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National building agreement welcome, now focus on action

The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the agreement today from the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to take a national approach to implementing all 24 recommendations of the Shergold-Weir Building Confidence report.

Attending the industry roundtable in Sydney this morning, the Institute was also supportive of discussions that envisaged an expanded role for the Australian Building Codes Board and looks forward to the release of further details.

National President, Professor Helen Lochhead, said the Institute had been calling for national consistency and the uniform adoption of the recommendations from day one.

‘Today’s announcement is a welcome and positive step towards rebuilding public confidence in Australia’s construction industry that we fully support and endorse,’ Professor Lochhead said.

‘Industry, and most importantly consumers, can have some assurance that there will be a nationally consistent approach to addressing these complex and deeply concerning issues plaguing the construction industry.

‘With this agreement in place the focus now needs to be on action and putting clear timeframes for implementation of each and every recommendation, building on the plan the BMF released in March.

‘The Shergold-Weir report, now 18-months old, specified a three-year timeframe for the implementation of its recommendations.

‘There is a huge amount of work still to do and the urgency of pursuing both reforms and rectification works in the interest of public safety must not be allowed to wane.

‘We will also be working collaboratively with other stakeholder associations to continue to improve practice.’

The Institute said measures to ensure the consistent registration of qualified building practitioners across all jurisdictions and reform to ensure continuous, truly independent certification of building works throughout construction, must be priorities.

The Institute was also looking forward to updates from the BMF on key actions agreed at its meeting in February, including Ministers’ in principle agreement to a national ban on the unsafe use of combustible ACPs in new construction and legislating a duty of care to building owners.

For media enquiries contact:

Alexandra Nesbitt
National Media Advisor
Australian Institute of Architects
P. + 61 (3) 8620 3813 | M. +61 (0) 477 333 205
alexandra.nesbitt@architecture.com.au

From the Tas Executive Director

15 July 2019

I would sincerely like to thank everyone who contributed to the production of this year’s Tasmanian Architecture Awards. The awards have become a podium for the exploration of ideas and this year we experimented with inviting the public to celebrate and experience the works of our members. Our team endeavours to take forward what we have learnt into future years and we believe that it is a positive step in a dialogue that advocates the value of architecture and the expertise of our members and the profession within the greater community.

To our members who donated their time, laser levels and passion, every small task contributes greatly to the overall event and I thank you all for your generosity. Thank you to the Awards Committee for your ongoing contribution and guidance. I would especially like to acknowledge and thank the creative direction of Emily and Adam Ouston, who developed a challenging program that celebrated the future and the innate impact that architecture has. The future is truly positive if we look at the standard of the work that was both entered and awarded this year.

I have the privilege of working with an incredible team and I always say that it is how you deal with the challenges that truly counts. The team did this in my unexpected absence during the lead up to the awards with professionalism and a passion for the profession that I am truly thankful for.

Collectively the awards have become a platform for the exploration of ideas, and we look forward to continuing this tradition whilst growing and learning from every event.

Jennifer Nichols
Executive Director, Tasmanian Chapter
Australian Institute of Architects

From the SA Executive Director 190708

Advocacy and Agency are two buzz words that are currently in high circulation. What do they mean for architects and architecture? Why is it important for architects to be proactive rather than passive when it comes to proposing the future of our built environment? If we do not engage in this debate and suggest alternative opportunities, who will champion better outcomes?

Collective Agency was the topic of this year’s national conference, which provided two days of thought provoking and, at times, confronting exploration of what role architects should play in advancing cultural, societal and environmental issues. The suggestion was that architects should be activists for the environment, community and equity and that we are uniquely placed to introduce different perspectives, discuss alternative outcomes and achieve change through our projects. The questions we ask, the way we engage with clients and our understanding of place are all part of the process by which we can achieve change.

