The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the launch of the design policy Better Placed by NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts this morning.
‘New South Wales needs to continue to become a better place to live in’, the Institute’s NSW Chapter President Andrew Nimmo said today.
‘The new policy will help to deliver a higher quality of new development and great places as we meet the challenges of an increasing population.
‘Investing in the design process at the early stage of projects saves time and cost and leads to more responsive, resilient, healthy, integrated and equitable precincts, towns and cities.
‘Architects are highly skilled at applying the process of research, analysis, collaboration and concept testing described in the policy’, Mr Nimmo said. ‘The Institute’s annual NSW Architecture Awards are an example of this and recognise and celebrate architectural design excellence in all its forms.
‘The seven objectives in the policy establish the framework for assessing new projects as part of the design review process, he said.
‘The policy also provides the rationale for the ‘good design’ object we anticipate will be introduced into the planning legislation later this year.
‘The policy is a significant achievement by the Government Architect NSW following the office’s move to the planning portfolio and its strategic focus on design as the key to transforming and improving the NSW built environment.
‘We applaud the Minister for supporting this holistic and innovative design policy, and through our members are ready to work with the Government to help ensure that the ambitions of this policy are fully and properly realised’.
Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Jennifer Cunich added, ‘The Institute would like to see similar quality-based policy throughout the country, as we believe that good design yields a dividend for all stakeholders, that is returned not just in the immediate term, but over the lifetime of a well-designed and delivered built environment’.
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Fiona Benson – FJ Partners Strategic Communications
On behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 407 294 620 E. fiona@fjpartners.com.au
Yesterday the Government released the latest version of the Better Apartments Draft Design Standards. While we welcome this announcement and some of the liveability initiatives contained within it, we are disappointed that there is no stipulation for minimum sizes and that the Institute’s focus on mechanisms for ensuring design excellence has not been included. We are pleased to see that the process will accommodate design innovation and flexibility and also resource the education of assessors – a move that is is vital to ensuring the effectiveness of the standards. We support the introduction of quality regulations, and will continue to engage with the Government to raise the quality of the standards. I encourage you all to review this latest draft and submit your own response (prior to the 19th of September). We will keep you posted on the Institute’s response.
In other news on the advocacy front, the Institute’s position on the proposed Central City Planning Provision Melbourne: Amendment C270 was presented at a Planning Panel’s hearing last Thursday. The presentation focused on two key points. The first being that design excellence is a key pillar of any good planning outcome and should be rewarded and second that the definition and scope of Floor Area Uplift (FAU) for Public Benefits needs expansion.
Design excellence is not given any weight in the current C270. The current proposal is set around planning guidelines only, determining the built envelope. A well designed city needs both good built form outcomes and good design outcomes, the two are not mutually exclusive. Good design is critical to good city outcomes and should not be separated from planning. Good design needs to be integrated into the granting of a planning permit to ensure that the city, the public and the occupier receive the best possible outcome. To achieve this end we proposed Design Review Panels (DRP) for any project over 18:1 or to provide significant FAU for projects that gain permits through a DRP process. Any panel needs to be independent, transparent, qualified, with set guidelines and broad discretionary power to review design, and the deliberations need to be enforceable. Controls should be mandatory unless a DRP process is pursued. A DRP would, for example, be empowered to allow for a variety of built form outcomes by considering an average setback calculation when in keeping with the planning principles and delivering design excellence. We advocated for the mandatory use of independent architects to deliver design excellence.
The second part of the presentation focused on expanding the definition and scope of FAU for Public Benefits. The Institute supports Public Benefits which improve the quality of the public realm and architecture, the diversity and accessibility of the city, and which allow architects to design innovatively to create a memorable and sustainable built environment.
The definition of Public benefits should be expanded to include:
– Heritage Buildings – the retention, upgrade, integration and on-going maintenance of Heritage Listed buildings
– Sustainable Design – a clear incentive should be given to provide significant sustainable solutions, in particular to residential projects
– Innovation – projects which illustrate innovation could gain additional uplift as assessed by the DRP or another independent body
– Social Use/Mixed Use – the options to be broader than Social Housing and Commercial Office to allow projects to promote other uses that can meet public requirements for facilities
– Competitions – should not be mandatory, but if implemented the Institute’s competition guidelines and endorsement should be a prerequisite. The valuation for Design Competitions requires further review to create a greater incentive, however a DRP should be the pathway to achieving greater uplift.
