The Robin Boyd Foundation for Design has gathered together eleven leading architects to form the inaugural Boyd Circle to educate the public on why design matters.

The Boyd Circle will curate a bold new program of talks, open days and interactive events that promote inclusive discussion and active public participation in design. It aims to continue architect Robin Boyd’s legacy and push Australian design to meet today’s urban challenges.

The group comprises Astrid Jenkins, Mauro Barraco, Mel Bright, Matt Gibson, Patrick Kennedy, Hamish Lyon, Rob McBride, Rachel Nolan, Debbie Ryan, John Wardle and Louise Wright with the shared goal of raising funds for the preservation of Walsh Street, the home Robin Boyd built for his family in 1958 and now the active home of the Foundation.

“The Boyd Circle aims to secure the future of Boyd’s Walsh Street house – this is important because of its superlative heritage significance, but more vitally because it is a building which is so intensely inventive, that it is capable of inspiring architects and others into the future,” says Boyd Circle leader, Patrick Kennedy, director of Kennedy Nolan Architects.

“As a practice and individually we are conscious of the remarkable legacy of Robin Boyd, particularly in Melbourne, but also in Australia generally. Boyd was a great communicator and actively built an understanding of design, and culture more broadly in Australia. We feel the responsibility of helping to maintain this tradition and are conscious of the privilege in being able to do this through the Boyd Circle,” adds Kennedy.

Pictured L-R Matt Gibson, Rachel Nolan, Rob McBride, Astrid Jenkins, Patrick Kennedy, John Wardle, Debbie Ryan and Mel Bright. Absent: Mauro Barraco, Hamish Lyon and Louise Wright.

Photo: Earl Carter