Much of the discussion centred on recognition of first nations people and their ownership of the land that projects are constructed on. Respect for the environment, culture and community was explored. Speakers also shared powerful personal stories which demonstrated the importance of empathy, openness and respect and the need to recognise the individual as well as the collective.

Presentations from Sarah Lynn Rees, Elisapeta Heta and Jeremy McLeod provided strategies for improving engagement and suggested ways forward which were thoughtful, practical and hopeful of a better future. Poppy Taylor and Matt Hinds discussed their beautifully crafted projects, which are environmentally and culturally empathetic. These projects demonstrate how architects can add meaning and delight through their work while introducing people to alternative ways of engaging with and viewing place and people.

FAD19 will also consider how architects can influence thinking and disrupt current practice. The focus of FAD19 is Ideas of Home – what this means, how we create meaningful places, our relation to place and how we achieve more equitable access to housing. As we experience increasing density, changing planning regulations, housing affordability and equity issues, environmental change and increasing pressure on heritage, what are architects doing to respond and how can they provide leadership? Should architects simply respond to market forces and client directions or should they propose alternatives and challenge conventions to bring about societal change?

I am party to many conversations in which architects bemoan their lack of influence and the diminished respect for the profession. I appreciate that suggesting change and challenging a client to approach their project differently can seem risky and beyond our capacity. However, by having these conversations we can make incremental steps towards a different future. Not every conversation will result in immediate action, but it will plant a seed.

Forums such as the conference and FAD are one way to equip ourselves for these conversations. They expose us to new ideas, test our preconceptions and stretch our brains. They also provide an opportunity to celebrate and understand the work of our peers and share this knowledge with the community.

Are you going to participate in the conversation?

Nicolette Di Lernia
SA Chapter Executive Director

State’s best architecture celebrated at New South Wales Architecture Awards

FRI 5 JULY –Winners of the 2019 New South Wales (NSW) Architecture Awards have been announced, honouring the state’s leading architecture, with public projects dominating across multiple categories.

Across 12 categories, 51 awards were given including named awards, architecture awards andcommendations from 97 shortlisted projects and 212 entries. Awards were also given to outstanding public and commercial projects across the NSW Architecture Medallion, 2019 NSW Premier’s Prize, 2019 City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize, Blacket Prize and Enduring Award categories.

The winners were announced at a dinner hosted in Sydney by the NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects on Friday 5 July.

The prestigious NSW Architecture Medallion, honouring an exemplary project across all awards categories, was given to Maitland Riverlink by CHROFI with McGregor Coxall for illustrating the power of architecture in the civic realm by improving connectivity between the Hunter River and the main street of Maitland.

Peter Poulet, Chair of Juries for this year’s NSW awards program, describes the Maitland Riverlink project as an architectural centrepiece that improves connectivity and celebrates the history, value and ambition of Maitland in regional NSW.

‘A strong civic gesture, this building acts as a public living room, attracting and celebrating the coming together of the community. The town and its river and proves the power of public architecture to deliver change, celebration and a legacy for the future,’ says Poulet.

Another one of the evening’s most recognised projects was Green Square Library and Plaza by Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart Architecture and HASSELL, which took four awards including the John Verge Award for Interior Architecture, two architecture awards across the Public Architecture and Urban Design categories and the 2019 NSW Premier’s Prize.

Sandra Furtado, Jury Chair for Interior Architecture and Commercial Architecture, acknowledged that the Green Square Library and Plaza reflected the integral role libraries are playing in supporting a city’s social infrastructure.

‘It is immediately obvious that this library is loved by its staff and the wider community – this building is already the vibrant heart of the community,’ says Furtado.
NSW Chapter President Kathlyn Loseby says that the awards are a time to reflect and celebrate the role that great architecture plays across the state.

‘The strength of our industry and its impact on the places we live is undeniably positive and at times revolutionary. Today we celebrate with our clients, consultants and contractors who helped make these projects come to life, and for the fortunate people who live, work and play in these environments which are designed to stand the test of time,’ says Loseby.

