Congratulations and thank you to the 2019 National Architecture Conference curators Monique Woodward and Stephen Choi for curating such a thought-provoking and disruptive program.
Our session captains and speakers empowered delegates with captivating and challenging presentations.
Read an insightful and comprehensive wrap up of Day One and Day Two by Michael Smith, architect and co-founder of Atelier Red + Black.
The diminished role
of architects combined with poor procurement processes and a failing regulatory
system has caused a perfect storm for multiresidential developments with
consumers and consumer confidence just the first casualties, says Australian Institute of
Architects (the Institute) NSW Chapter President Ms Kathlyn Loseby.
‘While it is not clear from much of the media discussion about recent high-profile multistorey residential complexes, NSW State Environment Planning Policy no 65 (SEPP 65) stipulates that an architect must be responsible for the design of these buildings,’ said Ms Loseby. ‘Through their training and professional codes, architects are uniquely positioned to deliver positive outcomes for end users.’
An architect has five years’ professional education, a minimum of two years’ practical experience, has passed the Architectural Practice Examination, and has been admitted to a Register of Architects managed by a state or territory Architects Registration Board. In NSW architects must undertake formal continuing professional development to maintain registration.
Registered architects who are
members of the Australian Institute of Architects must abide by a code of
conduct which stipulates strict obligations to clients, the profession,
colleagues and, critically for consumer protection and community
safety, to the public. Members must strive to improve the environment
and quality of life within the communities in which they work, to be fully
mindful of the effect of their work on the interests of all stakeholders, and
to improve
standards of health and safety for the protection and welfare of all members of
the community.
So what has gone so
wrong to result in failures such as Opal Tower, the more recent Mascot complex,
and the many other cases that don’t make news headlines?
‘Changes in
procurement practices in recent years have seen the role of the architect
commonly reduced from lead consultant involved from go to whoa to design
consultant with often minimal involvement,’ Ms Loseby explained. ‘Typically
these practices correlate with an emphasis on time and cost of building – ie
speed and greed – at the expense of quality, to which safety is integral.’
Value engineering,
particularly in the popular design and construct procurement model, prioritises
time and cost over quality, choosing the false economy of immediate cost
reductions that lead to vastly more expensive maintenance and remediation. The
results of this have too frequently been highly unfavourable for the built
environment and disastrous for owners and renters who suffer the consequences. Their
misfortune is compounded by holes in the insurance system the Institute is
calling on government to address to provide better consumer protection with
regard to multistorey residential buildings.
‘While consumers are
hit first, a lack of consumer confidence will also come back to bite developers
and governments in turn will struggle to meet housing targets,’ said Ms Loseby.
‘There are no real winners in this scenario.
‘It is too early to say what has
gone wrong in the specific case of the Mascot apartment block recently
evacuated due to safety concerns,’ continued Ms Loseby. ‘It is clearly
established however that there exist deeply concerning problems in the building
and construction industry that require strong and swift governmental response
to restore consumer confidence and ensure safety. Implementing key
recommendations from the Shergold Weir report and final Opal Tower report will
be an important step toward this.’
The Institute has been at the
forefront of industry calls for better regulation and enforcement of
Australia’s building and construction industry. In particular, the Institute stands
in support of measures that bring the regulation of other building
practitioners closer into line with the standards applicable to professionals
like architects.
‘Regulations must also support
independent and qualified certification and insurance,’ said Ms Loseby. ‘Certification
should only be done by registered professionals qualified in the domain in
which they have professional indemnity insurance, and who are trained and
regularly assessed of their capabilities.
‘Furthermore, the current market
sees developers and builders undermining the design, documentation and site
observation stages of the professional team of architects and engineers, and
‘shopping around’ to change the team and reduce fees. This erodes quality as
project knowledge is lost, and the consumer loses.’
The Institute is also calling for the procurement of building projects to prioritise quality. This means design protocols have to be measured not only at the beginning of the project but all the way through to completion. It means qualified professionals concerned about the safety and quality of all the community must be involved to their full capacity from start to end, including post-occupancy evaluation which should become mandatory.
Ms Loseby advised: ‘Increasing
quality may increase the construction costs and time, but evacuating
people from an unsafe building costs substantially more and takes longer to fix
– as does stakeholder confidence.
