Author: acato

Institute says plans to demolish Anzac Hall are ‘shocking, distressing’

Plans to demolish award-winning Anzac Hall, as unveiled today by the Australian War Memorial, have been described as ‘deeply distressing’ by the Australian Institute of Architects.

While fully supporting moves to honour and better tell the stories of Australia’s servicemen and women, National President Clare Cousins said the Institute was shocked at the lack of consultation with the community, the Institute and the architectural moral right holders of the existing structure.

Opened in 2001 at a reported cost of $17 million, Anzac Hall has been lauded for its sensitivity to the heritage and cultural context of this national memorial while also providing functional design.

Architects Denton Corker Marshall won the Institute’s prestigious national Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture for the building in 2005.

‘As architects we are passionate about preserving Australia’s heritage and honouring our national history, nowhere more so than the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the servicemen and women,’ Ms Cousins said.

‘That’s why Anzac Hall was designed with such care and sensitivity to the highest standards of design excellence, an effort recognised when it was selected above any other piece of public architecture to receive the Sir Zelman Cowen Award.

‘Bringing in the bulldozers to destroy such an investment – of effort, of culture and at the end of the day taxpayer dollars – is a colossal waste and mark of disrespect.

‘It is incomprehensible that in planning what would otherwise be such a welcome extension at the War Memorial, so little regard has been shown for the cultural significance of Anzac Hall, which is a national landmark and much-loved exhibition space.

‘There has to be another way forward and the Institute is willing to work with the Federal Government and the Australian War Memorial’s management to find an acceptable alternative.’

‘The apparent secrecy surrounding the plans, which were reportedly being explored since 2015, together with the complete lack of consultation is hugely disturbing.

‘The Australian War Memorial is one of our nation’s most significant monuments and a site of immense pride and emotion.

‘All Australians deserve a say in its future – not a small group of elites.’
The announcement comes on the day Australia’s leading architects gather in Melbourne for the annual National Architecture Awards presentation, the same ceremony at which Anzac Hall was recognised 13 years ago.

‘At only 17 years of age, Anzac Hall is considered young in building terms, where average lifecycles are 50 to 100 years,’ Ms Cousins said.

‘The Institute is resolved to fight these plans. We must put an end to the pattern emerging which treats major public works as somehow disposable.’

Show your support to stop the demolition of Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Sign up to our new campaign website here.

From the SA Executive Director – July

As architects we are educated to consider complex problems with multiple parameters from a diverse range of perspectives.  The inventiveness with which architects approach these often wicked problems was amply demonstrated once again at the SA Awards presentations, which were held last Saturday.  Different perspectives and methodologies had been employed to arrive at unique and delightful outcomes that add value to the people who experience these buildings and enrich the environments in which they are located.

Once again, the awards provided a great opportunity to celebrate success in what can be a punishing profession.  Fee pressure and fast-tracked programs appear to be an inescapable reality for many practices, which in turn limits time to explore and innovate and drives a culture of long work hours and sustained stress.

It is not surprising therefore that people leave the profession in search of a more balanced lifestyle.  Evidence collected over many years shows us that the majority of the people making this decision are women.  While the gender balance for graduates has been a reality for at least a decade, the number of women remaining in the profession still diminishes significantly post-graduation.  The result is a lack of role models for female architects and minimal numbers of women in senior positions, especially at an equity level.

While this issue has been discussed and analysed in multiple forums, there has been limited impact to date.  This is evidenced by the continuing lack of retention and limited visibility of women in the profession.  An example of this ongoing issue is provided in the letter from Sarah Paddick, which highlights her observations at the SA Awards presentations.

As a result, ongoing debate is increasingly being accompanied by programs that include action to effect real and sustained change.  In South Australia, this has resulted in the formation of the SA Designers for Diversity initiative.  With the support of Chapter Council, a committed and dynamic group of members; Sarah Paddick, Tracey Roughana, Kirstie Coultas, Saralee Aufdeheide, Jenna Holder, Catherine Startari and Sally Bolton have developed the program with the aim to:

  • increase awareness of existing culture
  • encourage and support behaviours that achieve diversity and equity within practice
  • enable participants to benchmark and celebrate their progress

The objective is to foster the good things that are already happening within the profession, share successful initiatives, build awareness of bias – conscious and unconscious – and to challenge participants to excel in effecting real change at a personal and practice level. 

The initial focus is of SA Designers for Diversity is on gender equity.  However, there is a general consensus that many of the issues that exist for women apply within the context of the profession as a whole.  Our current work culture is equally punishing for men and places them in positions which limit their opportunities to engage with family, participate in activities outside work and live full, healthy lives.  In a profession which is enriched by diverse experience and perspectives, this narrowing of experience is surely limiting.

Twelve of the practices who were initially invited to participate in SA Designers for Diversity have already agreed to be involved.  This is a great place to start this important project.  If you would like to know more or to participate, please contact the SA Chapter.  

Nicolette Di Lernia
SA Chapter Executive Director

From the SA Chapter President – June

mdreosti

25 June 2018

In this role that I have, I spend a lot of time speaking with other architects and sitting on various committees, councils and working groups. I can say from these experiences that we are universally quite a complaining lot.

Perhaps it is the creative disposition which brings a propensity for venting negativity but when it comes to discussion about fees, programs, procurement and the value placed on design and our services… the conversations are consistent.

What is interesting having recently returned from a National Council meeting and the National Conference Edge, is that these themes are consistent not only nationally but in fact globally.

