Overview

From the very first years of Sydney’s water supply, innovative engineering solutions were essential in overcoming significant challenges—technical, social and political. This talk will explore the creative design choices made by engineers and architects to address these issues and the lasting impact of their work. We’ll highlight some of the hidden gems that have shaped the city's infrastructure, while also considering valuable lessons that can still inform and inspire 21st-century projects today.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this event, include: 

• an appreciation of the multiple issues involved in the development of major engineering projects
• how these issues were resolved in major projects across Sydney water supply
• factors to be considered for current and future projects, where the engineering challenges must be considered alongside political and social issues to achieve engineering excellence.

Program

In-person:

• 5.30 pm AEST: Registration open and networking
• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.15 pm AEST: Presentation conclude and further networking
• 7.30 pm AEST: Event conclude

Online:

• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.15 pm AEST: Event conclude

About the speaker

Barry Clare

Architectural Historian

Biography

Barry Clare has taken on a role as an architectural historian, with a deep interest in delving into the archives of engineering organisations. This passion has led him to discover the connections between politics, design movements, business ventures, new engineering technology and scientific discoveries. He has a particular interest in 20th Century architecture and design, is on the Committee of the Art Deco and Modernist Society of Australia and makes regular contributions to its magazine, The Spirit of Progress.