‘Quality must become the top
priority,’ she continued. ‘We want a built environment where you can walk your
children down the street, stop in a café for an ice cream, shop for your
groceries, grab a book from the library, and return home all the while feeling
safe and secure.’
For media enquiries contact:
Kate
Concannon
State
Manager NSW
Australian Institute of Architects
e kate.concannon@architecture.com.au
A comedian with a passion for design, an architect duo who have led a movement of architect-designed social housing and community-focused projects, and a sustainability research centre fuelling innovation have been honoured with National Prizes from the Australian Institute of Architects at the 2019 National Architecture Conference.
Los Angeles-based Australian expatriates Hank Koning and Julie Eizenberg, of Koning Eizenberg Architecture, jointly won the prestigious Gold Medal for their lifelong pursuit of social and community outcomes through architecture.
The pair was commended for their inclusive design approach that has raised the bar for the design of buildings particularly for marginalised people and programs.
As architects, they forged a path for future generations of designers to see the potential of architecture as a social medium.
‘The legacy of their projects lies not just in the bricks and mortar of the buildings themselves, but also in the hearts and minds of all those involved in making sure the lessons learnt extend beyond the property boundaries,’ the jury citation said.
Read more about the 2019 Gold Medallists.
The National President’s Prize was awarded to entertainer and broadcaster Tim Ross, who has propelled Australian design – notably modernism and its protection – into the popular media.
Ross had a prominent role in campaigns to stop the destruction of heritage landmarks, Save Our Sirius and Hands Off Anzac Hall, and continues to advocate for Australian architecture and design.
Immediate Past National President Clare Cousins said Ross was one of the industry’s champions.
‘A comedian, self-proclaimed design nerd, broadcaster and entertainer, Tim is one of our industry’s most passionate activists and champions. Not only has he raised the profile of heritage and design in general, he also promotes Australian architecture in his unique voice in popular culture,’ she said.
The Leadership in Sustainability Prize was awarded to Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, which creates collaborations between property, planning, engineering and policy organisations with researchers aimed at spurring sustainability in the development and construction industries.
‘The Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living has been one of Australia’s pivotal research and innovation hubs, focused on driving our sector towards not only more sustainable development, but also a globally competitive low-carbon future,’ the jury citation said.
National President Helen Lochhead was awarded the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize for her commitment to women’s participation and sustained contribution in the industry.
As the first female Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of New South Wales, she has achieved a goal of 50 per cent representation of women on the leadership team and advisory council.
‘Combining her teaching, research, practice and advisory roles, Helen uses her profile to facilitate education opportunities for women in architecture, including establishing scholarships and prizes, and supporting mentoring programs and work placements,’ the jury said.
Vivian Mitsogianni won the Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize in recognition of her academic and practice leadership.
‘Her teaching and research have converged seamlessly with an ideas-led architectural practice and been deeply informed by her own personal explorations in design,’ the citation said.
The Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture was awarded to Bobbie Bayley and Owen Kelly for their Grand Section project traversing Australia on bicycle and discussing architecture and design with communities along the 7600km journey.
Julius Egan received a Commendation for his work at RMIT in student engagement.
A proposal from Sobi Slingsby for a group of land-based and over-water architectural shelters on the Great Barrier Reef’s Lady Elliot Island as a response to climate change was awarded with the BlueScope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize.
Full list of winners:
Gold Medal
Hank Koning FRAIA and Julie Eizenberg RAIA – Koning Eizenberg (International)
Read more
National President’s Prize
Tim Ross (NSW)
Read more
Leadership in Sustainability Prize
Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (NSW)
Read more
Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize
Helen Lochhead (NSW)
Read more
Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize
Vivian Mitsogianni (Vic)
Read more
Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture
Winner – Bobbie Bayley and Owen Kelly (NSW)
Read more
Commendation – Julius Egan (Vic)
Read more
BlueScope Glenn Murcutt Student Prize
Sobi Slingsby (Qld)
Read more
Dulux Study Tour
Jennifer McMaster – Trias (NSW)
Ben Peake – Carter Williamson Architects (NSW)
Alix Smith – Hassell (Vic)
Carly McMahon – Liminal Studio (Tas)
Phillip Nielsen – Regional Design Service (NSW)
Australian expatriates Hank Koning and Julie Eizenberg – who have led a movement of architect-designed social housing and community-focused projects in the United States – have been honoured with the nation’s highest architecture prize, the 2019 Gold Medal.
