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Brian Novanto
Brian Novanto is a Registered Architect with experience in the transport and education sectors. He is driven to create smart, sustainable and accessible public architecture that contributes to the making…
Architecture with Pride x DesignInc Sydney
DesignInc Sydney is proud to announce it will once again partner with Architecture with Pride (AWP), coming on board as a sponsor for the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations.
Now in its third year of operation, AWP bring together the LGBTQI+ design community in the built environment—celebrating pride and diversity through its rich, multi-state events program. AWP is comprised of a number of industry bodies and design practices across Australia, including the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) the NSW Gender Equity Taskforce and the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network (EmAGN).
A series of events build towards the marquee celebration, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, in which 60 queer and ally design practitioners will dance and march under the AWP banner (and on the AWP Float) in Sydney on Saturday 1 March.
This time around, however, we’ll be front and centre in a rather unique way.
DesignInc Associate, Brian Novanto, designed the competition-winning entry for the design of AWP’s Parade Float.
Themed ‘Reflection’, design represents everyone’s meaning of freedom, using mirrors as a tool of reflection for spectators, of the parade, and of the city itself. Angled mirrors capture beyond what is in front of it while extending lights and colours into the sky.
‘I migrated to Australia to seek education, personal growth and freedom in more ways than one—and so what inspired me to design ‘Reflection’ was to create something that makes people talk of what freedom means to everybody,’ said Brian.
‘I feel the more perspectives that we can give voice to, the better architects we are. We owe it to everybody in the community to elevate those voices and it’s about honouring, respecting and preserving those differences.’
Sponsoring Architecture with Pride reflects DesignInc’s collective commitment to diversity and inclusion, said Brian.
‘DesignInc is a safe place where differences are celebrated. There are lots of events around Mardi Gras which are represented by LGBTQI+ staff and allies from every level of the office. These events bring people together and it is a joyful, inclusive time of the year where anybody can come out and be themselves, knowing that everybody loves them and supports them. It’s inspiring to see all the different people, from different backgrounds, of different sexual orientation, and with unique identities coming together. This perspective always grounds me as an architect.’
There are a number of AWP events taking place in the leadup to the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade:
The Architecture Ball
6pm – 12am, Thu 13 February | Imperial Basement, Erskineville
Love Letters to Being
6pm – 9pm, Wed 19 February | Level 1, The Burdekin Hotel, Darlinghurst
AWP Mardi Gras Parade Float
All day, Sat 01 March | Oxford St, Darlinghurst
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