In the first Dean's Lecture of 2013, noted British architect, Professor Sir Peter Cook, AR, will discuss his journey from Archigram, the avant-garde architectural group formed in the 1960s, to his innovative practice CRAB, which launched just six years ago.

From a seaside background and the atmosphere of provincial arcadia, the Archigram period exploded the vocabulary of architecture. Peter Cook was among the team that challenged architectural traditions and presented a visionary and contemporary approach to building cities and developing ways of living. Following the publication of the success of the Archigram publication and a number of well received exhibitions, such as the 'Living City' exhibition, Archigram was born and with it came a new era of design.

In this first Dean's Lecture, Peter Cook will speak about anti-cities and anti houses, how vegetation becomes involved and how experimentation morphes into buildables. The architect behind some of the world's most noteworthy buildings, Peter Cook has left his mark on the globe. A shining example of his work is the well recognised 'friendly alien' Kunsthaus in Graz, Austria, completed in partnership with Colin Fournier. 

Most recently Peter's work with co-founder of CRAB, Gavin Robotham, has seen the practice develop steadily over it's six year history.  Both Peter and Gavin are designers and ideas men whose experience and expertise compliment each other. Peter's early initiatives as an Archigram founder and inventor are augmented by Gavin's flair and impeccable eye. Among their most famous and interesting projects are completed and uncompleted works. The Law School and Administration building in Vienna, described by Peter as 'the long snake at Vienna', is nearing completion and 'the swinging, spooky, enthusiastic building for the new School of Architecture at Bond University, Queensland is three quarters complete. Style and sophistication, as well as practical solutions are strong features in CRAB's design. Taiwan Tower for Taichung celebrates energy, 'literally oozing with algae breeders, tubes, collectors of wind, solar energy and water, layers of piezoelectric apparatus.' "I'm excited because I believe it (Taiwan Tower) marks the moment of maturity for the CRAB studio - five years in," Peter says.

As well as discussing these groundbreaking works in what is sure to be a stimulating and insightful lecture, Peter will also discuss new projects for stadiums and gardens, as well as a studio commission.