Announced today at the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Conference, the directors of Los Angeles-based Koning Eizenberg were lauded for their service to the profession through social outcomes combined with design excellence.
Hank Koning FRAIA and Julie Eizenberg RAIA have worked on affordable housing, education and civic projects, often in underprivileged communities, for almost four decades.
Their community-first design ethos has resulted in landmark buildings including the Simone Hotel and 28th St Apartments that offer supportive housing in Los Angeles and community buildings like the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and Pico Branch Library in Santa Monica. The recently completed Geffen Academy at UCLA offers a new secondary school paradigm and the upcoming Student Pavilion at the University of Melbourne will be the firm’s first project in Australia.
The jury has described their work as having ‘an egalitarian generosity of light, scale and air, all imbued with Australian congeniality and wit’.
‘Their efforts have transformed the lives of those they have touched – by providing meaningful and respectful homes, they have also brought these communities into the spotlight so that other firms may now consider designing for them a worthwhile pursuit,’ the citation said.
Institute Immediate Past National President Clare Cousins paid tribute to Mr Koning and Ms Eizenberg for the high quality of their work, built on their social beliefs and strong principles.
‘Throughout their careers and long before it was mainstream, Hank and Julie worked relentlessly to improve social and community outcomes through effective design,’ Ms Cousins said.
‘Working mainly in areas of need, Hank and Julie created appropriate and respectful homes for people who were not widely considered in the design world.
‘They took on complex and difficult challenges and now have a legacy of meaningful projects that have transformed individuals’ lives and the communities around them.’
The Institute’s Gold Medal recognises the distinguished service of architects who have designed or developed buildings of distinction and advanced the cause of architecture.
Koning and Eizenberg completed their initial architecture studies at the University of Melbourne, before moving to the US in 1979 for graduate study at the University of California, Los Angeles.
On their graduation in 1981 they established Koning Eizenberg in Santa Monica and started undertaking projects that challenged the notion of what social housing and educational buildings could be. Together they built a practice that supports the design of sustainable neighbourhoods through the creation of schools, housing, and civic buildings.
Their work is underpinned by their belief in social interaction and its benefit on daily life.
Ms Cousins said the work and ethos of Mr Koning and Ms Eizenberg had inspired subsequent generations of Australian and international architects to work on projects of social value.
Mr Koning and Ms Eizenberg also advocated for improved planning and engagement processes throughout their careers, and educated the profession and other urban policy professionals through ongoing learning. Their practice was also a trailblazer for sustainability.
Mr Koning has been a committee member of the Institute’s International Chapter since 2010 and has been active in its development.
The Gold Medal jury comprised Ms Cousins, Richard Kirk, Peter Elliott, Emma Williamson and Kerry Clare. Previous recipients of the Gold Medal include Glenn Murcutt, Jørn Utzon, Brit Andresen, Harry Seidler and Robin Boyd.
The government must act now to ensure the design and construction of safe, well-constructed buildings and to restore public trust in Australia’s built environment.
The Australian Institute of Architects, the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) and ArchiTeam Cooperative Ltd (ArchiTeam) are calling for urgent action in the ongoing aftermath of construction failures in Australia – this ranges from structural issues compromising residential towers in Sydney, to potentially disastrous flammable cladding incidents in Melbourne’s Neo200 and Lacrosse apartments.
The safety of residents, occupants, building owners and the broader public is paramount. We must act now to ensure adherence to the rigorous building and construction standards that protect their interests.
Consistency across jurisdictions is key, as is the development of better procurement processes that prioritise the quality and integrity of the built environment and consider whole-of-life costs and the benefits that come from good design.
Many of the solutions have already been identified in the Building Confidence Report (also known as the Shergold Weir Report). Released in February 2018, this assessed the effectiveness of compliance and enforcement systems for the building and construction industry across Australia and set out a series of recommendations.
We support these recommendations and urge state and federal governments to take swift action.
A start was made in March 2019, when the Building Ministers Forum (BMF) released the Building Confidence Report Implementation Plan (BCRIP). This outlines a roadmap for reforms, including target timeframes in each jurisdiction. We acknowledge that implementation and timing will vary according to state regulatory systems, but much more stringent and focused timelines are needed in most states.