Precinct based benefits were proposed (ie off site benefits) and point to the need for Precinct Masterplans. Site based uplifts are limiting as certain sites do not lend themselves to the proposed FAU’s however the site may be suitable for higher yield. Precinct based planning allows for the immediate community around the development to gain the benefit, whilst not limiting potentially important developments from proceeding.
The presentation was made by Alison Cleary (Vic Chapter Manager), Tim Leslie (Vic Chapter Councillor, Bates Smart) Vanessa Bird (Vic Chapter President, Bird de la Couer Architects) and Matthew Smith (Large Practice Forum member, Architectus). Consultation was sought from Large Practice Forum members including Jesse Judd (ARM), Craig Baudin (Fender Katsalidis) and Ingrid Bakker (Hassell) and Adam Pustola (Vic Chapter Councillor, Lyons)
The SA Chapter of the Institute has been actively engaged in discussions with DPTI regarding their review of government procurement processes over the last 12 months. In conjunction with the ACA we have been meeting with DPTI representatives, providing feedback regarding the systems that currently exist and responding to proposed amendments. The focus has been on prequalification systems, consultant tendering processes and project procurement methodology. Recent changes to the consultant tender documentation that includes clearly stated weighting for each of the tender criteria has been one outcome from this process to date.
Last week DPTI released a discussion paper regarding the review of the prequalification system as well as a draft of the amended AS4122 contract for review and comment.
The Institute’s legal counsel is currently reviewing the draft AS1422 contract and comment will be provided to DPTI and members when it is available. Planned Cover are also providing comment from an insurance perspective. In addition, Hassell, Cox and GHD/Woodhead have sought legal/insurance opinions and have agreed to share their findings, which will enable us to provide a comprehensive response.
The ASA has prepared a survey focused on the prequalification system. DPTI’s prequalification system is used by government and non-government agencies and, when working effectively, should make the tender process less onerous for consultants and recognise performance. Follow this link to the survey, we encourage you to provide a response. The more responses received the greater the credibility of the response that can be provided to DPTI.
The SA Chapter extends its thanks to all of the members who are participating in this important work. Government in the key procurement agency for architectural services in South Australia and as such influences the whole sector. Therefore, this is an issue that affects the profession as a whole, regardless of whether you do government projects or not.
Catherine studied at the University of South Australia and is a registered architect. She has developed as an architect by working in Australia and internationally, including seven years in the Middle East. Catherine enjoys traveling with her family and the opportunity to discover new architecture along the way.
What do you enjoy most in the practice of architecture?
I love the universal language of this profession; my training and experience has allowed me to work overseas, and further develop professionally in a culture far removed from the one I knew growing up. I now appreciate that the design process, and practice of architecture is the same no matter where you are.
Working in this field allows you to interact with clients from different disciplines and industries to and learn how their business operates. It is satisfying to observe how well-considered design can help your clients achieve their business objectives. Quite often projects are commercially driven, so I most enjoy the challenge of integrating good design within the constraints of budget and time.
Can you tell us about a key project that you have been involved in?
In 2009 I moved to the Middle East with GHD’s architecture practice. I had the opportunity to work on a range of projects, including a residential development located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The island is home to the iconic Louvre Museum designed by Jean Nouvel with plans for the Guggenheim to also reside there. The client is developer Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), who is developing a new neighbourhood that will respond to the region’s changing housing demand. Typically, the residential model in United Arab Emirates is either a high rise apartment building or large villas, with not much range in between.
GHD’s Middle East architecture practice designed the Masterplan for Saadiyat Lagoons consisting of housing, schools and community centres with facilities. The masterplan is broken into various phases and I was responsible for designing five townhouse types that are arranged in various configurations for Phase 1, which comprises 820 townhouses in total.
TDIC was looking to provide customers with a contemporary designed townhouse, with either two or three bedrooms. It was critical that the design accommodate the extreme weather conditions of Abu Dhabi, with a careful balance of insulated blockwork and glazing, yet still achieve a modern appearance.
