Category: Media Release

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.

Rigour and reimagining: Winners shine at 2018 National Architecture Awards

From the rugged Tasmanian coast to the soaring skyscrapers of Spring Street, the winners of this year’s Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards have shown how a defined sense of place, commitment to sustainability and professional ingenuity continue to drive innovation and transformation in Australian architectural practice.

The winners of 12 named awards, 20 national awards and eight national commendations have been revealed in Melbourne tonight from a shortlist of 69 projects drawn from a total entry pool of 975. Regional projects were once again well-represented on the winners list demonstrating that award-winning design is not confined to the major metropolitan centres.

Jury chair and Immediate Past President Richard Kirk said the Awards provided an opportunity to reflect on how Australia’s diverse landscapes, urban environments and economic conditions influence and inform our architecture, enriching our culture.

‘The opportunity to visit each project was priceless and illustrated the vibrant, creative, intelligent and uniquely Australian work our architects are producing,’ Kirk said.

‘Projects at this level are all accomplished but it was those that could demonstrate their value broadly, beyond the limits of the brief and the confines of the site, which were nationally recognised.

‘Most impressive were projects that established new design benchmarks and whose influence can be of value to the broader community, leading to positive change in our built environment.

‘For the jury, it was important that all the awarded projects implemented sustainability initiatives at a conceptual level, taking a holistic approach. It was impressive to see the growing sophistication and ingenuity in this domain.’

Kirk noted entries in Public Architecture and Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, were especially strong this year, presenting ‘an array of formidable projects’ that demonstrated ‘great diversity, innovation and maturity’.

The Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture was awarded to Silver Thomas Hanley with Bates Smart for Bendigo Hospital, described as ‘permeable and inviting, with a restrained demeanour that sensitively acknowledges that the hospital can be a place of life-changing events’. National Awards were also presented to Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney; Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS; and Punchbowl Mosque by Candalepas Associates.

The Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing was awarded to 35 Spring Street by Bates Smart, a 44-storey luxury apartment tower on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. Designed with the location’s history in mind, the tower’s facade reflects a layering of fabric inspired by the bygone rag trade of Flinders Lane and the masonry patterning of Spring Street’s significant political buildings. National Award winners included Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture and Short Lane by Woods Bagot, with National Commendations going to Campbell Street by DKO Architecture and SLAB and M3565 Main Beach by Virginia Kerridge Architect.

The sought-after Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) was awarded to House on the Coast by Sean Godsell Architects, ‘an exploration of refinement and reduction’ embracing ‘singular form and intense detailing … from which to engage with the beautiful coastal landscape’. The Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions) was presented to Laneway House by Jon Jacka Architects, which boasts a verdant planted roof adding privacy and a beautiful view to the restricted inner-city space.

One of this year’s most moving projects was the winner of the Nicholas Murcutt Award for Small Project Architecture, krakani lumi (place of rest) by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania. The jury described the three-part experience as a work of genuine collaboration between the traditional owners and architects, ‘a compelling example of excellence in architecture and respect’.

National President Clare Cousins congratulated all award recipients and finalists for their valuable contribution to Australian architectural practice.

‘In Australia, we have developed our own brand of architecture that defines who we are and where we come from,’ she said.

‘These awards are the most recognised and competitive in the industry. They are peer-judged and involve an exhaustive selection process, with site visits to shortlisted projects, allowing the jury to experience the quality of the work firsthand.

‘They showcase the continuing evolution and diversity of our craft and the changing needs of our society, illustrating the vital role architecture plays in the lives of all Australians.’