The role of the architect in delivering quality outcomes requires serious attention. We strongly argue that architects should play a significant role in the proposed reforms. Architects already operate within a well-regulated, professional system, and have the capacity to increase their service offerings to help ensure a safer, higher quality built environment. All too often, however, architects find their role compromised by fragmented procurement processes that result in unclear roles and scope, confused lines of responsibility, and unfair allocation of risk.
The Institute, ACA and ArchiTeam endorse the full implementation of the Shergold Weir report. We encourage federal and state governments to prioritise the following key areas:
Timeframes and targets
Adherence to targets with clear timelines is essential. Little can be achieved without a nation-wide commitment to specific timeframes. To date, we have seen inconsistent progress across states. Some states have set clear targets and made substantial progress, but others have yet to identify timelines for implementation.
We strongly recommend that the Shergold Weir report timelines and targets be explicitly implemented.
Integrated procurement
The Shergold Weir Report makes it clear that increasingly fragmented processes for procuring and delivering complex building projects are compromising the built outcome, to the detriment of all. The experience of our members backs up this finding. Current processes need to be carefully and thoroughly investigated with a view to consolidating and integrating procurement processes. This is a crucial step in achieving a safer, better quality built environment. Architects look forward to working cohesively with builders, construction managers, project managers and other building industry professionals as part of a coordinated and transparent model.
National regulation
The lack of regulatory controls across a federated system is challenging. We strongly support the development of a nationalised approach to the system of compliance. This would provide much-needed oversight and control of the sector and coordination between all states and territories.
Registration of building practitioners
We support the proposed registration of building practitioners. This could be extended further to roles not specifically identified in the BCRIP, including roles that have developed in recent decades and operate without a clear regulatory or educational base.
Architects are already registered through the Architects Act in each state, and the profession has a clear educational and regulatory framework. Some jurisdictions require mandatory continuing professional development for architects in their registration requirements. We strongly recommend that this system be extended across all jurisdictions. We encourage the development of mutual recognition across these state-based systems.
Working together
We wholeheartedly agree with the Shergold Weir Report’s view that “The building and construction industry needs to actively participate in lifting standards, competency and integrity if it is to produce safe and reliable buildings and continue to be an important driver of infrastructure development.”
We stand ready to support state and federal governments, and we urge immediate action!
The winners of the
Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland State Architecture Awards have
been announced at the annual Awards night on Friday 14 June.
Following an extensive Regional
Architecture Awards program, 62 unique projects were shortlisted for state
honours, some in multiple categories.
The highlight from this year’s judging was
the exceptional quality of sustainable design principles deployed across the
various projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to human-centred design
that is responsive to the unique and varied climates that exist across
Queensland.
The QUT Creative Industries Precinct 2 by
Richard Kirk Architect and HASSELL Ltd (Architects in Association) has claimed top
honours in three categories – the Jennifer Taylor Award for Educational
Architecture, Don Roderick Award for Heritage and GHM Addison Award for Interior
Architecture.
Incorporating a new six storey building set within the state heritage
listed former Gona Barracks, the precinct was praised by the jury as ‘a world-class example of a creative arts
studies educational building’.
‘Pushing the boundaries of educational architecture, the building is
designed to cross-pollinate the various art disciplines with verandahs flanking
stacked teaching and performing studios, providing a shared experience. Corner
windows to the studios provide views to these spaces, allowing a holistic
engagement with dance, music and fashion, which brings the student work to the
public realm.’
The Harry Marks
Award for Sustainable Architecture went to 25 King by Bates Smart, which also received
the Beatrice Hutton Award for Commercial Architecture.
‘Cited as the
tallest commercial timber building with the largest floor plate in the world,
25 King Street is a potential catalyst for positive change within the
Queensland building design discourse. A restrained glazed rectilinear form of
10 levels with basement belies the importance of the structural resolution
within adopting an all timber structural system, demonstrating a sustainable
and viable alternative to established construction methodologies of steel and
concrete.’
‘This building
illustrates the potential for more sustainable alternative structural systems
to sit confidently within the urban context, catalysing conversations about how
and with what we build,’ the jury said.
The Robin Dods Award for Residential –
Houses (New) was awarded to Bellbird Retreat by Steendijk along with the
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture.
‘This “off-the-grid”
retreat provides its owners the opportunity to escape and unwind from city life
within a conserved rural setting. Compact in size and function this building is
a highly considered and well-resolved dwelling that has improved the lives of
its owners and their guests. This building is a memorable piece of architecture
at the highest level.’