The direct commonality with other chapters facing, in particular, procurement and planning related challenges is quite remarkable, and from listening to some of the international speakers at Edge, themes of facing challenge in valuing architecture through these processes is globally consistent.

I’m old enough to know that such complaints are nothing new in South Australia and so by extrapolation I assume they are nothing new around the world either.

So maybe that is just the way it is. 

Maybe since we’ve changed little in the last few decades, we are never really going to change anything. Perhaps the fact that when we do call to arms only a fraction of our members rally with us means that no one actually cares as much as they whinge.

So maybe we could save the energy and the membership fees and go sit on the beach instead.

Except…. I’d suggest if you look around our State you will see that it has changed…. a lot.

And I’d propose that for those of us in the creative communities, we would say its changed for the better in many ways. And I’d posit that not all cities have changed for the better, so best we take change seriously and try and have an impact on it.

And so now I offer you three simple ways to have an impact. Three ways to stop whinging and do something for you, for the profession and indeed for the broader community who will benefit from better outcomes.

1 – ABIC Contracts Survey

Both the Institute and ACA have issued surveys about the use of ABIC contracts and issues of banks not wanting to fund against percentage progress claims in residential projects but rather housing industry style staged payments. This simplified approach is not appropriate for architectural projects and can leave either client or builder unreasonably exposed depending on where the staged payment falls in a project which is not built in simple stages. We are lobbying hard to change this trend but we need information.

So way number one to do something, is to fill out this survey if you’ve used these contracts.

2 – BBS Concept Survey

Shortly the SA Chapter will issue a survey regarding the actual hours taken to complete the fixed fee concept stage of the recent Building Better Schools program issued just prior to Christmas last year. 

We have a great deal of anecdotal commentary about the match between the fee set and the scope required, but a survey will provide a unique broad base of firm data to demonstrate the real hours taken across a range of practices to complete a matching scope of services. This will be invaluable in future negotiations regarding procurement approaches.

So way number two to do something is to fill out this survey as well if you took part in the BBS program.

3 – Planning Reform

The Institute is well involved in collaborating and contributing to the Planning Reform process which is underway. However the quantum of information being circulated for review and comment is significant and our ability as people with other non voluntary commitments to keep up is challenged. We could use more experienced architects who are willing to review documents and provide informed concise feedback that can directly form an Institute response.

So way number three if you are ready to do more than just a survey, is to call/email/ visit the Institute and volunteer.

Two out of three ain’t bad people and two of these don’t even require you to stand up!

It’s too cold to sit on the beach now anyway, so we may as well stop whinging and do something.

Mario Dreosti
SA Chapter President

From the SA Executive Director – June

One of the great privileges I enjoy as an architect working for the Institute is the ability to attend the National Conference.  This annual gathering of the profession provides a valuable opportunity to take time out from invariably high-pressure work environments to consider what we do from different perspectives and to connect professionally and personally with our peers.

This social interaction is a key component to our ability to learn at these events.   I heard neuroscientist Dr Fiona Kerr speak the week before, and her presentation was illuminating.  Humans retain the ability to bulk up our brains through exercise, learning new things, eating correctly, sleeping well and human connection.  All are vital to our ability to be creative, complex thinkers with mature social, emotional and task thinking capabilities.

So, what did I learn at the national conference?  The conference theme ‘Edge’, aimed to consider the social, cultural and physical factors shaping the rapidly growing cities, with a focus on coastal (edge) cities in the Asia Pacific region.  Issues of climate, local identity, population density and health were all explored.  The clear pressures experienced by many cities subject to explosive population growth and urbanisation, coupled with developer driven objectives were starkly contrasted against the more modestly scaled regional projects presented by both international and local speakers.  The importance of designing for people and place was a central message at all scales, although the opportunities to do so at the mega scale were constrained by the sheer size of the environments being created.

This caused me to consider the objectives of the Adelaide Contemporary (AC) competition and the opportunities this project creates for Adelaide.  The brief places importance on place, people, social interaction and cultural engagement from both indigenous and European perspectives.  It seeks to create a key attractor to Adelaide as well as a focus for local activity and a showcase for the important collection held by the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA). 

In the public presentations by four of the teams, a common theme was clear – that AC would be the centre of culture for the city, providing a venue that would bring together locals and visitors alike. There was exploration of the context within which AC would exist and how it would spatially and visually connect with the city in all presentations.  The proposals were bold, varied and highly resolved, and it was an important opportunity to gain an understanding of the underlying principles and thinking that informed the designs.

However, I was disappointed that none of the presentations discussed the way in which AC would connect with the city at an activation level; of how this major development would interact with places and people outside its perimeter. Would it give back or take away from the wider city?  How would it interface with the remaining ORAH site, Botanic Gardens, East End and the cultural precinct, including the AGSA which spawned it?  What prevents it from having the impact of a shopping mall on a local high street?  What will make AC a driver of broad activation and vibrancy within the city context?

With the winner of the competition announced, it will be interesting to track how this project develops. While it faces significant political and financial challenges, it is to be hoped that the significant investment of thought and skill made through the competition is not wasted.  I extend my congratulations to Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Woods Bagot for winning the competition and wish them all the best in addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

EDGE – A personal perspective

The conference theme ‘Edge’, aimed to consider the social, cultural and physical factors shaping the rapidly growing cities, with a focus on coastal (edge) cities in the Asia Pacific region.  Issues of climate, local identity, population density and health were all explored.