The project was presented at this year’s Cityscape, a real estate exhibition where developers can showcase their projects to local and regional real estate investors. Phase 1 of the development was received very well by the public and the client is preparing the project for sales.
Lagoons Masterplan, produced by GHD Woodhead
What are you looking forward to in your career?
After living away from Australia for many years I’m especially looking forward to further developing my career in Adelaide. Adelaide is home, where my family is, where I grew up and first learnt about architecture. When I completed my studies it was common for architectural graduates to migrate to the eastern states where it was perceived that there was more opportunity in the architecture scene. South Australia has a lot to offer in terms of exposure to architecture and the city is evolving in many positive ways. I’m delighted to now be able to contribute to the development of the built environment in the city that I am so fond of.
What do you see as your core strength in the practice of architecture?
I’m proud of my ability to develop relationships with my clients and colleagues through this profession. Architecture is about people and creating spaces that respond to their functional requirement. To do this you must engage with your client to draw out an understanding of what is needed. I like to think of myself as fairly personable – this helps to develop a positive relationship with the client, and leads to a freedom in conversation to reach the most suitable solution for the project.
What do you hope to achieve by being on NCGE
I wish to contribute to the strong progress the NCGE has made over the past few years in bringing together peers to form new ideas for our profession.
As an architect and a mother I hope to bring my personal experiences to the group, to discuss issues such a pay equity, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for development for both men and women architects.
Through the committee, I would like to be able to highlight the business benefits of promoting female architects who are role models. Our aim is to develop a network of support for female architects to develop their careers without boundaries. Some female architects may feel extra pressure to demonstrate their work performance is not suffering as they balance their career and parental responsibilities, despite the fact they are probably over delivering. This is a pressure that transcends many industries, and all parents, male and female feel when they have to sacrifice time at work due to a sick child or school activities.
The Australian Institute of Architects, SA Chapter is proud to announce an open-house event, SPACE: Tours through Architecture which will be run as part of Open State this year.
The specialist focus tour program offers unique access to a diverse range of buildings and spaces recently completed by South Australian Architects. Projects are selected from entrants in the annual South Australian Architecture Awards program, which represent leading architecture work in Public, Commercial, Education, Residential, Interiors, Small Projects, Heritage and Urban Design.
Tour Format
The success of the program depends entirely on your participation. Work with us to provide this unique access to your recently completed project. Call now!
Architects- you will be required to volunteer your time to present two (2) tours on the project. The tour duration may vary depending on the size of the project but suggest one-hour maximum
The group size will be limited to no more than 20 people
Entry is by ticket only and SPACE volunteers will available on the day to look after the guests during the tour
The installation of the architectural facade on the multi-million dollar Narellan Town Centre is progressing quickly — the first large-scale shopping centre where Bondor’s MetecnoInspire® has been installed.
Project Architect, Anthony Palamara, from The Buchan Group said,
‘The design of the architectural facade is intended to give Narellan Town Centre a modern expression with clean lines and restrained articulation.’
‘Selecting the right building product was essential. MetecnoInspire® offered us an inspiring palette of colours that was enduring and respectful to the surrounding urban fabric, yet at the same time rejuvenated and repositioned Narellan as a new town centre.’
Visit bondor.com.au to see a video showcasing the build.
On behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects, National President Ken Maher has expressed great sadness at the passing of Stephen Ashton, co-founder of ARM Architecture, former Victorian Chapter President and joint recipient of the 2016 Gold Medal.
‘We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Steve’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by the architecture community and remembered for his incredible dedication to the practice of architecture, challenging the status quo and inspiring clients, colleagues and students alike.
‘Over three decades, Steve along with his co-directors, has made a significant contribution to Australia’s cultural landscape, which has been recognised this year by the profession’s highest honour, along with their many other accolades,’ Ken Maher said.
The late Stephen Ashton, photo by John Gollings.