Full list of winners:

Commercial Architecture

The Harry Seidler Award – Barwon Water by GHDWoodhead (VIC)

National Award – International House Sydney by Tzannes (NSW)

National Commendation – Australian Federal Police Forensics and Data Centre by HASSELL (ACT)

National Commendation – Barangaroo House by Collins and Turner (NSW)

Educational Architecture

The Daryl Jackson Award – New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)

National Award – Monash University Learning and Teaching Building by John Wardle Architects (VIC)

National Award – Macquarie University Incubator by Architectus (NSW)

National Commendation – Highgate Primary School New Teaching Building by iredale pedersen hook architects (WA)

Enduring Architecture

National Award – Townsville Courts of Law – Edmund Sheppard Building by Hall, Phillips and Wilson Architects Pty Ltd (QLD)

Heritage

The Lachlan Macquarie Award – Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney (NSW)

National Award – The Cadogan Song School by Palassis Architects (WA)

Interior Architecture

The Emil Sodersten Award – 75 Myrtle Street, Chippendale by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (NSW)

National Award – Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre by Universal Design Studio and Mather Architecture (ACT)

National Award – Monash University Learning and Teaching Building by John Wardle Architects (VIC)

National Commendation – Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre by BVN (QLD)

International Architecture

The Jørn Utzon Award – Australian Embassy Bangkok by BVN (Thailand)

Australian Award – School-in-a-Box by Stephen Collier Architects (PNG)

Public Architecture

The Sir Zelman Cowen Award – Bendigo Hospital by Silver Thomas Hanley with Bates Smart (VIC)

National Award – Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney (NSW)

National Award – Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS (WA)

National Award – Punchbowl Mosque by Candalepas Associates (NSW)

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

The Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award – Laneway House by Jon Jacka Architects (NSW)

National Award – Gibbon St by Cavill Architects (QLD)

National Commendation – King Bill by Austin Maynard Architects (VIC)

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

The Robin Boyd Award – House on the Coast by Sean Godsell Architects (VIC)

National Award – Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (NSW)

National Commendation – Compound House by March Studio (VIC)

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

The Frederick Romberg Award – 35 Spring Street by Bates Smart (VIC)

National Award – Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture (VIC)

National Award – Short Lane by Woods Bagot (NSW)

National Commendation – Campbell Street by DKO Architecture and SLAB (VIC)

National Commendation – M3565 Main Beach by Virginia Kerridge Architect (QLD)

Small Project Architecture

The Nicholas Murcutt Award – krakani lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (TAS)

National Award – Cottesloe Lobby and Landscape by Simon Pendal Architect (WA)

National Award – Northshore Pavilion by Anna O’Gorman Architect (QLD)

Sustainable Architecture

The David Oppenheim Award – Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture (VIC)

National Award – Barwon Water by GHDWoodhead (VIC)

National Award – Synergy by BVN (ACT)

Urban Design

The Walter Burley Griffin Award – Darling Harbour Transformation by HASSELL/HASSELL + Populous (NSW)

National Award – New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

The COLORBOND® Award – Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS (WA)

People’s Choice Award

Winner – Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (NSW)

2018 National Jury

Richard Kirk (Chair) – Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Architects; Director, KIRK

Jill Garner – Victorian Government Architect
Katelin Butler – Editorial Director, Architecture Media
Charles Wright – Director, Charles Wright Architects

Kevin O’Brien – Principal, BVN

45th anniversary an opportunity to reflect on the power of great architectural icons

As far as Australian architectural icons go, there is no building more symbolic of our nation than the Sydney Opera House, a work of art that captures the imagination of people the world over.

On its 45th anniversary, the Australian Institute of Architects celebrates this magnificent feat of architecture, the tremendous role it has played in shaping our country, and the special place it holds in our hearts.

The Institute’s National President Clare Cousins described the Opera House as not only an astounding work of architecture, but a source of national pride and global acclaim.

‘This building, with its perfect form and geometry, heralded Australia’s evolution from fledgeling nation to confident world player,’ she said.

‘Its impact is visceral, conveying confidence, hope and strength. It is not just a symbol of Australia’s youth, but also of our maturity.

‘When Jørn Utzon conceived the Sydney Opera House, his vision went beyond function. What he created was a work of art – in his own words, a ‘sculpture’.’

Cousins said the building’s 45th anniversary was the perfect opportunity to reflect on its greater purpose, highlight its significance as a public asset, and have a discussion about its future.

‘It is deeply disappointing that governments, at both the state and Commonwealth level, recently failed to protect and uphold the cultural values of this international icon, allowing it to be exploited with commercial advertising,’ Ms Cousins said.

‘It is the Institute’s position that using buildings like the Opera House for purposes so contrary to the public interest is unacceptable, disrespectful and does untold damage to brand Australia on the international stage.’