There were stark contrasts between the work presented by global practices Safdie Architects and Steven Holl Architects and local practitioners Sue Dugdale and Lindy Atkins.  Safdie and Roberto Bannura from Holl’s Beijing office, showed billion-dollar mega developments, predominantly in China, and spent much of their presentations explaining how they created public space, often 50 floors above ground level, to provide social connection for those working and living in these massive, city within the city agglomerations. There was discussion around how these developments connected back into the surrounding urban form, but the opportunity for them to become self-contained, exclusive compounds was clear.  I couldn’t help reflecting on how far Moshe Safdie had come from his exploration of inclusive, welcoming mass housing through the Habitat project. 

What conclusions will archaeologists in a 1000 years’ time, reach regarding the society that created these developments, one of which had 18 basement levels of manufacturing topped by tens of thousands of square meters of floor area in a cluster of interconnected towers, the bridges home to sky gardens, pools and other leisure facilities?  Will those employed in the basement ever feel welcomed in the pleasure gardens above?

In contrast, Dougdale presented work from her Alice Springs practice.  Thoughtful, people centred projects that aim to connect people and place at a very different scale.  She discussed the dual indigenous and migrant communities that create the edge condition specific to Alice Springs and how she works to provide value and quality in these potentially challenging conditions.  Her connection to, understanding of and respect for end users and location were powerful and provided a sense of place and respect for occupants that was hard to envisage in the mega city projects, with their significant issues of density, scale and lack of cultural connection.

Likewise, Atkins’ work is highly personal and specific to place.  She interspersed discussion of predominantly residential projects on the Sunshine Coast with explorations of the collaborative installations Bark Architects undertakes with architecture students, using prefabricated, modular systems to encourage examination of coastal environments.  Again, the scale of this work provides the opportunity to create deep and personal connections to place and people.

In between the mega scale and the regional was Borja Ferrater from Office of Architecture Barcelona (OAB), whose work is both international and highly specific to local culture and conditions.  Ferrater articulated the concern that OAB have in working outside their native Catalonia and demonstrated how they apply knowledge gained in one context within different environments and cultures.  The resulting projects are both engaging and engaged, challenging conventional developer driven typologies and enriching the communities in which they are located.

The discussion was also informed by presentations from epidemiologist Mark Stevenson and wayfinding specialist Sarah Manning from Space Agency.  The key message from these contributions for me was that connected urban environments provide better health outcomes that sprawling, low density development.  Access to green space also has demonstrated benefit.  Medium density, mixed use development with considered public spaces would appear to be the ultimate urban environments for liveability and wellbeing given these findings.

The conference concluded with a highly entertaining and personal presentation by ‘Lek’ Mathar Bunnag.  His pride in his cultural heritage, his engaging persona and his passion for beautiful environments were infectious.  Even if I never have the opportunity to stay in the luxury resorts he designs, I came away refreshed and enlivened by this uplifting exposition of his carefully curated and executed work.

So, what do I take away from the conference?  That we are privileged in Adelaide to be able to develop our city without the unyielding pressures of density and population growth that define mega cities.  That we need to build our understanding of what is unique and valued in our context as a community so that we collectively own this vision and can clearly communicate it to those who are responsible for development into the future.  As a small city we have the opportunity to preserve and develop our own unique cultural identity. 

Nicolette Di Lernia
SA Chapter Executive Director
12/06/2018

State Shortlist Announced – 2018 Queensland Architecture Awards

From a field of 174 entries, the jury for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards have shortlisted 76 entries from across the state.

The Awards have been running for over 30 years and provide architects, their clients and the built environment community an opportunity to celebrate exemplary design across all scales.

Forming part of the National Architecture Awards, the Queensland program is one of the few in the country to include a regional tier of judging.

This tier of judging has allowed our State Jury, led by Chair of Juries, John Thong FRAIA, to join some of our local members in each region to judge the entire field of entries. Projects this year have spanned as far north as Karumba, south as Currumbin, as far east as Stradbroke Island and Winton to the West. The commitment and dedication shown by all our jurors involved is certainly no small feat.

The 2018 Queensland Architecture Awards State Shortlist was announced on Thursday during the launch of a public exhibition of all entries at at 1 William St in Brisbane.

Viewing the exhibition and the State Shortlist you will find a strong representation of work both within Brisbane and throughout our varied regions. This gives a wonderful insight into the diverse quality of work currently conducted by architects throughout Queensland.

All aspects of architecture have been covered from smaller installations of 1.6m2 up to the larger scale commercial building at a total of 127,000m2 and everything in between.

Projects shortlisted now move to State judging with the results to be announced at a dedicated event at the QT Hotel on the Gold Coast, Friday 8 June.

The Exhibition will remain on public display at 1 William St (during office hours) until Friday 25 May. No bookings required. More information is available at http://www.architecture.com.au/events/state-territory/queensland-chapter/queensland-awards/events#Exhibition%20of%20Entries

Projects shortlisted for the State Awards are:

Art & Architecture 480 Queen Street BVN Brisbane
Art & Architecture Corps à Corps at the IMA Courtyard Artist: Celine Condorelli, Architect: Dirk Yates (Speculative Architecture), Landscape Designer: Pete Shields Fortitude Valley
Commercial Architecture 1 William Street Woods Bagot Brisbane
Commercial Architecture 88 Limestone – Commercial Gibson Architects Ipswich
Commercial Architecture DLTP BVN in association with Conrad Gargett Amberley
Commercial Architecture Eatons Hill Hotel and Retail Complex Cox Architecture Eatons Hill
Commercial Architecture Robina Market Hall Redevelopment The Buchan Group Robina
Commercial Architecture The Stores Cavill Architects in Association with Jasper Brown Architects WEST END
Commercial Architecture Yeppoon Town Centre Carpark Tim Stewart Architects Yeppoon
Educational Architecture Griffith University Aquatic Centre Conrad Gargett Southport
Educational Architecture JK Murray Library Extension & Refurbishment dwp | design worldwide partnership Gatton
Educational Architecture Margaret Cribb Early Learning dwp | design worldwide partnership St Lucia
Educational Architecture Mercy College Mackay Library Redevelopment Bold Architecture + Interior Design South Mackay
Educational Architecture St Hilda’s School – Horton Building Burling Brown Architects Southport
Educational Architecture The Centenary Library, Anglican Church Grammar School Brand + Slater Architects Pty Ltd East Brisbane
Educational Architecture The Science Place HASSELL Townsville
Educational Architecture The Springfield Anglican College – Year 1 Classrooms Architecture Kōen Springfield
Heritage 259 Queen Street Main Lobby Refurbishment COX Architecture + Ruth Woods Architect Brisbane City
Interior Architecture 1 William Street Woods Bagot Brisbane
Interior Architecture Energy Corporation Workplace BVN Brisbane
Interior Architecture Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre BVN Carrara
Interior Architecture Headricks Lane SP Studio Rockhampton
Interior Architecture Kingsgate Day Spa Cameron & Co Fortitude Valley
Interior Architecture La Boite Foyer & Bar bureau^proberts Kelvin Grove
Interior Architecture Marchetti & Optiko Cameron & Co Brisbane
Interior Architecture NAB Place Woods Bagot Brisbane
Public Architecture Blackwater Aquatic Centre Liquid Blu Architects Blackwater
Public Architecture Curra Community Hall Bark Design Architects Curra
Public Architecture Gold Coast Dharma Realm Shurangama Temple Push Mudgeeraga
Public Architecture Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre BVN Carrara
Public Architecture Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre Liquid Blu Architects Gympie
Public Architecture Ipswich & Rosewood Miners Memorial bureau^proberts Memorial Park
Public Architecture les wilson barramundi discovery centre bud brannigan architects karumba
Public Architecture Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Guymer Bailey Architects Maleny
Public Architecture Mary, Mother of Mercy Church Peddle Thorp Burleigh Waters
Public Architecture Providence Ellivo Architects Ripley Valley
Public Architecture Stella Maris Catholic Church Deicke Richards Maroochydore
Public Architecture Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Guida Moseley Brown Architects Wellcamp
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Auchenflower House Vokes and Peters Auchenflower
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Camp Hill Cottage Owen Architecture Camp Hill
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Crescent House Deicke Richards Seven Hills
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Gibbon St Cavill Architects New Farm
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Milton Residence m3architecture Milton
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) One Room Tower phorm architecture + design with Silvia Micheli & Antony Moulis West End
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Wickham Point House Arcke Caloundra
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Yarrawonga Counterpoint Architecture Castle Hill
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Yeronga House Tim Bennetton Architects Yeronga
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Abian Wood Marsh Architecture with Sunland Group Brisbane
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Kailani Beach Houses Andrew Bock Architecture Sunrise Beach
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing M3565 Main Beach Virginia Kerridge Architect Main Beach
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Oxley + Stirling Elenberg Fraser South Brisbane
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Parklands AAA – Arkhefield, ARM and Archipelago Architects Southport
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing RSL Warhaven Noel Robinson Architects Manunda
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Spire Residences John Wardle Architects Brisbane
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Avonlea Robinson Architects Eumundi
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Bird House Jamison Architects Parkwood
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Bookend House Counterpoint Architecture Townsville
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Carpenter-Hall House Russell Hall Architects P/L Wilston
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Cutter Shaun Lockyer Architects Point Lookout
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Stradbroke House Gabriel and Elizabeth Poole Design Company with Tim Bennetton Architects South Stradbroke Island
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Tarragindi Steel House Bligh Graham Architects Tarragindi
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) The Honeyworks House Paul Butterworth Architect Geebung
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) tinbeerwah house teeland architects tinbeerwah
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) V House Shaun Lockyer Architects Mooloolah Island
Small Project Architecture Dinosaur Canyon Outpost Cox Architecture Winton
Small Project Architecture Lagavulin Conrad Gargett Willsons Downfall
Small Project Architecture Lake & Charles: Small Urban Renewal Studio Mango Cairns North
Small Project Architecture Northshore Pavilion Anna O’Gorman Architect Hamilton
Small Project Architecture Ryan Street Library Jonathan Goh Architect West End
Small Project Architecture The Connection | Place Stephen de Jersey Architect Mundingburra
Small Project Architecture UQ Architecture School Entry m3architecture St Lucia
Urban Design Beerwah Tower Green Bark Design Architects Beerwah
Urban Design Centenary Lakes Nature Play PAWA Architecture + LandPlan Edge Hill
Urban Design Coorparoo Square Conrad Gargett Coorparoo
Urban Design Eden Lane Rothelowman Woolloongabba
Urban Design James Cook University – Townsville Master Plan Cox Architecture Douglas
Urban Design Parklands AAA – Arkhefield, ARM and Archipelago Architects Southport
Urban Design The Link Lat27 Milton
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture DLTP BVN in association with Conrad Gargett Amberley
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture les wilson barramundi discovery centre bud brannigan architects karumba
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture Gold Coast Sports Precinct BVN Carrara
Sustainable Architecture 1 William Street Woods Bagot Brisbane
Sustainable Architecture Blackwater Aquatic Centre Liquid Blu Architects Blackwater
Sustainable Architecture Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre Liquid Blu Architects Gympie
Sustainable Architecture Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Guymer Bailey Architects Maleny
Sustainable Architecture Northshore Pavilion Anna O’Gorman Architect Hamilton
Sustainable Architecture Parklands AAA – Arkhefield, ARM and Archipelago Architects Southport

NeW Space sets the benchmark for design excellence in the 2018 Newcastle Architecture Awards

The University of Newcastle’s NeW Space building in the epicentre of Newcastle has emerged with a swathe of honours from the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2018 Newcastle Architecture Awards.

