Wednesday 2 March 2016

GREEN GOBBLEDYGOOK PROMOTES 'NEW KNOWLEDGE'?





The E-mail announced another 'green' lecture promoted by the AGDF – the Australian Green Development Forum. The Forum is active and shows an interest in matters green and architectural, so criticism of it does not relate to its efforts. The concern lies more with the broader aspects of CPD – Continuing Professional Development, its requirements and the rigour and professionalism displayed in their provision. The critique is that the promotional material is poorly expressed, the outcomes are naively identified as if for children - 'new knowledge,' and the required questioning involvement identified in the attached Worksheets, that suggests a 'schoolish' attitude to the whole experience, a 'pass/fail' examination to check on attention, rather than a professional overview/review/critique, making it all appear more like 'Compulsory' Professional Development – a 'You’ll get the cuts if its wrong!' attitude; maybe detention?: all of this when the ambition of CPD is to promote a stringent rigour in practice - 'to maintain competency in the practice of architecture (Section 16 of the Qld Architects Act) . . . maintenance, development and enhancement of . . . professional knowledge and skills.'

On wheelie bins:


The intent of CPD as identified by the Board of Architects of Queensland sounds sensible, almost reasonable. It is the implementation of this vision that causes one such concern. The latest ADGF promotion, GSLF – Lessons learned from 40 international cities audit for climate intervention – What can SEQ (Brisbane) do?, highlights some of the problematical issues. The promotional material is reproduced in full below. The information assembled by this Forum has been criticised previously – see: http://voussoirs.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/the-problems-of-gaining-knowledge.html This piece pointed out problems with hyphens. This deficiency continues in the current material: 'from micro to city wide policy directions' - but there is more that has to do with simple expression. The sentence is:
'BY understanding the buttons to push, there is opportunity for your projects to be more professional in its business cases and more sustainable as your work is recognised as resilient rather than a temporary consideration.'
Just what does this very unprofessional English mean? It is quite confusing. The initial 'BY' puzzles, as does the cliché phrase 'buttons to push;' but there is a raw irony in the claim that 'projects' can be more professional 'in its business cases.' Just what is meant by 'your work' being 'recognised as resilient rather than a temporary consideration'? This uncertainty hardly augurs well for an informative presentation meant to assist in the maintenance of 'competency in the practice of architecture.'


The hype continues:
'Donnell's presentation overviews culturally different approaches and successful innovations for better living with climate. Come and learn what works in other places, and could work for your projects too.'
What does 'better living with climate' mean? The 'Come and learn . . ' expression sounds like a sideshow spruiker, not a professional invitation.
Then, as if to clarify matters, we are advised of the 'Learning Outcomes.'
Participants shall:
  • Obtain new knowledge and able to understand 4 themes for addressing climate resilience in every city Enable customisation for local conditions Audit own projects with C40 framework (and updates). Learn creativity from low GDP countries Learn modelling & monitoring techniques from higher GDP countries Think differently beyond latest trinkets to address basic causes & impacts

The lack of any punctuation in this cryptic English makes this a confusing piece of text. It is almost as if the intent was to confuse sufficiently to make one believe that attendance was necessary in order to 'obtain new knowledge' that might help decipher the apparent mess. The outcomes continue to be scheduled in the same muddled form and format:
  • Share architectural experience and knowledge for 53 countries 6 subtropical design approaches Tropical adaptations that are useful for Queensland and Brisbane climate changes Amphibious architecture Kinetic Architecture Virtual Infrastructure Inclusive design
  • Contribute to a better understanding (improved) skills of Ethics in urban design - easy as 3,4,5.
What is '3,4,5'? - '1,2,3' but better?


  • Obtain new knowledge in relation to own professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation
What is this 'professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation '? It was Googled; immediately one was asked: 'Do you mean: biomimicry?' It seems that there is an extra hyphen here! These problems do very little to convince one there is a lot to learn here that could help 'maintain competency in the practice of architecture,' or be useful in the 'maintenance, development and enhancement of . . . professional knowledge and skills.' It seems that one might be able to help others promoting this lecture to 'gain new knowledge' and skills in expression. The concern has to do with how the text boasts of a promised improvement in what appears to read as gobbledygook:

  • Improved skills through a better understanding of options and opportunities to introduce new thinking to old problems integrate beyond incremental steps
What on earth is mean here? There is a sense that the use of complicated sets of flash words might add some prestige and in-depth meaning to the message. The presenter sounds impressive with his extensive list of qualifications, technical skills and practical expertise. So what is one to make of all of this confusing material when even his name is spelt wrongly in the promotional headlines, as 'Donnel Davis'?