NSW Chapter President Andrew Nimmo said the use of the Sydney Opera House, a world heritage listed building, in a way expressly prohibited by the Conservation Management Plan put in place to protect it and endorsed by the Government’s own Heritage Council, risks being the start of an extraordinarily slippery slope and begs the question, what next?

‘These unfortunate events have served as a clarion call to the community and more specifically to the architectural profession,’ Mr Nimmo said.

‘The Institute has responded by redoubling our efforts to prevent such a lapse in due process and proper judgement ever being repeated.

‘We are committed to ensuring the cultural value and integrity of the Sydney Opera House is protected, ensuring this public building is never again exploited in this way.

‘As architects, we need to be vocal in protecting our iconic buildings and precincts.

‘This is a cause the Institute is passionate about and we will be working hard to ensure the Opera House is used as a public space that celebrates our country and culture, not for private-sector commercial interests.’

Anti-competitive’ lending practices cost consumers and small business: Banking Royal Commission

The refusal of many banks to approve construction loans for architect-administered contracts is anti-competitive and is imposing costs on consumers and small business, according to a submission to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

The joint submission by the Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute), ArchiTeam Cooperative and the Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACA), condemns the unfair treatment of industry-standard construction contracts by banks, which is negatively impacting construction industry competition.

The groups, which have a combined membership of almost 15,000, have identified a growing number of member complaints regarding banks refusing to approve clients’ construction loans. This has occurred primarily in the housing sector where architect-administered construction contracts have been applied.

According to the submission, banks are refusing to lend to consumers where contracts specify an architect as the contract administrator; contracts contain provisions for monthly progress payments; progress is assessed by the architect rather than a bank appointed quantity surveyor; and contracts contain provisions for variations.

Key figures:

A snapshot survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Architects, ArchiTeam and the ACA revealed 175 projects with an aggregate budget of $152 million were delayed by a total of 324 months.
The big four banks were identified as comprising 65% of reported cases of loan refusals of architect-administered contracts.
Loan refusals predominantly impact small businesses, with 71% of impacted architecture practices employing five people or less.
Project budgets are most commonly at the smaller end of the construction industry, with 66% of budgets under $1m and 85% under $1.5m – the average project budget is around $870,000.

‘Currently, banks are unfairly discriminating against architect-administered contracts, discouraging the professional engagement of architects and excluding them from engaging in a task for which they are specifically trained,’ said Clare Cousins, the Institute’s National President.

‘This unfair exertion of market power results in a negative financial impact on architects and their clients as well as potentially compromising the end project outcomes. It needs to change.

‘At the end of the day, Australian consumers are the ones paying for this unreasonable and discriminatory behaviour by the banks, which prevents architects from properly overseeing the projects they have been appointed to design and in many cases, to oversee and manage to ensure work is completed to the required standards.

‘If more architect-administered construction loans were approved, it would ensure that more buildings are constructed to the highest standard, designed and overseen by qualified architects, which would, on the whole, offer greater consumer protection.’

With renewed focus on building safety after the Grenfell Tower disaster and the recently released Building Confidence report, which recommended significant changes to the National Construction Code (NCC), architect-led project management should be front-of-mind.

‘Architects study at university for five years, then must undertake two years of mandatory practical experience and pass a state registration exam before being registered as Architects,’ said ACA Immediate Past President, Kieran Wong.

‘This rigorous training means architects have the expertise to carry out the role of contract administrator for these contracts and their role on-site reduces inherent risks associated with construction and improves the quality of building outcomes.

‘Unfair lending conditions ultimately remove choice for consumers, add costs and risk to construction projects for consumers and exclude architects from practicing their profession.’

ArchiTeam Directors Barbara Moje and Warwick Mihaly said while banks were entitled to manage and reduce risk, current lending standards were uninformed and discriminatory, impacting consumers and small business.

‘We trust that the Royal Commission will examine this issue thoroughly and that this will lead to change,’ they said.

‘Banks need to improve their attitude towards architect-administered construction contracts and cease forcing architects, consumers and builders to use construction contracts that create more risk to them and add project costs.