Queensland Chapter President, Paul Trotter
congratulated winners and entrants for continuing to innovate and create
projects that make a positive impact for those who work, live and play within
them.
‘Architecture has the unique ability to
impact upon people’s lives and create a legacy for future generations, this
year’s award winners can all be proud of that achievement,’ Trotter said.
Projects that
received a Named Award or Award are now in the running for the National
Architecture Awards to be announced in November.
Full list of
winners:
Commercial Architecture
Beatrice Hutton Award – 25 King,
Bates Smart
Commendation – Milani Gallery, Vokes and Peters
Commendation – The Overflow, Loucas Zahos Architects
Commendation – Boundary Hotel, KP Archtiects
Educational Architecture
Jennifer Taylor Award – QUT
Creative Industries Precinct 2, Richard Kirk Architect, Pty Ltd and HASSELL
ltd, (Architects in Association)
Award – Ormiston
College – Centre for learning and Innovation, BSPN Architecture
Award
– James Cook
University – Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Thursday Island,
Wilson Architects and Clark and Prince Architects (Architects in Association)
Commendation
– St Andrews Anglican College ‘Learning Hub’, Wilson Architects
Enduring Architecture
Robin Gibson Award – Railton
House and Office, John Railton Architects
Heritage
Don Roderick Award –
QUT Creative Industries Precinct 2, Richard Kirk Architect Pty Ltd and HASSELL
ltd, (Architects in Association)
Interior Architecture
GHM Addison Award – QUT Creative Industries Precinct 2, Richard Kirk Architect Pty Ltd and HASSELL ltd, (Architects in Association)
Award – Aurecon
25 King Workplace, Woods Bagot
Commendation – Level 3, 143 Edward St, Brisbane, m3architecture
Commendation – Allianz Workplace, BVN
Public Architecture
FDG Stanley Award – HOTA
Outdoor Stage, ARM Architects
Commendation: Caboolture GP Super Clinic, Wilson Architects
Commendation – Kawana Waters Aged Care Residence, Deicke Richards
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Elina Mottram Award – Terrarium
House, John Ellway
Award – Albert
Villa, Bureau^Proberts
Award – Teneriffe
House, Vokes and Peters
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Robin Dods Award – Bellbird
Retreat, Steendijk
Award – Bramston
Residence, Richard Kirk Architect, Pty Ltd
Award – Mermaid
MultiHouse, Partners Hill with Hogg & Lamb
Award – Indooroopilly House, Owen
Architecture and Lineburg Wang
Commendation – The
Bird Cage, Tim Ditchfield Architects Pty Ltd
Commendation – Princess
St House, Owen Architecture
Commendation – Spinnaker
House, Sparks Architects, Pty Ltd
Commendation – Tierney
Drive House, ME
Commendation – Cove
House, Justin Humphrey Architect
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Job & Froud Award – Walan,
Bureau^Proberts
Award – Longfellow
Terraces, REFRESH*DESIGN
Commendation
– North Residences,
Bureau^Proberts
Commendation
– Student One on Wharf St, Arkhefield
Small Project Architecture
Hayes & Scott Award – Kooroomba
Chapel, Wilson Architects
Sustainable Architecture
Harry Marks Award – 25
King, Bates Smart
Award – Bellbird
Retreat, Steendijk
Commendation – QUT
Creative Industries Precinct 2, Richard Kirk Architect, Pty Ltd and HASSELL
ltd, (Architects in Association)
Commendation – James
Cook University – Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine,
Thursday Island, Wilson Architects and Clark and Prince Architects (Architects
in Association)
Commendation – Caboolture GP Super Clinic, Wilson Architects
Urban Design
Karl Langer Award – 900
Ann Street, Brisbane, John Wardle Architects
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – Bellbird
Retreat, Steendijk
A striking crystalline building in an industrial area of Alice Springs has won the Northern Territory’s top architecture honour for 2019 at the Australian Institute of Architects’ NT Architecture Awards on Saturday night.
In a transformation of the concept of a working shed, Susan Dugdale & Associates’ MPH HQ used steel and Colorbond materials to craft a contemporary office form offering practical shading solutions for the difficult site.
In its citation for the prestigious Tracy Memorial Award, the jury commended MPH HQ for its creativity.
‘We’ve all seen the big shed, front office typology that proliferates at the verges of our cities,’ the jury said. ‘Rather than ordinary, though, MPH HQ is extraordinary.’
