Our conversationalists for this first ever Newcastle Salon are Natalie Galea and Sam Spurr. Sam is Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Newcastle. Natalie is an expert in gender justice and human rights in the construction sector and human rights in elite sport. Sam and Nat dubbed their wide-ranging, entertaining conversation as speed dating but longer (and with an audience). They discuss their careers, the powerful influences in their lives and the appealing "tempo of Newcastle". Nat explores her shift from construction project management work in the Middle East (where she was always the only woman in the room) to a PhD and focus on social justice. She spoke of the privilege of "holding truth to power" and her research on the effects of the intense male breadwinner model in construction (with its "diabolical" hours and impacts on their health, their families and wider society). Sam critiques the narrow view of excellence in architecture – the super competitive "keep going, do more all-nighters, work harder, bleed on your projects" approach – and calls for more innovation, listening, collaboration and ethical drive. She discusses the need for "muscular hope" in the face of a daunting future  – "hope with the sleeves rolled up". It was a rich, generous conversation. This episode was recorded live on Awabakal and Worimi Country at the 2024 Newcastle Winter Salon. Held at the University of Newcastle on 9th August 2024, the Salon was organised by Justine Clark. Photos: Roni Bintang.We hope you enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series. For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

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