2016 Gold Medal – Jury Citation The recipients of the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal are Stephen Ashton, Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall, the founding directors of Ashton Raggatt McDougall, better known simply as ARM. This is a practice that has been a genuine leader, influencer, provocateur, culture builder and disseminator of ideas for nearly three decades, and at the core of the practice are three outstanding architects who have created some of the most extraordinary buildings in the short post-colonial history of this country. For some, their work is controversial and contentious, but for Ashton, Raggatt and McDougall this moniker is a badge of honour. For them, architecture itself is contentious and speculative: to be debated, laid open and ultimately affirmed as a cultural contribution. This Gold Medal recognises their work for what it is: a profound and extended meditation on the nature of architecture and on Australian architecture in particular.
That they have been able to achieve this while also building a highly successful large-scale practice is a testament to the skills of the three founders, who would also be the first to acknowledge the significant contribution of many others within the practice. Theirs is a practice with range, and they have brought their combined and singular intellect to bear on multiple project types: from progressive cultural projects, city-scaled strategic thinking and urban design projects to office buildings, apartments, community projects and shopping centres, no project is deemed unworthy of architectural interest.
Ashton, Raggatt and McDougall’s work has had an impact across the national design landscape: in Western Australia with the Perth Arena, in Queensland with the new Gold Coast Cultural Precinct, in Adelaide with major works to the Adelaide Festival Plaza, in Canberra with the National Museum of Australia and most recently in Sydney where they have been appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the Sydney Opera House – a cultural heartland project if ever there was one. And it is in their home city of Melbourne that one can most fully experience their contribution. A walk down the Swanston Street civic spine might start at the recently completed (and controversial) William Barak building, past Storey Hall at RMIT University (also controversial at the time) and the major redevelopment of the Melbourne Central shopping precinct, to the recent refurbishment of Hamer Hall on the banks of the Yarra River and the extraordinary Melbourne Recital Hall and Melbourne Theatre Company Theatre, before finishing at the practice’s decade-long reconfiguration of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Outside of their work on commissioned projects, Ashton, Raggatt and McDougall have played an equally significant role as national “culture builders”. Through their multiple exhibitions, lectures and contributions to national conferences, they have never shirked a responsibility to publicly explain or proselytise about their design work – or architecture more generally – as a critical cultural endeavour. As an extension of this they have also been erudite teachers, including professorial roles, with a deep commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of design thinkers. In addition, their commitment to the profession of architecture is demonstrated by their support of the Australian Institute of Architects – Stephen Ashton and Ian McDougall have both acted as the President of the Victorian Chapter, and the latter has also served an extended period on the National Council.
For an era that seems to have only recently discovered the agency of collaboration, this partnership of three highly talented individuals working together in a joint intellectual pursuit to create extraordinary outcomes is indeed something to be learned from and celebrated. Stephen Ashton, Howard Raggatt and Ian McDougall are exceedingly worthy winners of the 2016 Gold Medal.
Ashton and his wife Ro Nixon have established the Ashton-Nixon Bequest to support architecture, medical research and the environment. Ashton believed that the business skills he developed in his Graduate Diploma of Business Administration at Swinburne contributed greatly to ARM’s success. In particular, the bequest will support scholarships for young architects to gain business training at universities of their choice. For more information, visit ashtonnixonbequest.com.
Architects Designhaus are seeking an Architect or an experienced graduate of at least five years’ experience to join a small team delivering a range of small to large and complex projects across multiple sectors.
The successful applicant will able to produce clear and accurate construction documentation using a 3D BIM application and will have a good grasp of technical detailing and construction systems. Experience with Autodesk Revit is very important for this role although applicants with equivalent BIM experience will be considered.
The applicant must be enthusiastic and driven to learn new skills. Contract Administration and experience with professional image applications such as Photoshop and Indesign are also desirable.
David Homburg would ordinarily have prepared a piece for this E-News. However, as he has been enjoying some much deserved time with family over the school holidays and is currently at the National Council meeting, I am writing in his stead.
I want to start by thanking all of you who responded to the premises survey. The feedback has clearly identified that the following are clear priorities:
The premises needs to be of high architectural merit and communicate the value of architecture
A strong public presence is valued
A central location is important to support member access and public engagement
Meeting/function space is required
This confirms the discussions that have taken place at Chapter Council and will inform the ongoing search for our new home. Those people who indicated that they would like to participate in the premises focus group will be contacted soon.