‘Industry-standard construction contracts provide a clear and contractual role for the architect to administer the project and provide considerable protections for the consumer.

‘This is in the common interest of architects, consumers, builders and the banks.’

The submission was lodged on 21 August 2018. A copy is available here.

Institute opposes exploitation of Sydney Opera House sails

The Australian Institute of Architects has voiced its support for Sydney Opera House chief executive Louise Herron in upholding the policy of her organisation and opposing the use of the sails of the World Heritage listed Opera House in a manner contrary to that policy.

‘The management of the Opera House has a duty to the people of New South Wales to protect the Opera House from exploitation. We are disappointed that the NSW Government has intervened and instructed them, against their policy, to allow its sails to be lit up with commercially driven material,’ NSW Chapter President Andrew Nimmo said today.

‘The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s greatest building and recognised around the world as perhaps the greatest building of the 20th century. That is why it has World Heritage listing. With that listing comes a responsibility to treat the building with respect and dignity. It is not an advertising billboard.

‘The commercial benefit of projecting onto the Opera House is undeniable, and we understand that as a major tourist icon, the Opera House will be expected to lend its prestige in the support of tourism from time to time,’ Mr Nimmo continued. ‘However, this must be done with the utmost care to ensure that community expectations are met, and the integrity of the Opera House as a cultural icon is maintained and not trashed.

‘It seems we are continually seeing the commercialisation of major public spaces for the benefit of private commercial gain. We fear that a new precedent has been set where exclusive commercial interests have been supported by government over public benefit.’

In the news:

Sydney Morning Herald, 8/10/18

The New Daily, 8/10/18

ArchitectureAU, 8/10/18

Architecture & Design 9/10/18

Follow the conversation:

Twitter – @NSWChapterPres and @architectureNSW

For media enquiries and interviews contact:

Kate Concannon

NSW Advocacy & Communications Lead

Australian Institute of Architects

m +61 (0) 406 306 447

e kate.concannon@architecture.com.au

2018 NSW Country Division Architecture Awards announced

VIEW 2018 WINNERS LIST DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE

A cellar door built for a boutique winery in Orange, Montoro Wines, has taken out the top prize at this year’s prestigious Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Country Division Awards, the James Barnet Award. Designed by Orange-based practice Source Architects, the building was conceived as a broad platform where inside and outside bleed together to form a continuous space that encourages patrons to linger on the terrace and be a part of the stunning landscape that provides the building’s context and vistas.

The jury of experts, led by Dunn & Hillam Architects’ Ashley Dunn, also awarded the project the gong for Commercial Architecture, noting that: ‘The design is simple and elegant. Small yet robust, it sits neatly in its setting of native grasses and open fields, providing a vantage point to survey the surrounding landscape. [It is] an intelligent, exacting and considered building that responds cleverly to its context, constraints and setting.’

Dominic Finlay Jones Architects took out no less than five awards and three commendations. These honours included the award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing presented for the Habitat Live Work project, which provides a new building prototype featuring basic, good-quality, lower-cost housing with articulated home-office workspaces and is set within a sustainable development encouraging collective creativity.

The jury said: ‘This is an excellent prototype development, which is imaginatively conceived and beautifully executed, and deserving of a multiple housing award.’

Aspect Architecture’s Elanora House, a flexible beach home suitable for multi-generational living, was crowned winner of the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category, with the jury noting the project ‘does a number of small but significant things very well’. Virginia Wong-See of architecture@altitude took out the Small Project Award and Termimesh Timber Award for her ‘small and perfectly formed’ Armidale – Refuge/Prospect garden pavilion.

The award for Urban Design went to Coffs Harbour’s Jetty4Shores Revitalisation project by Fisher Design and Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects and Coffs Harbour City Council. ‘The project effectively communicates the spirit of place and the genuine community affection for this site,’ the jury noted. ‘The cultural and environmental meanings of the site have been enshrined within the design.’

In addition to the nine awards and two prizes, the jury awarded 13 commendations.

The final award in the program, the People’s Choice Award, was also announced at the Awards presentation night, held at the NSW Regional Architecture Conference on Thursday 4 October. This year the honour went to a project in the newly introduced Interior category: the Byron Shire Council Foyer, Mullumbimby, by SPACEstudio.