Loseby also highlighted the invaluable connection between good procurement practices and great design outcomes, a theme which resonated throughout this year’s winning projects. ‘Good design is far more than aesthetic achievement – it takes collaboration amongst willing clients, good builders and appropriate procurement methods to make it an enduring success,’ says Loseby.

‘The awards celebrate achievement and reward the best of 2019, it is an annual review of our professional output, our capacity, as well as our skills, potential and vision for a better built environment,’ adds Poulet.

Projects that received an architecture award or a named award will now progress to compete in the National Architecture Awards program. The shortlist will be announced by the Australian Institute of Architects in the coming months.

The full list of winners can be found below.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sophie Watson
Communications Collective
(03) 9988 2300
sophie@comunicationscollective.com.au

NOTES TO EDITOR:
High resolution images and jury citations are available for download by registering at –
https://nationalarchitecture.awardsplatform.com/profile/complete/lbyJlmXA

The National Architecture Awards and respective state and territory Architecture Awards programs are run by the Australian Institute of Architects. Images and information are provided only for use in articles relating to the Institute’s Architecture Awards. The Awards program must be attributed as the Australian Institute of Architects’ National/State/Territory Architecture Awards.
All images must credit the Institute, the architect and photographer. Use in any other context is strictly prohibited without written permission from the submitting architect.

2019 New South Wales Awards: Winners

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
37 entries / 12 shortlisted projects / 2 commendations / 2 awards / 1 named
WILKINSON AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE (NEW)
GB House | Renato D’Ettorre Architects
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Merewether | SAVIO PARSONS
Sunrise House | MCK Architects
COMMENDATIONS
Castle Cove House | TERROIR
Bay Guarella | Peter Stutchbury Architecture
Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Jury
Ed Lippmann (Chair) | Lippmann Partnership
Miriam Green | Atelier M
Matt Chan | Scale Architecture
Linda Morris | Sydney Morning Herald

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
32 entries / 13 shortlisted projects / 2 commendations / 3 awards / 1 named
AARON BOLOT AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – MULTIPLE HOUSING
North Rocks | Candalepas Associates
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Imperial | Stanisic Architects
Iglu Redfern | Bates Smart
OneA | Breakspear Architects and KANNFINCH
COMMENDATIONS
Arlington Grove | Smart Design Studio
Mezzo | CHROFI and KANNFINCH
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Jury
Conrad Johnston (Chair) | Fox Johnston
Ines Benavente-Molina | HDR
Paulo Macchia | Government Architect NSW

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
30 entries / 11 shortlisted projects / 1 commendations / 1 award / 1 named
HUGH AND EVA BUHRICH AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES
(ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)
Five Gardens House | David Boyle Architect
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Redfern Warehouse | Ian Moore Architects
COMMENDATION
Moreton Manor | CO-AP (Architects)
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Jury
Ed Lippmann (Chair) | Lippmann Partnership
Miriam Green | Atelier M
Matt Chan | Scale Architecture
Linda Morris | Sydney Morning Herald

Interior Architecture
25 entries / 10 shortlisted projects / 2 commendations / 2 awards / 1 named
JOHN VERGE AWARD FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Green Square Library and Plaza | Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart
Architecture
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Castle Cove House | TERROIR in collaboration with Pascale Gomes- McNabb
Design
Dangrove | Tzannes
COMMENDATIONS
Redfern Warehouse | Ian Moore Architects
Caroma On Collins | Archier
Interior Architecture Jury
Sandra Furtado (Chair) | Furtado Sullivan
Tony Grist | HASSELL
Amber Stewart | ARM Architecture

Public Architecture
14 entries / 8 shortlisted projects / 1 commendation / 3 awards / 1 named
SULMAN MEDAL FOR PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
Maitland Riverlink | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Cabarita Park Conservatory | Sam Crawford Architects
Shellharbour Civic Centre | DesignInc in association with Lacoste+Stevenson
Green Square Library and Plaza | Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart
Architecture
COMMENDATION
State Library of New South Wales | HASSELL
Public Architecture Jury
Jonathan Evans (Chair) | Tzannes
Jamileh Jahangiri | Cox Architecture
Jasmin Williamson | John Wardle Architects