A few responses also raised the potential of co-locating with other architecture and design peak bodies. The Institute has a collaborative relationship with allied member organisations. A number of Institute initiatives including FAD and the Adelaide Design Alliance have been established as collaborative platforms for the development and promotion of the design sector.
However, it is fair to say that many of the allied member organisations do not have the capacity of the Institute and are generally not in a position to support the premises and staff resources that Institute members enjoy. This will limit the opportunity to share premises, although we are not ruling this out as an option should the right circumstances arise. Whatever the outcome, the SA Chapter will continue to work closely with the design sector to build cross-disciplinary collaboration, enhance understanding of the value of design and to promote the value of architecture.
On David’s return next week I look forward to hearing about the National Council meeting. It is an important meeting from my perspective for two reasons.
Firstly, this meeting marks the transition from the existing structure to the new National Council / Board structure adopted at the Annual General Meeting. It will enable National Council to concentrate on strategic issues to a much higher degree and will provide the capacity for the Institute to address the significant issues facing the profession in a more focused manner.
Secondly, the meeting is addressing key issues regarding accreditation of schools of architecture. Significant changes to the accreditation system have been occurring over the last two years, with the implementation of the new National Standard of Competency for Architects about through a revised accreditation procedure likely to occur in 2017. This is a critical moment for the Institute to clearly define its position and to advocate for world class, best practice architectural education. A strong education system is vital to the future of the profession and worth our full support.
National President, Ken Maher. Photo by Brett Boardman.
18 Jul
Action on the state of Australian cities is long overdue. Despite this, there was little visibility of this issue throughout the extended election campaign. Now that the Coalition has been re-elected, the Institute is calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government to strengthen their focus on raising the productivity and resilience of our cities as outlined in their Smart Cities Plan released earlier this year. This high-level plan is worthy in intent but short on detailed programs. Now is the time to give clear definition to these and the timing of their delivery.
We need long term strategies, policies and processes in place to create a sustainable built environment that can turn our cities into globally competitive, productive, sustainable and socially inclusive places to live and work. The Federal Government can establish incentives, programs, and funding strategies to guide the delivery of planning frameworks and infrastructure through our states, territories and local governments to achieve measurable improvements to our cities.
The Federal Government must also focus on ensuring excellence in urban design, public spaces and architecture, for without this the plans fall short. Strategies and policies will only be effective if they ensure what is delivered in physical form is enduring and of the highest design quality.
As highlighted in the Institute’s election campaign, Designing Australia’s Future, we are calling on the Federal Government to take a greater leadership role in the future of our cities. We will be pushing for the cities and infrastructure portfolios to be merged, and funding and delivery of infrastructure being subject to design and planning
Affordable housing and apartment standards are firmly on our agenda and we have long advocated for the implementation of apartment design guidelines and similar planning legislation in all jurisdictions. In Victoria, the Minister for Planning, the Hon Richard Wynne, will soon be releasing their official standards following a public engagement survey and the implementation of interim planning controls. I recently met with the Minister to express strong support of his proposals.
The Institute believes that Victoria should not only have design guidelines but, should also introduce design review panels to consider proposals that don’t adhere to the guidelines including for smaller apartments. Small apartments need high levels of amenity and high-quality design to avoid contributing to sub-standard housing stock. Many recent apartment developments in Melbourne have lacked amenity and design quality. If this is to change there must be more effective controls supporting better design and also ongoing checking to ensure the approved design intent is being maintained through project procurement and construction. There must also be a requirement to use registered architects to design multi-storey apartment buildings, as has been the case in NSW for more than a decade, to ensure quality and provide consumer protection.
Kerry and Lindsay Clare’s 2014 review of the NSW system confirmed that the legislative package has resulted in improved living standards in NSW and it has received broad support from the industry and local authorities.
We look forward to working closely with the OVGA in Victoria, the Department of Planning and key industry and community stakeholders to develop and deliver a sound policy and regulatory framework that provides performance-based design quality guidelines. This current initiative in Victoria, which builds on the successes in NSW, will provide a great benchmark for other states and territories to review their own systems and create new frameworks aimed at encouraging innovative design solutions that lead to improved affordability, housing diversity, and improved living standards for all. As architects who care about the value of design, let’s do all we can to make this happen.