Mr Dunn said: ‘This year’s Awards entries ranged from finely crafted small scale projects to large, complex commercial and public buildings. This highlighted the range of thoughtful work that is being done outside of the major cities in NSW. The Jury had a tough but enjoyable challenge deliberating over the many high calibre entries.’

NSW Chapter President, Andrew Nimmo, congratulated all of this year’s award winners and noted the important contribution the profession as a whole was making to deliver more sustainable, cohesive communities.

‘Architects apply design thinking to everything they do in order to do more with less and help clients realise opportunities that they did not know existed,’ said Mr Nimmo. ‘This is just part of the value we describe when we speak of the design dividend, and each year we see the bar raised when it comes to the innovative design solutions and practices architects are implementing across regional NSW.’

High resolution images are available for download from Google Drive at https://nationalarchitecture.awardsplatform.com/register/NpVKBVjQ

Images are provided only for use in articles relating to the NSW Country Division Architecture Awards program run by the Australian Institute of Architects. Use in any other context is strictly prohibited without written permission from the submitting architect. All images must credit the architect, photographer and the Australian Institute of Architects.

For media enquiries contact:

Kate Concannon
Advocacy & Communications, NSW
Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 406 306 447
kate.concannon@architecture.com.au

Full list of winning projects by award category below:

James Barnet Award

Winner – Montoro Cellar Door, Orange, by Source Architects

Public Architecture

Commendation – Lismore Regional Gallery, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Educational Architecture

Commendation – CSU Barraameilinga Indigenous Student Centre, Dubbo, by Havenhand and Mather Architects

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Winner – Elanora House, Pottsville, by Aspect Architecture

Commendation – Great Granny House, Coopers Shoot, by Cocks Carmichael with Harley Graham Architects

Commendation – Natural Lane House, Broken Head, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Commendation – The Eclipse House, Casuarina Beach, by Create Architecture

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)

Commendation – Southern House, Orange, by Source Architects

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Winner – Habitat Live Work, Byron Arts + Industry Estate, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Commendation – two@twoseventwo, Coopers Shoot, by SPACEstudio

Residential Architecture – Affordable Housing (under $350,000)

Commendation – William Street Lane House, Bellingen, by Tricia Helyar Architect

Commercial Architecture Award

Winner – Habitat Commercial, Byron Arts + Industry Estate, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Winner – Montoro Cellar Door, Orange, by Source Architects

Heritage

Winner – Lismore Regional Gallery, by Dominic Finlay Architects

Interior Architecture

Winner – Barrio, Byron Bay, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Commendation – Byron Shire Council Foyer, Mullumbimby, by SPACEstudio

Commendation – DUK, Byron Bay, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Urban Design

Winner – Jetty4Shores Revitalisation Project, Coffs Harbour Jetty, by Fisher Design and Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects and Coffs Harbour City Council

Small Projects

Winner – Armidale – Refuge/Prospect, Armidale, by Virginia Wong See architecture@altitude

Commendation – Habitat Recreation, Byron Arts + Industry Estate, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

Commendation – Jetty4Shores Stage, Coffs Harbour Jetty, by Fisher Design and Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects

Commendation – Marvell Studio, Byron Bay, by Harley Graham Architects

Termimesh Timber Award

Winner – Armidale Refuge/Prospect, Armidale, by Virginia Wong See architecture@altitude

Vision Award

Award – C.A.L.M, Byron Bay, by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects

People’s Choice Award

Winner – Byron Shire Council Foyer, Mullumbimby, by SPACEstudio

Build-to-Rent can help provide more quality, sustainable housing for Victorians

27 September 2018

The Australian Institute of Architects welcomes the Victorian Government’s foresight in bringing Build-to-Rent to the state, a move which will help provide additional quality and affordable housing to residents into the future.

‘Build-to-Rent is about choice and will ensure our housing supply grows in line with Victoria’s exponential population growth,’ said Amy Muir, Victorian Chapter President.

‘The Institute is passionate about the provision of quality and affordable housing options, which Build-to-Rent will help provide. Our members currently have projects underway that support this mission.