Small Project Architecture
11 entries / 3 shortlisted projects / 1 commendation / 1 award / 1 named
ROBERT WOODWARD AWARD FOR SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE
Bungarribee Parklands Shelters | Stanic Harding Architects with Paramatta Park &
Western Sydney Parklands Trusts
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Renewal of the Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre | Scott Carver
COMMENDATION
Punch Park Amenities | Carter Williamson Architects
Small Project Architecture Jury
Elisha Long (Chair) | Long Blackledge Architects
Ava Shirley | Peter Stutchbury Architecture
Luigi Rosselli | Luigi Rosselli Architects

Educational Architecture
18 entries / 10 shortlisted projects / 1 commendation / 3 awards / 1 named
WILLIAM E KEMP AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
University of Sydney F23 Administration Building | Grimshaw Architects
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Taronga Institute of Science and Learning | NBRS ARCHITECTURE
St Pius X High School, Library | SHAC
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School | BVN
COMMENDATION
The University of Sydney Life, Earth & Environmental Services Building | HDR
Educational Architecture Jury
Jonathan Evans (Chair) | Tzannes
Jamileh Jahangiri | Cox Architecture
Jasmin Williamson | John Wardle Architects

Urban Design
10 entries / 6 shortlisted projects / 1 commendation / 2 awards / 1 named
LLOYD REES AWARD FOR URBAN DESIGN
Harold Park | Mirvac Design, Government Architects Office (GANSW), City of
Sydney and HASSELL
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Green Square Library and Plaza | Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart
Architecture and HASSELL
Maitland Riverlink | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall
COMMENDATION
Elizabeth Bay Marina | lahznimmo architects
Urban Design Jury
Conrad Johnston (Chair) | Fox Johnston
Ines Benavente-Molina | HDR
Paulo Macchia | Government Architect NSW

Heritage
14 entries / 9 shortlisted projects / 3 commendations / 3 awards / 1 named
GREENWAY AWARD FOR HERITAGE
House in Darlinghurst | Tribe Studio
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Tayim | Welsh + Major Architects
State Library of New South Wales | HASSELL
Paramount House Hotel | Breathe Architecture
COMMENDATIONS
Balmain Rock | Benn + Penna Architecture
The Burcham | Allen Jack+Cottier
St John’s College Library | Hector Abrahams Architects
Heritage Jury
Elisha Long (Chair) | Long Blackledge Architects
Ava Shirley | Peter Stutchbury Architecture
Luigi Rosselli | Luigi Rosselli Architects

Commercial Architecture
18 entries / 8 shortlisted projects / 3 commendations / 1 award / 1 named
SIR ARTHUR G. STEPHENSON AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
Dangrove | Tzannes
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Paramount House Hotel | Breathe Architecture
COMMENDATIONS
Rail Operation Centre | Jacobs with Smart Design Studio
Barrack Place | Architectus
2 Bligh Street | Bates Smart
Commercial Architecture Jury
Sandra Furtado (Chair) | Furtado Sullivan
Tony Grist | HASSELL
Amber Stewart | ARM Architecture

Sustainable Architecture
7 shortlisted projects / 2 awards / 1 named
MILO DUNPHY AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School | BVN
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
UNSW Roundhouse | Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
My Ideal House by Mirvac | Mirvac Design with Madeleine Blanchfield
Sustainable Architecture Jury
Rod Simpson (Chair) | Greater Sydney Commissioner
Mary Casey | HKA
Adam Russell | Roberts Day

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture (NSW)
St Pius X High School, Library | SHAC