The result of a successful collaboration between Melbourne practice Lyons and locally-based EJE Architecture, the building was recognised not only with the most prestigious award presented, the Newcastle Jury Prize, but also Awards in the Educational Architecture, Interior Architecture and Urban Design categories.

The jury was highly impressed by this ‘vertical university campus’ observing that it is ‘an exemplar of design for ‘new generation’ learning, urban renewal, and of civic place making, drawing together a complex brief of interlocking educational and public spaces’. They also noted that ‘the University’s strategy of buying prime urban sites in the civic heart of Newcastle has been suitably matched and rewarded by the architects’ detailed site analysis, historical and cultural research and embrace of innovation in education at a global level’.

The city of Maitland also featured in the awards with Jury Chair, Sam Crawford, observing that ‘it was especially exciting to witness councils like Maitland City Council actively and imaginatively pursuing meaningful improvements to their town’. A new grandstand at Maitland No.1 Sportsground, a collaborative effort between the Maitland City Council, NSW Government Architect’s Office and CKDS, was recognised with the Award for Public Architecture. Another civic project, the refurbishment of the Auditorium of the Maitland Town Hall was recognised with a Commendation in the Heritage category.

The best new house in the Newcastle region was awarded to Brass House by Anthrosite, a house intimately situated within its context of the Glenrock State Conservation Area, while the Award for Alterations & Additions went to Welsh + Major for their subtle but meaningful improvements to the Blue House, formerly a 2000 Menkens Award-winning project.

Three Piece House by Sydney-based TRIAS picked up both the Award for Sustainable Architecture and a Commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category, and the tiny elevated platform of the North Avoca Studio by Matt Thitchener Architect was the recipient of both the COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture and a Commendation in the Small Project Architecture category.

With a record number of entries, this year’s program showcased the breadth of work undertaken with the increased number of entries in the Educational, Multiple Housing, and Public Architecture categories reflecting the Hunter’s growth, changing demographics and community needs.

‘Architects are contributing to providing better environments in Newcastle across all spheres – and Newcastle seems to have an abundance of refreshingly down to earth, friendly, welcoming architects and supportive, happy, enlightened clients who are immensely proud of their projects’, said Mr Crawford. ‘All of this bodes well for the future’.

The award winners were announced at a presentation held at the Merewether Surfhouse on Friday 23 March. Awarded projects are now eligible for the NSW Architecture Awards which will be announced on Friday 6 July.

Full list of winners:

Newcastle Jury Prize
NeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture

Public Architecture
Award – Maitland No.1 Sportsground by Maitland City Council in association with the NSW Government Architect’s Office and CKDS
Commendation – Opal Hillside by dwp | design worldwide partnership

Educational Architecture
Award – NeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture
Award – St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar – Stage 1 by SHAC

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Award – Brass House by Anthrosite
Commendation – Three Piece House by TRIAS
Commendation – Light House by Jodie Dixon Architect

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
Award – The Blue House by Welsh + Major
Commendation – Hund Haus by Jodie Dixon Architect
Commendation – Eighty-Four Gordon by SDA

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Commendation – Corlette Street by CKDS Architecture
Commendation – Capri by SDA

Commercial Architecture
Commendation – Newcastle Private Hospital Kingston Extension by dwp | design worldwide partnership
Commendation – Nelson Bay Golf Club by EJE Architecture

Heritage
Award – King Street Adaptive Reuse by CKDS Architecture
Commendation – Maitland Town Hall – Auditorium Refurbishment by Maitland City Council and the NSW Government Architect’s Office

Interior Architecture
Award – NeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture
Commendation – Lyons House by EDH Group Pty Ltd – Architects
Commendation – MJH Group Workplace by SDA

Urban Design
Award – NeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture

Small Project Architecture
Award – Islington Park by Curious Practice
Commendation – North Avoca Studio by Matt Thitchener Architect

Sustainable Architecture
Award – Three Piece House by TRIAS

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
North Avoca Studio by Matt Thitchener Architect

Entries soar in 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards

More projects than ever before are competing for honours in this year’s Victorian Architecture Awards with the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter today revealing the list of 268 entries.

Victorian Chapter President Amy Muir said the Institute was delighted at the strong response to the awards program which is without par in Australia.

‘We have received a record number of entries in this year’s Victorian Architecture Awards in what promises to be an extremely competitive field,’ Ms Muir said.

‘The projects entered cover a broad spectrum of architectural practice, from schools, universities, health and public infrastructure facilities to private residential dwellings. The diverse range of projects and approaches to design allows for a rich assessment process by the jurors.

‘The highly respected jurors and rigorous selection and judging process make these awards the most prestigious in the country for architectural excellence.

‘The awards program provides an unrivalled opportunity to celebrate achievement, quality design outcomes and commitment across the profession.