Alice Springs-based architects Susan Dugdale & Associates also won the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture and the Peter Dermoudy Award for Commercial Architecture.
More than 100 guests attended the NT Architecture Awards at The Old Quarry, at the foot of the East MacDonnell Ranges, 10km from Alice Springs, in the annual celebration of NT design.
Full list of winners:
The Tracy Memorial Award, The Peter Dermoudy Award for Commercial Architecture and The Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture – MPH-HQ by Susan Dugdale & Associates
‘We’ve all seen the big shed, front office typology that proliferates at the verges of our cities,’ the jury said. ‘Rather than ordinary, though, MPH HQ is extraordinary.’
The J G Knight Award for Heritage – Hut 37 by Ajar Architects
‘The jury found that this was a particularly compelling project combining many important aspects of good architecture, culture and history which was preserved through passion and pure tenacity,’ it said.
The Yali-McNamara Award for Small Project Architecture and The Indigenous Community Architecture Award – Fish River Accommodation by Design Construct, School of Art Architecture and Design, University of South Australia
‘This impressive small project delivers on many fronts; excellent accommodation for the rangers; a potentially viable, sustainable tropical Aboriginal housing model; a good collaborative educational model; and the framework for a great future for Fish River Station and beyond,’ said NT Jury Chair Elizabeth Watson Brown.
The NT Chapter Award for Educational Architecture and The Thorny Devil (Moloch Horridus) Award for Sustainable Architecture – Braitling Primary School (Stage 2) by Susan Dugdale & Associates.
‘This exemplary project achieves important educational and social impact and is a testament that good design here has made a difference,’ the jury said. ‘Because of the design there has been a 67% reduction in behaviour referrals; in a cohort where 28% of kids have ongoing trauma, the outdoor relief space has reduced issues in the classroom; and attendance has risen 76% to 85.9%.’
NT Chapter Award recipients included Mazda Dealership by DKJ Architecture Pty Ltd for Commercial Architecture and Mother Teresa Catholic College by Rossi Architects, Bennett Design and Walter Brooke for Educational Architecture. MegaFauna Central by Tangentyere Design received a Commendation for Interior Architecture.
The Enduring Architecture Award was awarded to Cox Architecture for the Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara).
‘Ayers Rock resort is a perfect example of great enduring design and how this responds to the environment by following the serpentine shape of the valley,’ the jury said. ‘The building is still a bright light in the desert and surprises many visitors to Uluru through its extraordinary vibrancy.’
The President’s Prize was awarded by NT President Jenny Culgan to Peter Sommerville, Department of Lands Planning and Logistics, Alice Springs with the Student Prize being awarded to Ellen Brand from Charles Darwin University.
Andrew Broffman from Tangentyere Design and Susan Dugdale, Susan Dugdale & Associates were both presented with a Certificate of Fellowship from the Institute.
This year is the first time the Awards have been held in Alice Springs. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Red Centre and take advantage of the comprehensive program that the NT Chapter delivered for the Awards event, both before and after Saturday’s ceremony.
MEDIA RELEASE
28 May 2019
The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the incoming Morrison government’s acknowledgement of the importance of housing and urban policy and infrastructure, as it renewed its call for a focus on building safety, sustainability and effective design.
With the introduction of a dedicated Minister for Housing – the Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar – and the elevation into Cabinet of the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure – Alan Tudge – the Institute said it highlighted the critical nature of these policy areas for the health, wellbeing and quality of life of all Australians.
The Institute has also applauded the creation of an Assistant Ministry for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, under the leadership of Luke Howarth, in light of Australia’s affordable and social housing challenges.
A focus on sustainability is also to be commended, with the appointment of Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor.
National President, Professor Helen Lochhead, said Australia’s growth challenge should generate benefits for the country if met with planned and well-integrated solutions.
‘We welcome the focus on cities and housing as key areas that with considered policy, design and delivery can create real impact for everyday Australians,’ she said.
‘The importance of planning and the interconnection of infrastructure and housing solutions is well understood by architects, who work across scales and devise solutions to these complex issues in their daily practice.
‘This is the key to creating integrated, effective cities where all people can benefit– if we get it right.’
In the lead-up to the election, the Institute had called for the integration of housing with infrastructure services and the strengthening of the role of the Minister for Cities.
