For a city that prides itself for having one of the world’s architectural landmarks (and no, we’re not talking about the Cross’s Coke sign), Sydney and Sydneysiders can struggle in the design-literate department – one look at the CBD should tell you that.

But now you can put some focus on our design future and join the new wave of architectural thought – who says you need to be a black-collar worker to reflect on the city’s built environment? Take the time to find out why Sydney looks the way it does with the Sydney Architecture Festival.

As Australia’s only official architecture festival, the ten-day event has big ambitions – more than just about celebrating the best and brightest of the city’s building designs, organisers want to stimulate public debate. The series of talks, exhibitions, panels, films and architectural tours have been designed to get Sydneysiders buzzing about what constitutes the good, the misguided, the odd, and, occasionally, the downright fugly.

A good way to begin your journey is with a tour led by SAW (Sydney Architecture Walks), a group of architects who talk, walk and ride about the city, revealing the stories behind the storeys.

Discover the narrative of the 20th century’s most ambitious building project with Utzon, a walking tour of the Sydney Opera House. Learn how Sydney’s pride and joy was only half-finished when it opened, and be led on an exclusive walk and talk through the recently refurbished areas. Alternatively, hop on a bike and go on a meandering route to discover some of the most interesting project and hidden gems of the inner-city suburbs.

Head to one of the most celebrated public architecture sites in recent years, Eveleigh’s Carriageworks, for the festival highlight: Expanded Architecture. Here, local architects and artists are calling an armistice on the combative issue of where the line is between art and design, combining creative powers for the one-night exhibition of immersive projection works and installations.

Sydney will never look the same again.

Where: Various venues around Sydney
Details: sydneyarchitecturefestival.org