‘Importantly, the Presentation to Juries which forms an important part of the awards program offers the public a unique chance to engage directly with architects as they present their awards entries to the juries. This opportunity allows the public to gain a better understanding of the role of the architect and the contribution they are making to shape our cities, towns and communities.’

This year’s Presentation to Juries events will take place across three days to allow for this year’s record-breaking number of entries, coinciding once again with Melbourne Design Week (MDW) and will be a stand-out feature of the Design Week program. They will be held on the evening of Friday 23rd March, a full day on Saturday 24th March and on the afternoon of Sunday 25th March and entry is free to members of the public who are welcome to attend.

Entries have been received across 13 national award categories ranging from residential to public, commercial and educational architecture, with a further three state-specific prizes. The winners will be announced on 29 June 2018 and will progress to compete in the National Architecture Awards program.

The full program of presentations is available online here: http://architecture.com.au/events/state-territory/victorian-chapter/victorian-awards.

2018 NSW Student Architecture Awards winners announced

The NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects has announced the winners in its revamped 2018 NSW Student Architecture Awards, recognising the best student work completed in the last year from the four accredited schools of architecture in NSW.

Seven students from the universities of Newcastle, Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney received medals from a competitive field of 39 entries.

NSW Chapter President and 2018 Jury Chair, Andrew Nimmo said the awards showcased the best in emerging young architectural talent across the state.

‘The architectural awards program presented by the Australian Institute of Architects is the most rigorous and prestigious architectural awards process in Australia,’ Mr Nimmo said.

‘For any architectural practice, whether large or small, established or emerging; it is a great honour to receive an Institute award and they are highly coveted. We want the NSW Student Architecture Awards to be similarly regarded and to become the benchmark of design excellence recognition in NSW.

‘The calibre of projects entered was of the highest order and point to a pipeline of innovative talent coming through our architectural schools. We were particularly pleased to see a strong gender balance among the winning students, something the Institute it working hard to foster and strengthen in the profession moving forward.’

The NSW Graduate Medal, which is for a design project carried out in the final year of the Master of Architecture degree, was awarded to Andrew Hannah-Davies of the University of Newcastle for his project ‘Beneath the Surface: Taking the Waters in Moree’. The project proposes the redevelopment of existing facilities and the surrounding landscape of the famous healing waters of the Moree Artesian Baths and Swimming Pool. The jury recognised that this project ‘takes us on a social, physical and ethereal journey of healing. It is an imaginative, passionate, response in its use of iconography, collective memory, physicality, materiality, form and landscape’.

The NSW Undergraduate Medal, which is for a design project carried out in the final year of the undergraduate degree, was awarded to Connie He of the University of Sydney for her project ‘Between Anchors’. The project, a space for discussion, display and performances, is situated in Sydney’s Domain. The jury recognised that she has re-imagined this site as a ‘landscape for discussion, display and performance by celebrating the non-linear and favouring playful discovery’ remarking that she ‘skilfully addresses a spatially complex brief with elegance and rigour’.

The NSW Architectural Communication Award, which acknowledges excellence in architectural communication and celebrates the power of well-presented architectural design, was awarded to Brennan Clody, also of the University of Sydney. His project, ‘Jazz Garden’ was acknowledged by the jury as a ‘very complete and consistent presentation; from verbal presentation through to sketches, drawings, model and delightful black and white vignettes that captured the poetics of space’.

The NSW Architectural Technologies Award, which acknowledges excellence in innovation for the integration of technology, structure and/or construction was awarded to Melinda Barbagallo and Francesca Capicchioni of the University of Technology Sydney for their project Reh-zophora. Their project, a facility at the mouth of the Proserpine River adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, targets the problem of eutrophication through the extraction, treatment and repurposing of algae for food and medicine was acknowledged by the jury as ‘embracing technological innovation as a means of shifting society towards more sustaining and sustainable futures […] an alluring project that skilfully synthesises conceptual and technical ambitions in an articulate and refined architectural proposition’.

The awards were presented on Friday 2 March and an exhibition of the works submitted will be held at the NSW Chapter premises, Tusculum, from 5-16 March.

Full list of winners:

NSW Graduate Medal
Beneath the Surface: Taking the Waters in Moree, Andrew Hannah-Davies | The University of Newcastle
Beneath The Surface, Taking in the Waters in Moree by Andrew Hannah-Davies takes us on a social, physical and ethereal journey of healing. It is a bold demolition of the old, cleansing away the negative karma of the past via the acknowledgement of that past, and a poetic reconstruction of the new. It is an imaginative, passionate, response in its use of iconography, collective memory, physicality, materiality, form and landscape. It creates a highly transcendent, experiential narrative through the use of drawings, models, animation and text that communicates the author’s intensity of feeling and conceptual framework. Social injustice and commentary are not the sole generator of the project but so too is a desire to demonstrate how the built environment has the potential to create new relationships, foster community and rejuvenate society spiritually as well as physically.

