Sydney OpenSymposium
Home Truths23–24 May 2026
Day 1: Talks
ILUMINA, 1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Saturday 23 May 2026, 10am–3pm
On Saturday 23 May, join us at ILUMINA Sydney to hear industry experts and inspiring trailblazers unpack the past, present and future of NSW's housing. Explore the evolution of the home and look ahead to what lies on the horizon, from the pioneering materials enabling groundbreaking designs to new models for density that are redefining suburbia.
10am-10.15am
Welcome and Introduction
Includes Welcome to Country by the Gujaga Foundation
10.15am-11.05am
Radical Architecture: Moments in History that Transformed Housing in NSW
Throughout history, the way we live has been shaped by key events that extend far beyond architecture, such as immigration, landmark court cases, policy changes and social movements. This panel will explore the history of housing in NSW against this backdrop, charting the events and the people that have redefined the way our homes are designed and built.
11.05am-11.35am
Democratising Architecture: A New Solution for Housing
The recently released NSW Housing Pattern Book offers a new way forward for Australia’s housing landscape. The patterns feature work by some of the country’s most esteemed architects, with beautifully designed approaches to density in a scheme that positions architecture at the centre of a nationwide mission to increase housing stock. This session will explore the Pattern Book in more detail, unpacking the purpose and the realisation of the scheme in NSW.
11.35am-12.30pm
The Future is Now: A Material Guide for Innovative Homes
The future of housing isn’t just about what our homes will look like, but also what they’ll be made from. Increasing environmental challenges mean architects, designers, builders and contractors are all looking for new solutions to create homes that are more sustainable and durable. This panel will discuss the innovations that are raising the bar for sustainable homes now and into the future – from surprising building materials to designing for disassembly.
1.30pm-2.25pm
Reimagining Suburbia and Demystifying Density
As we face ever greater demands on housing supply, the reality of suburbia is set to change. From the creation of new suburbs to the rise in urban infill developments, our suburbs will be fuller and have more demands placed upon them than ever before. This panel will step into the future, exploring what our suburban landscape might look like as we seek to house the state’s growing population in more sustainable and affordable ways.
2.25pm-2.55pm
People or Policy: Who Leads the Charge for Change?
Drawing on the ideas explored through Sydney Open Symposium: Home Truths, this closing session is a meeting of the minds, with an architect and a policymaker discussing real solutions for housing. While big-picture changes may be happening around us, this session asks what each of us can do and highlights the power that we all have to create, advocate for and enable outcomes that are more accessible, affordable, beautiful and sustainable.
About ILUMINA Sydney
ILUMINA is a unique, state-of-the-art meeting and event venue located in the heart of Sydney’s historical and cultural civic centre of Martin Place
Need to know
Accessibility
Photography
ILUMINA Sydney
1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Saturday 23 May 2026
10am–3pm
Entry fees
Adult: $50
Concession: $43
Member: $40
Student: $25
House tours: $15
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Discover the industry experts and innovating trailblazers who will be speaking at the symposium.
See all speakersExplore the program
The symposium will feature talks and panels exploring the past, present and future state of housing.
See the full schedule