density living in Australia that led to successful collaborations within professional and architectural realms. The former NSW Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Architecture, Adam currently sits as the National President Elect.

Anna Dearnley works with the pictures team in the Library’s Collection Acquisition and Curation branch. With a background in architecture and art curatorship, she has worked in archives, libraries and historic houses. Her current role focuses on developing and interpreting the Library’s architectural collections. She has contributed to several exhibitions across the Library, including UNESCO Six and Amaze gallery displays, and most recently has worked with Tim Ross on The Australian Dream?

Peter Salhani is a Sydney-based freelance architecture and design journalist and former editor of Monument and ArchitectureAU. His article ‘Space for everyone’, about contemporary architecture and public libraries, appears in Openbook Autumn 2025.

Phillipa McGuinness is the editor of Openbook. She is a former book publisher, a regular host at literary events and a writer of narrative non-fiction. Her books include The Year Everything Changed — 2001 and Skin Deep: The inside story of our outer selves.

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Host or Publisher State Library of New South Wales