‘Award-winning Nightingale Housing is a key example of our members’ work in the sustainable and affordable housing space, a series of innovative projects leading a housing revolution in our cities by constructing multi-residential buildings that are financially, socially and environmentally sustainable.’

Ms Muir said the government’s commitment to fast track development applications was commendable but must come with assurances building quality would not be compromised.

‘Good quality design responds to critical contemporary issues such as rising energy costs, by making homes more energy efficient and these features need to be considered for this new housing class,’
she said.

‘The Institute would encourage government to provide incentives linked to specific design and sustainability outcomes, supported by enhanced tax revenue from development for re-investment in public benefit initiatives and infrastructure.

‘We look forward to working with the Victorian Government in the Build-to-Rent space and are excited by the possibilities it brings.’

Vote for Australia’s favourite house

In celebration of World Architecture Day, voting will open on Monday 1 October for the annual People’s Choice Award as part of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2018 National Architecture Awards.

The People’s Choice Award gives members of the public the opportunity to select their favourite house from the 15 residential projects on the national jury’s shortlist.

Chosen from 41 projects eligible for national judging after the State and Territory Architecture Awards held earlier in the year, the shortlisted homes showcase the best in residential architecture – both new builds and alterations and additions – from around the country.

Voting is open until 5:00pm AEDT, Friday 28 October 2018. Some fantastic prizes, thanks to our Corporate Partners, are also up for grabs for those who vote in the People’s Choice Award and enter the competition by telling us in 25 words or less why their chosen project is their favourite.

The winning project will be revealed at the National Architecture Awards ceremony on Thursday 1 November in Melbourne along with all the winners as chosen by the expert panel of judges.

More information on the 2018 National Architecture Awards and access to voting in the People’s Choice Award is available at architecture.com.au/awards-2018

Projects in the running for the 2018 People’s Choice Award are:

Gibbon St by Cavill Architects (QLD)
King Bill by Austin Maynard Architects (VIC)
Laneway House by Jon Jacka Architects (NSW)
Mawhera Extension by Preston Lane (TAS)
orange ave by vittinoAshe (WA)
Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects (TAS)
Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (NSW)
Carpenter-Hall House by Russell Hall Architects (QLD)
Coastal Garden House by Neeson Murcutt Architects (NSW)
Compound House by March Studio (VIC)
House on the Coast by Sean Godsell Architects (VIC)
Park House by Kerstin Thompson Architects (VIC)
PR House by Architects Ink (SA)
Stradbroke House by Tim Bennetton Architects in association with Gabriel Poole (QLD)
Towers Road House by Wood Marsh Architecture (VIC)

The Institute thanks Dulux, Smeg and Architecture Media for their support of the 2018 People’s Choice Award.

Designing our future should start today – strong support for new parliamentary report

The Australian Institute of Architects has thrown its support behind a new report that underscores the urgency to better plan and design for Australia’s future growth and help ensure prosperity, sustainability and liveability.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities Building Up and Moving Out report articulates the need for Australia’s cities and regions to be better planned, better connected, more diverse and more sustainable over the next 50 years.

It highlights the profound changes Australian communities are – and will continue – to experience because of population growth, urbanisation, an ageing population and an evolving economy, providing 37 recommendations aimed at setting the national agenda to connect, reinvigorate and integrate cities and regions.

‘Australia needs a national strategy to guide future growth, otherwise we risk losing the amenity and liveability that sets our nation apart,’ said the Institute’s National President Clare Cousins.

‘We are strongly in favour of the concept of a national vision for our cities and regions and a national plan of settlement for the next 50 years.

‘We don’t need a population policy, it’s not the size of the population that matters, but we do need a settlement strategy as it’s the characteristics and distribution of the population that is important.

‘The Institute welcomes the Building Up and Moving Out report and endorses a number of its key recommendations.

‘The development of master plans, the appointment of a senior Minister for Housing and a Cabinet Minister for Cities and National Settlement together with the creation of a statutory Office of a National Chief Planner and Cities & Regional Development NGO Roundtable are critical measures and should be complemented by the appointment of a Federal Government Architect.

