Developed by Monash University’s SensiLab, Machine Eye asks what happens when AI becomes physically present in the world. Photo credit: Dr. Rowan Page.
What role will artificial intelligence play in the creative industries? Is Australia ready for a quantum future? And how can Victoria’s urban planning reforms deliver better housing outcomes?
Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) researchers will tackle these big questions at Melbourne Design Week, running from 14 to 24 May 2026.
The MADA Institute will present a total of 26 exhibitions, workshops and talks with industry partners and students at venues including the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Victoria Pride Center and Monash University’s Caulfield Campus.
Emerging technologies and AI
‘Future Building: Making Buildings Better’, led by Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell, explains how AI will transform construction by improving building quality and accelerating decarbonisation.
Associate Professor Leah Heiss, Professor Sarah Pink and Dr Deborah Lanzeni will lead ‘Designing the Quantum Future’, exploring how quantum technologies can shape everyday life over the next decade, from jobs and healthcare to banking and transport.
Professor John McCormack and Dr Rowan Page examine the impact of generative AI on the creative industries in their showcase ‘Design, Creativity and AI’.
Professor McCormack said that with the introduction of AI, human history has entered a new phase.
Professor McCormack said: “With machines now able to work more independently and create images, designs, films and music, we are being challenged to rethink the meaning of creativity and what creative practice is.”
“No one knows exactly where this is going to go, but I hope that by the end of this panel discussion you will have a clearer sense of what the future holds.”
Sustainable urban planning and transportation
Senior Lecturer Katherine Sunderman’s workshop, “Beyond Zoning: Achieving Liveable Communities,” explores whether we can build more homes near public transit while creating healthier, more livable communities.
As Melbourne’s population increases and the city’s growth boundaries expand, Associate Professor Robbie Knapper’s panel discussion will ask important questions about what the future of Melbourne’s transport will look like.
Professor Mel Dodd, Head of Monash’s School of Art, Design and Architecture, said researchers were combining creative practices with emerging technologies to address urban and societal challenges.
“At MADA, we focus our research on the big questions that will shape Australia’s future, from AI and housing to transport and livability,” Professor Dodd said.
“Melbourne Design Week provides a powerful platform to showcase how architecture, design and creative research influence policy, industry and everyday life.”
Australia’s leading design festival, Melbourne Design Week, is organized by NGV and supported by the Victorian Government.
MADA’s full program at Melbourne Design Week can be found here.
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