NSW Undergraduate Medal
Between Anchors, Connie He | The University of Sydney
Between Anchors is a project rich in complexities which are distilled into an architectural proposition of captivating beauty. It has reimagined The Domain as a landscape for discussion, display and performance by celebrating the non-linear and favouring playful discovery. Through rigorous analysis and explorations of threshold, boundary, programme and materiality, a choreographed landscape unfolds to reveal a collection of analytical and interpretive architectural encounters. Stumble upon performers and be entertained on warm concrete bleachers in the winter sun. Take to the stage at Threshold 2.6.1F and become a lunchtime comedian. Meander through the Permanent Art Space and be mesmerised by shifting skies rolling over the truncated volumes of the galleries. Careful consideration of siting in conjunction with programmatic and spatial intersections generates a taxonomy of architectural propositions which encapsulate the nuances of site and public experience. The proposal has not been overwhelmed by the openended parameters of site; instead Between Anchors introduces a built scale most suitable for the given programme. Its strength lies not in its monumentality but in its ability to entertain and entice patrons through subtlety and the unexpected. Between Anchors skilfully addresses a spatially complex brief with elegance and rigour – a well deserved NSW Undergraduate Medal winner.

NSW Undergraduate Medal – Commendation
Bodies/Ground, Miriam Osburn | The University of Sydney
The jury was greatly impressed by Osburn’s intricate approach to the design and to the site. Masterful consideration was given to both the spatial experience of the user as well as the balance between program requirements and impact to the site and broader surroundings. Her understated approach to the design of this public building enthralled the judges, while her communication and presentation of her design and its ideas were very clear and captivating. Well done.

NSW Undergraduate Medal – Commendation
Jazz Garden, Brennan Clody | The University of Sydney
The Jazz Garden demonstrates an architectural language that is sophisticated and well researched. Various influences are drawn into the research process, including; Jørn Utzon’s Kingo Houses, the structure and counterpoint of Jazz, and the performance potential, both symbolic and actual, of architecture itself. Through various forms of mapping, the research has taken a journey along an abstract narrative that has informed the final outcome and form, without losing sight of the starting point. In the final proposal we can see; the ghost of Utzon in the approach to materiality and sensitive treatment of site, the spirit of Jazz in the playful disruption of elements, and the hand of the designer in the well-mannered realization of the whole.

NSW Architectural Communication Award
Jazz Garden, Brennan Clody | The University of Sydney
A complex and layered design process was communicated in a remarkably simple and unpretentious manner that allowed the depth of thought and resolution in the design to shine through. This was a very complete and consistent presentation; from verbal presentation through to sketches, drawings, model and delightful black and white vignettes that captured the poetics of space. The drawings were textured and nuanced, with careful consideration of what to show, and what to leave out. The design process was well described and was pulled together as a narrative with minimal but relevant text. The verbal presentation in particular was professional and wellrehearsed, showing us the importance of using the ‘performance’ to capture the jury’s attention.

NSW Architectural Technologies Award
Reh-zophora, Melinda Barbagallo & Francesca Capicchioni | University of Technology Sydney
Reh-zophora by Melinda Barbagallo and Francesca Capicchioni embraces technological innovation as a means to shift society towards more sustaining and sustainable futures. Located at the mouth of the Prosperine River adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, the project targets the problem of eutrophication through the extraction, treatment and repurposing of algae for food and medicine. Through a detailed investigation of systems for harvesting and filtering algae, and an interrogation of the aesthetic opportunities of their display, technology and architecture are combined in a performative landscape of mechanical pillars. A complex system of column typologies and variations address the various functional requirements of algae treatment, water catchment and bird habitat, while simultaneously offering diverse experiences for human habitation. The manipulation of the ground plane as a (literally) fluid terrain variously expands and contracts the territory available for occupation by different species throughout the day. The deliberate blurring of technological and natural landscapes is echoed in the overlaying of finely detailed technical drawings with washes of muted colour. This is an alluring project, that skillfully synthesises conceptual and technical ambitions in an articulate and refined architectural proposition.

NSW UNIVERSITY PRIZES:

The University of New South Wales
James Masman – Graduate of the Year (Master’s program)
William Maynard – Graduate of the Year (Bachelor’s program)
Mengying Li – History & Theory Prize
Jason Cheung – Construction & Practice Prize

The University of Technology Sydney
Eric Ye – Graduate of the Year (Master’s program)
Michael Northey – Graduate of the Year (Bachelor’s program)
Michael Bennett – History & Theory Prize
Rhiannon Brownbill – Construction & Practice Prize

The University of Newcastle
Andrew Hannah Davies – Graduate of the Year (Master’s Program)
Arhem Ashton – Graduate of the Year (Bachelor’s Program)
Eliza Maartensz – History & Theory Prize
Sabrina Wan Muhammad Kamal – Construction & Practice Prize

The University of Sydney
Kingsley May – Graduate of the Year (Master’s program)
Luke Hannaford – Graduate of the Year (Bachelor’s program)
Ben Charlton – History & Theory Prize
Emily Flanagan – Construction & Practice Prize

2018 NSW Student Architecture Awards Jury:

Andrew Nimmo (Jury Chair) – NSW Chapter President
Ceridwen Owen – University of Tasmania
Michael Wiener – Mirvac Design
Emmy Omagari – Bates Smart
Phuong Le – co-chair of the NSW Emerging Architects + Graduates Network

2018 NSW Student Architecture Awards – Program Partners

NSW Graduate Medal: Mirvac Design
NSW Undergraduate Medal: Bates Smart
NSW Architectural Communication Award: Rothelowman
NSW Architectural Technologies Award: Turner
NSW University Prizes: Crone (UTS); EJE Architecture (University of Newcastle); FJMT (UNSW); Jacobs (University of Sydney)

Institute applauds Fishermans Bend decision

The Australian Institute of Architects strongly supports the Victorian Government’s decision to call in Permit applications on 26 projects as a necessary step to ensure a crucial part of the city’s planning best serves community outcomes.