‘Focusing on and supporting best practice design and planning is the only way for governments to assuage legitimate community concerns around congestion, meaningfully improve housing affordability and meet the challenges of inevitable population growth.

‘Importantly, the Committee recommended that the Australian Government re-endorse Creating Places for People: An Urban Design Protocol for Australian Cities and provide financial support for the purposes of maintaining and promoting these design principles.

‘Fundamentally, the report highlights the need for a national approach to ensuring Australia continues to prosper.

‘This means better governance arrangements between state, territory and federal governments, an accelerated City Deals program, stronger Commonwealth engagement in master planning at a national level, the formation of city commissions, as well as a national institute for cities research.

‘It also reinforces the need to attract and retain populations outside in our regions. To make this work, we need to implement strategies that ensure we have access to adequate schools, hospitals, housing, employment opportunities, transport and telecommunications.’

‘Inventiveness, sophistication’ shine in National Architecture Awards shortlist

The shortlist for the coveted Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards has been released, chosen from 975 projects across 14 categories nationally and abroad.

Following the Chapter Architecture Awards announcements earlier this year, 203 projects were deemed eligible for national judging, with a shortlist of 69 announced today.

Jury chair and Immediate Past President Richard Kirk described the awards as one of the Institute’s most important advocacy programs, acknowledging and celebrating the transformative capacity of the profession in Australian communities.

‘Each project visit was always an experience of delight and surprise, and we were continually reminded how project images can never be a substitute for experiencing the building itself,’ Kirk said.

‘Furthermore, these visits provided a unique experience made all the richer by the opportunity to engage with the architects and in almost all instances their clients.

‘On behalf of the jury and the Institute I thank all the architects and their clients for so generously welcoming us and providing us with that rare access into what are generally private places.’

Kirk said the jury was impressed by the sustainability initiatives being adopted by Australian architects and a ‘growing sophistication and confident inventiveness’ used in their implementation.

He said entries in the public architecture and multi-residential housing categories were of particular note in 2018, ‘formidable’ projects diverse in scale, function and complexity.

‘This national overview provided an opportunity to reflect on how Australia’s vastly different landscapes, urban conditions and economic circumstances influence the work we saw,’ he said.

‘The jury was aware that in comparing work with such differences in location, complexity or budget it was important for there to be consensus of view as to how each project responded to the criteria.

‘We were impressed by these projects that established new design benchmarks that can be of value to the broader community and through that influence see a positive change resonate in our built environment.’

Kirk was joined on the jury by Jill Garner, Katelin Butler, Charles Wright and Kevin O’Brien.

Launching on World Architecture Day, Monday 1 October, the annual People’s Choice Award will once again give members of the public the opportunity to vote for their favourite residential project from the shortlist.

The winners will be announced at the National Architecture Awards ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday 1 November.

Full shortlist:

Commercial Architecture (7)

Australian Federal Police Forensics and Data Centre by HASSELL (ACT)
Barangaroo House by Collins and Turner (NSW)
Barwon Water by GHDWoodhead (VIC)
International House Sydney by Tzannes (NSW)
krakani lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (TAS)
Mac 01 by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects (TAS)
The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi (SA)

Educational Architecture (6)

Highgate Primary School New Teaching Building by iredale pedersen hook architects (WA)
Macquarie University Incubator by Architectus (NSW)
Monash University Learning and Teaching Building by John Wardle Architects (VIC)
New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)
The Science Place by HASSELL (QLD)
Victorian College of the Arts former Mounted Police Stables by Kerstin Thompson Architects (VIC)

Enduring Architecture (4)

Allendale Square by Cameron Chisholm and Nicol (WA)
BOWALI Visitor Centre, Kakadu by Troppo Architects in association with Glenn Murcutt and Associates (NT)
St Thomas Aquinas Church, Charnwood by Mitchell/Guirgola and Thorp Architects (ACT)
Townsville Courts of Law – Edmund Sheppard Building by Hall, Phillips & Wilson Architects Pty Ltd (QLD)

Heritage (6)

Iuwa by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (Tas)
Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney (NSW)
Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre by Universal Design Studio and Mather Architecture (ACT)
The Cadogan Song School by Palassis Architects (WA)
The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi (SA)
Victorian College of the Arts former Mounted Police Stables by Kerstin Thompson Architects (VIC)