The proposition is: why can CPD events not become truly professional promotions managed as if for professionals? That this $25 CPD event – is one tempted? - is so poorly presented is a concern, as it purports to be an 'educational' occasion, one that will help to 'maintain competency in the practice of architecture' when it seems obvious that there is a lack of competency in the presentation of the event. Does no one care about this seemingly illogical nonsense; this apparently irrational stance where one is being asked to attend to 'learn' in such an inept manner? Why on earth does one, a professional, have to 'sit the exam' as it were? Does the examiner get examined? The Worksheets are presented boldly and bluntly with five probing, testing questions and demands, and these are not multiple-choice: apparently all have to answered:



What are the 4 themes for addressing climate resilience in every city Enable customisation for local conditions Audit own projects with C40 framework (and updates)?
What are some subtropical design approaches Tropical adaptations that are useful for Queensland and Brisbane climate changes Amphibious Architecture Kinetic Architecture Virtual Infrastructure Inclusive design?
Give some examples of ethics in urban design.
What are some professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation?
Give some examples of new thinking to old problems integrate beyond incremental steps.


CPD?


Who checks the answers to see if they are right? Has anyone looked at the questions to make sure that they are sensible, easily understood and grammatically correct? How is any of this charade meant 'to maintain competency in the practice of architecture (Section 16 of the Qld Architects Act)' or to have any role in the 'maintenance, development and enhancement of . . . professional knowledge and skills'? Perhaps this lecture is simply an AGDF fund-raising event?


The whole matter of CPD is close to being a farce. It needs to be sorted out if it is ever to gain respect and become useful for its purpose. If this was a product meant for a particular function, it would very likely be returned as being 'unfit for purpose.' Does The Australian Consumer Law apply here? Maybe it should, then we might be able to have a profession and a promoted CPD involvement of which one could be proud. Currently the CPD arrangements seem to look like a meaningless shambles. What do other professions think of architects? Isn't is the role of the Board to improve the standing of architects in the eye of the public? Is it failing? If the profession is to be a body that is respected and looked up to, it needs to do much better than to treat itself like this.



THE PROMOTION






GSLF March 9, 2016

Lessons learned from 40 international cities audit for climate interventions - what can SEQ ( Brisbane) do?

Donnel Davis - Founder of Envirobusiness


Overview:
As a result of learning from the audit findings of 40 cities that voluntarily participated, over 100 cities have adjusted their thinking and funding for future infrastructure and city priorities. Methodologies for those changes opens new ways to develop projects for change from micro to city wide policy directions. BY understanding the buttons to push, there is opportunity for your projects to be more professional in its business cases and more sustainable as your work is recognised as resilient rather than a temporary consideration.

Donnell's presentation overviews culturally different approaches and successful innovations for better living with climate. Come and learn what works in other places, and could work for your projects too.


Learning Outcome:
Participants shall:
  • Obtain new knowledge and able to understand 4 themes for addressing climate resilience in every city Enable customisation for local conditions Audit own projects with C40 framework (and updates). Learn creativity from low GDP countries Learn modelling & monitoring techniques from higher GDP countries Think differently beyond latest trinkets to address basic causes & impacts
  • Share architectural experience and knowledge for 53 countries 6 subtropical design approaches Tropical adaptations that are useful for Queensland and Brisbane climate changes Amphibious architecture Kinetic Architecture Virtual Infrastructure Inclusive design
  • Contribute to a better understanding (improved) skills of Ethics in urban design - easy as 3,4,5.
  • Obtain new knowledge in relation to own professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation
  • Improved skills through a better understanding of options and opportunities to introduce new thinking to old problems integrate beyond incremental steps

Presentation and Interactive Workshop
Presenter: Donnell Davis - Founder Envirobusiness
Academic Qualifications: Doctorate: Sustainable City-Regions: Creating Responsive Institutions (Netherlands UNU & USQ Australia) Masters Environmental Management UQ (Sust Dev) Post Grad Public Policy QIT CPA (Audit & Program Evaluation) Bachelor Business DDIAE (Accounting/Finance & HRD) JP Queensland (1981)
Technical: 2014 Climate Reality Leadership Corp (International Program) 2012 Australian Mediators Association 2010 Innovation Scholarship (Australia) 2008 Commenced UN Law Uni, Netherlands “Sustainable City Regions: Creating Responsive Institutions” (completing USQ 2014 Doctorate of Professional Studies “Climate Sensitive Cities”) 2005 ASIC F146 accredited: Friendly Societies/Charities/Not for Profit/Cooperatives/Ethical Investment 2003 Program - Australian Institute of Company Directors 2001- International Accreditation as Executive Coach 1999- Masters Environmental Management (Sustainable Development) (UQ) 1993 Core subjects from Masters of Public Policy (QIT) resulting in Post Graduate Award 1992 Certificate - Counselling (Behavioural Science) UQ 1990 Certified Practising Accountant Program Deakin University - Distance Ed 1988 Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) DDIAE external study 1987 Bachelor of Business (Management - HRM) DDIAE external study 1981 Justice of the Peace (Queensland) Languages – Fluent in English – minimal oral, written French, Spanish, commenced basic Mandarin, Katakana Japanese.