‘We look forward to working with Minister Tudge in his expanded role,’ Prof Lochhead said. ‘We will continue to push for design and sustainability benchmarks and a national architecture policy in urban policy.’
The Institute has worked collaboratively with these Ministers in their previous roles and looks forward to engaging with them and other Ministers again to build effective policies for the Australian future.
The Institute will continue to push for increased safety measures for the building and construction industry, in line with the Shergold Weir Building Confidence report last year, to maintain the integrity of our national standards.
Nationally consistent building standards can also generate strong carbon emissions reductions – the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council estimates development and construction could drive up to 28 per cent of the nation’s 2030 target – and the Institute will continue to support decarbonisation across industries.
Ongoing action on climate change through a plan for net zero carbon buildings by 2040, and fair and open procurement policies are also key priorities for the Institute.
‘As the new government sets it priorities for the term ahead, the Institute will continue its work to create solutions for Australia’s built environment that benefit the communities, while championing our professionals and effective design,’ Professor Lochhead said.
MEDIA RELEASE
20 May 2019
Continued reform of building regulation and embedding good design in government policies for managing the growth of Australia’s cities and towns are among the key priorities in the built environment as the federal parliament reconstitutes following this weekend’s election.
Congratulating the Prime Minister on his electoral success, the Australian Institute of Architects said now was the time to look at how best to value add to the Government’s agenda as it is returned.
National President, Professor Helen Lochhead, said Australia faced complex growth, economic and environmental challenges so the Institute is focused on putting forward solutions that enable the built environment to deliver the best outcomes for the Australian people.
‘The Morrison Government’s policy platform explicitly addresses the need to better manage the country’s growth and ensure that infrastructure and key services, such as housing, can keep up,’ Professor Lochhead said.
‘They acknowledge the need for improved planning and the critical importance of collaboration across all levels of government.
‘As professionals in the built environment, architects have great capacity to assist in transforming these challenges into opportunities.
‘Whether it’s in the continued roll out of City Deals, or the introduction of their new national population and planning framework, we see a role for architects to contribute their expertise.
‘Embedding good design in critical policies and investments will maximise the benefits returned to Australian communities, whether in our cities or our regions, through the quality and performance of their buildings and urban environments.
‘Housing affordability has been a key priority area for the Institute and we’ve welcomed not only the additional support for first home buyers, but also for more research and data to support the right housing policies and levers.’
Professor Lochhead said reform of building regulation must also continue in a timely way, prioritising safety and sustainability.
‘The Institute has been a strong voice calling for increased national building safety measures to protect people in their workplaces and homes,’ she said.
‘Progressing implementation of the Shergold-Weir Building Confidence report recommendations must be an urgent priority.’
The Institute will also continue to urge more action on urban planning with transport and design; inclusive and accessible housing; addressing climate change including a national plan for net zero carbon buildings by 2040; the appointment of an Australian Government Architect and a National Architecture Policy; and fair and open government procurement that recognises the strong expertise and skill of Australian architects.
MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2019
The Australian Institute of Architects welcomes the Government’s commitment – subsequently matched by the Opposition – to introduce a new First Home Loan Deposit Scheme from 1 January 2020.
National President, Clare Cousins, said the measure would help Australians on lower and middle incomes enter the housing market earlier.
‘We welcome this measure that will help more people become home owners,’ Ms Cousins said.
‘It will remove what has become an increasingly significant barrier to more Australians being able to purchase their first home, access to finance and the need to save a 20 per cent deposit.
‘In some cases, it will also reduce the overall costs where people will no longer need to pay lenders mortgage insurance.’
While the full details of the scheme have yet to be released, the Institute said other similar schemes have proven highly effective.
‘In Western Australia the Keystart program has been successfully using low deposit loans to help people purchase a home for more than three decades now,’ Ms Cousins said.
‘We identified housing affordability as one of the top six priorities for government in our federal election platform. Affordability and access to housing affects our overall productivity as a nation and the ability of all citizens to participate effectively in the economy.’
The Institute also welcomed the announcement of additional funding for the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to “conduct comprehensive research into housing demand, supply and affordability in Australia.”
‘Improving the housing data available not only to government but also to industry will enable us to better plan Australia’s housing future and ensure it is equitable and designed to best meet the needs of all Australians,’ Ms Cousins said.
For media enquiries contact:
Fiona Benson
On behalf of the
Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 407 294 620
Fiona@fjpartners.com.au