Interior Architecture (8)

75 Myrtle Street, Chippendale by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (NSW)
105 Macquarie Street Apartments by Preston Lane (TAS)
Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre by BVN (QLD)
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Deepdene by Law Architects (VIC)
Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre by Universal Design Studio and Mather Architecture (ACT)
Monash University Teaching and Learning Building by John Wardle Architects (VIC)
New Academic Street, RMIT by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)
The Cadogan Song School by Palassis Architects (WA)

International Architecture (4)

Australian Embassy Bangkok by BVN (Thailand)
House 412 by Pulina Ponnamperuma+Robust Architecture Workshop (Sri Lanka)
New Wings at The Asian Civilisations Museum by GreenhilLi (Singapore)
School-in-a-Box by Stephen Collier Architects (Papua New Guinea)

Public Architecture (10)

Adelaide Convention Centre Redevelopment: East by Woods Bagot (SA)
Bendigo Hospital by Silver Thomas Hanley with Bates Smart (VIC)
Blackwater Aquatic Centre by Liquid Blu Architects (QLD)
Bunjil Place by fjmt (VIC)
Garden Cemetery Chapel by Susan Dugdale and Associates (NT)
Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney (NSW)
Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS (WA)
Punchbowl Mosque by Candalepas Associates (NSW)
Synergy by BVN (ACT)
The Cadogan Song School by Palassis Architects (WA)

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions) (5)

Gibbon St by Cavill Architects (QLD)
King Bill by Austin Maynard Architects (VIC)
Laneway House by Jon Jacka Architects (NSW)
Mawhera Extension by Preston Lane (TAS)
orange ave by vittinoAshe (WA)

Residential Architecture – Houses (New) (10)

Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects (TAS)
Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (NSW)
Carpenter-Hall House by Russell Hall Architects (QLD)
Coastal Garden House by Neeson Murcutt Architects (NSW)
Compound House by March Studio (VIC)
House on the Coast by Sean Godsell Architects (VIC)
Park House by Kerstin Thompson Architects (VIC)
PR House by Architects Ink (SA)
Stradbroke House by Tim Bennetton Architects in association with Gabriel Poole (QLD)
Towers Road House by Wood Marsh Architecture (VIC)

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing (9)

35 Spring St by Bates Smart (VIC)
Campbell Street by DKO Architecture and SLAB (VIC)
Ivy Apartments, WEST by Davis + Davis Architects (SA)
Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture (VIC)
M3565 Main Beach by Virginia Kerridge Architect (QLD)
Short Lane by Woods Bagot (NSW)
Spire Residences by John Wardle Architects (QLD)
The Bottleyard by MJA Studio (WA)
The Rochford by Fox Johnston (NSW)

Small Project Architecture (5)

Cottesloe Lobby and Landscape by Simon Pendal Architect (WA)
krakani lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (TAS)
Northshore Pavilion by Anna O’Gorman Architect (QLD)
Sorrento Visitor Centre by Workshop Architecture (VIC)
The Beehive by Raffaello Rosselli Architect with Luigi Rosselli Architects (NSW)

Sustainable Architecture (12)

Barwon Water by GHDWoodhead (VIC)
Blackwater Aquatic Centre by Liquid Blu Architects (QLD)
Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects (TAS)
International House Sydney by Tzannes (NSW)
Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney (NSW)
New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)
Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture (VIC)
Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS (WA)
Synergy by BVN (ACT)
The Beehive by Raffaello Rosselli Architect with Luigi Rosselli Architects (NSW)
The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi (SA)
The Science Place by HASSELL (QLD)

Urban Design (3)

Darling Harbour Transformation by HASSELL/HASSELL + Populous (NSW)
New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects (VIC)
Scarborough Beach Pool by Christou Design Group (WA)

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture (4)

Bruny Island Hideaway by Maguire + Devine Architects (TAS)
Bugiga Hiker Camp – Grampians National Park by Sean Godsell Architect (VIC)
Gold Coast Sports Precinct by BVN (QLD)
Optus Stadium by HASSELL COX HKS (WA)