Practical Expertise: 25 Government 15 Year Private and third sectors Successful urban design projects: * Selsey House: sustainable affordable housing for older women - Runcorn Brisbane 2008 (Owner Builder Funder Manager Advocate) + Design for Disability (Future Self program) Swinburne partners +Sustainable Living Residents Package (FoSEQ) + Low carbon policy review (framework - systems for international reporting) Malaysia + Green cities review - Singapore +Commonwealth cities review - CHOGM + Retrofitting cities for climate resilience ( EAROPH) + Infrastructure evaluation - inclusive infrastructure investment guidelines +Microfinance for Pacific climate projects (2012-ongoing) empowering enterprise for addressing climate change +Greening Asia book 2 (EAROPH) DT x BM = RC


Please CLICK HERE to register your seat now!
Please CLICK HERE to download your worksheet for the March 9, 2016 event.

Competency Unit: DESIGN, DOCUMENTATION & PRACTICE MANANGEMENT




REGISTRATION




Overview:
As a result of learning from the audit findings of 40 cities that voluntarily participated, over 100 cities have adjusted their thinking and funding for future infrastructure and city priorities.

Methodologies for those changes opens new ways to develop projects for change from micro to city wide policy directions. BY understanding the buttons to push, there is opportunity for your projects to be more professional in its business cases and more sustainable as your work is recognised as resilient rather than a temporary consideration.

Donnell's presentation overviews culturally different approaches and successful innovations for better living with climate. Come and learn what works in other places, and could work for your projects too.
Learning Outcome:
Participants shall:
  • Obtain new knowledge and able to understand 4 themes for addressing climate resilience in every city Enable customisation for local conditions Audit own projects with C40 framework (and updates). Learn creativity from low GDP countries Learn modelling & monitoring techniques from higher GDP countries Think differently beyond latest trinkets to address basic causes & impacts 
  • Share architectural experience and knowledge for 53 countries 6 subtropical design approaches Tropical adaptations that are useful for Queensland and Brisbane climate changes Amphibious architecture Kinetic Architecture Virtual Infrastructure Inclusive design 
  • Contribute to a better understanding (improved) skills of Ethics in urban design - easy as 3,4,5.
  • Obtain new knowledge in relation to own professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation
  • Improved skills through a better understanding of options and opportunities to introduce new thinking to old problems integrate beyond incremental steps 
Presentation and Interactive Workshop
Presenter:
 Donnell Davis - Founder Envirobusiness
Academic Qualifications: Doctorate: Sustainable City-Regions: Creating Responsive Institutions (Netherlands UNU & USQ Australia) Masters Environmental Management UQ (Sust Dev) Post Grad Public Policy QIT CPA (Audit & Program Evaluation) Bachelor Business DDIAE (Accounting/Finance & HRD) JP Queensland (1981)
Technical: 2014 Climate Reality Leadership Corp (International Program) 2012 Australian Mediators Association 2010 Innovation Scholarship (Australia) 2008 Commenced UN Law Uni, Netherlands “Sustainable City Regions: Creating Responsive Institutions” (completing USQ 2014 Doctorate of Professional Studies “Climate Sensitive Cities”) 2005 ASIC F146 accredited: Friendly Societies/Charities/Not for Profit/Cooperatives/Ethical Investment 2003 Program - Australian Institute of Company Directors 2001- International Accreditation as Executive Coach 1999- Masters Environmental Management (Sustainable Development) (UQ) 1993 Core subjects from Masters of Public Policy (QIT) resulting in Post Graduate Award 1992 Certificate - Counselling (Behavioural Science) UQ 1990 Certified Practising Accountant Program Deakin University - Distance Ed 1988 Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) DDIAE external study 1987 Bachelor of Business (Management - HRM) DDIAE external study 1981 Justice of the Peace (Queensland) Languages – Fluent in English – minimal oral, written French, Spanish, commenced basic Mandarin, Katakana Japanese. 
Practical Expertise
25 Government 15 Year Private and third sectors Successful urban design projects: * Selsey House: sustainable affordable housing for older women - Runcorn Brisbane 2008 (Owner Builder Funder Manager Advocate) + Design for Disability (Future Self program) Swinburne partners +Sustainable Living Residents Package (FoSEQ) + Low carbon policy review (framework - systems for international reporting) Malaysia + Green cities review - Singapore +Commonwealth cities review - CHOGM + Retrofitting cities for climate resilience ( EAROPH) + Infrastructure evaluation - inclusive infrastructure investment guidelines +Microfinance for Pacific climate projects (2012-ongoing) empowering enterprise for addressing climate change +Greening Asia book 2 (EAROPH) DT x BM = RC

Competency Unit:  Design, Documentation & Practice Management
WHEN
Wednesday, 9 March 2016 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (AEST) - Add to Calendar
WHERE
Theatrette Room - Brisbane Square Library. 266 George St. Brisbane CBD, QLD 4000 AU -View Map


WORKSHEET


GSLF March 9, 2016 CPD Workshop - Worksheet


What are the 4 themes for addressing climate resilience in every city Enable customisation for local conditions Audit own projects with C40 framework (and updates)?


What are some subtropical design approaches Tropical adaptations that are useful for Queensland and Brisbane climate changes Amphibious Architecture Kinetic Architecture Virtual Infrastructure Inclusive design?


Give some examples of ethics in urban design.


What are some professional ethics bio-mimicry interdisciplinary innovation?


Give some examples of new thinking to old problems integrate beyond incremental steps.  



AND RESPECT

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