Incoming Victorian Chapter President Amy Muir said the Government had made the right decision for the long-term sustainable development of the area.

“Fishermans Bend is a significant site that will shape and define our future as a city and as a growing community,” Ms Muir said.

“The rezoning of Fishermans Bend prior to the implementation of planning controls or a holistic masterplan sets a dangerous precedent for providing imbalanced developments and ill-conceived built environments leading to long-term detrimental effects upon immediate and surrounding communities.

“We now have an opportunity to rectify this error and properly plan for what will be a construction project that spans some four decades.

“It is imperative that we have processes in place in order for the best design outcomes to be implemented.

“This is not about quick fix solutions but rather considered, holistic design solutions that acknowledge the significance and legacy of the project.

“The Fishermans Bend draft framework includes eight sustainability goals, which we firmly support and want to see realised as part of a masterplan for the area.

“Moving forward we strongly support and recommend the engagement of a design review panel represented by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Urban Design Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

“The Institute supports a rigorous consultation process with experts in the field in order to provide balanced design advice from an urban planning, urban form and landscape perspective.

“We are very aware of the commercial endeavours that these projects hold. However we also understand that there needs to be a balance between commercial intent and the quality of the design outcome.

“Building communities is a complex undertaking and it requires a sensitive and a rigorous design consultation process from the very beginning.”

Thursday, 22 February 2018

Federation Square needs a masterplan

January 2018
Words: Vanessa Bird – Victorian Chapter President, Australian Institute of Architects

The lack of due process in the Victorian Government’s decision to allow the demolition of the Yarra Building in Federation Square to make way for a new Apple flagship store doesn’t represent a best practice approach.

A broader analysis of all the cultural and economic factors affecting the square, now and in the future, should be undertaken to form a holistic plan for the square’s next twenty years. The Australian Institute of Architects calls for the creation of a considered and coordinated plan for Federation Square that incorporates all proposed issues and changes together, before any modifications are made to the square.

The great concern expressed by many following the announcement of the plan to demolish the Yarra Building demonstrates how passionate and proprietorial Victorians are about their iconic architecture, public places and recent heritage. While we applaud the inclusion of the Office of the Victorian Government architect (OVGA) and Donald Bates of LAB Architecture Studio in the process, we also call for the creation of a Federation Square masterplan that looks at all the issues, including financial and governance ones.

Architects are more aware then most that change is often unpopular. People generally don’t like change, but architects work with it daily. It’s what we do. When the architectural community voices loud concern, therefore, it is not because they fear change, but because proper processes haven’t been followed and the public voice has been excluded. Without due process we can’t conclude that we have achieved the right solution.

A masterplanning process typically starts with research to establish what works and what doesn’t work. Information would be gathered on future changes that may affect Federation Square.

This is important as there are a range of impending factors other than the Apple proposal that require coordinated consideration. The new underground Town Hall railway station currently under construction, for instance, will have an entrance on Federation Square on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street. This would likely involve major works to the Western Shard, potentially involving its demolition.

Both the NGV Australia’s Ian Potter Centre and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image would like their entrances to face Flinders Street, fronting the thriving restaurant and bar precinct of Flinders Lane and Hosier Lane. Better pedestrian links to the Flinders Lane precinct are required to solve the problem of pedestrians making a dangerous dash across Flinders Street to Hosier Lane through traffic. As it stands, when crossing at Russell Street three sets of lights need to be negotiated as there isn’t a crossing on the western side.
Complicating this interface issue are the proposed bollards to be added to the Swanston Street edge in response to the Bourke Street Tragedy and a desire for improved access to the river to acknowledge its importance as a place to traditional custodians, as well as the struggling retail in the Atrium.

The OVGA has reviewed at least 15 proposals for minor and major changes to Federation Square in the last year. Each of these possible changes possesses the ability to incrementally erode the integrity of the original design until over time, small change by small change, the power of the original concept becomes almost unrecognizable.

The above is not meant to be an exhaustive list but is intended to illustrate why a masterplan that incorporates all the proposed changes is so critical to the solution. That process would include the OVGA and LAB Architecture Studio as author of the design from the outset to maintain design integrity.

The primary focus of any solution should be the public interest. What is the best outcome for Melbourne and what is the best possible design solution to achieve that goal?

Once a masterplan is prepared, it is vetted by all responsible authorities and reviewed by the community. A public consultation process follows and the community has an opportunity to have their say.

The masterplanning process also looks at commercial and operations issues. What is the balance best between public and commercial use? How do we ensure that commercial uses remain secondary to civic ones? Do we have the best commercial arrangements in place? Have they been tested in an open, competitive market? Should Fed Square receive more public funding?

In September 2017 The Age reported Federation Square made $32.62 million in losses in the previous 5 years and a loss of $5.8 million in the last financial year. However, its annual report shows the value of the square’s property asset has increased in value by nearly $200 million in 15 years. It raises funds from its commercial tenancies and its carpark, but what is the appropriate level of recurrent government funding to support its public program and maintenance?

Over 10 million people visit Fed Square each year. It incurs considerable costs, hosting cultural festivals, as well as regular events like the highly successful screening of the Australian Open we have recently enjoyed. Recurrent government funding for public programs and activities is an ongoing management issue and all our institutions compete against each other as well as seeking corporate sponsorship.

A proper design and planning process that looks at all these things together and seeks public consultation is the correct process. We would like to see a staged, comprehensive master plan for Federation Square that provides design solutions to all the issues to further enhance its status as Melbourne’s most iconic public space.