COLORBOND® Award Jury
Jonathan Evans | Tzannes (Jury Chair, Public Architecture and Educational Architecture)
Ed Lippmann | Lippmann Partnership (Jury Chair, Residential Architecture – Houses
(Alterations and Additions) / Houses (New)
Sandra Furtado | Furtado Sullivan (Jury Chair, Commercial Architecture and Interior
Architecture)
Conrad Johnston | Fox Johnston (Jury Chair, Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
and Urban Design)
Elisha Long | Long Blackledge Architects (Jury Chair, Heritage and Small Project
Architecture)
Rod Simpson | simpson + wilson (Jury Chair, Sustainable Architecture)

NSW Architecture Medallion
Maitland Riverlink | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall
NSW Architecture Medallion Jury
Peter Poulet (Chair of Juries)
Jonathan Evans | Tzannes (Jury Chair, Public Architecture and Educational Architecture)
Ed Lippmann | Lippmann Partnership (Jury Chair, Residential Architecture – Houses
(Alterations and Additions) / Houses (New)
Conrad Johnston | Fox Johnston (Jury Chair, Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
and Urban Design)
Sandra Furtado | Furtado Sullivan (Jury Chair, Commercial Architecture and Interior
Architecture)
Elisha Long | Long Blackledge Architects (Jury Chair, Heritage and Small Project
Architecture)
Rod Simpson | simpson + wilson (Jury Chair, Sustainable Architecture)
Kathlyn Loseby | Crone Architects (Jury Chair, Enduring Architecture)

2019 NSW Premier’s Prize
Green Square Library and Plaza | Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart
Architecture and HASSELL
NSW Premier
Gladys Berejklian

2019 City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize
Barrack Place | Architectus
Harold Park | Mirvac Design, Government Architects Office (GANSW), City of
Sydney and HASSELL
Lord Mayor of City of Sydney
Clover Moore

Enduring Architecture
350 George Street | Edward Raht
Enduring Award Jury
Kathlyn Loseby | Crone Architects (Jury Chair)
Jennifer Preston | JPA&D
Howard Tanner

Emerging Architect
Cameron Anderson | Cameron Anderson Architects
Emerging Architect Jury
Kathlyn Loseby | Crone Architects (Jury Chair)
Ben Coulston | TERROIR
Amelia Holliday | Aileen Sage Architects & 2018 Emerging Architect Prize Recipient
Isabelle Toland | Aileen Sage Architects & 2018 Emerging Architect Prize Recipient
Murray Chaloner | AWS

From the Vic Chapter President

3 July 2019

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Well aren’t we lucky to have been exposed to such a compelling and thought-provoking National Conference this year that was held in our Melbourne Convention Centre. A huge congratulations to Monique Woodward and Stephen Choi for the delivery of a new forum, a platform for recognition. A platform to encourage leveraging the actionable.

Congratulations and thanks also to all of the speakers who contributed to ensuring that our collective voice is heard loud and clear. This was a conference that said the stuff that needs to be said. Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep actioning.

The National Conference is also a time for acknowledging and awarding the achievements of our members. Most notable was the announcement of the Gold Medal that was awarded to Hank Koning FRAIA and Julie Eizenberg RAIA. We look forward to announcing over the coming months the Gold Medal tour dates where Julie and Hank will share their professional trajectory to date.

Other award winners included the National President’s Prize that was awarded to Tim Ross, the Leadership in Sustainability Prize that was awarded to Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize that was awarded to National President, Helen Lochhead, the Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize that was awarded to Vivian Mitsogianni, the Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture that was awarded to Bobbie Bayley and Owen Kelly, the BlueScope Glenn Murcutt Student Prize that was awarded to Sobi Slingsby and the Dulux Study Tour that was awarded to Jennifer McMaster, Ben Peake, Alix Smith, Carly McMahon and Phillip Nielsen. Congratulations to all award recipients.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

At our National Council meeting held in Melbourne on the 19 – 20 June 2019, the introduction of a National Reconciliation Action Plan was put forward and unanimously supported by all councillors. This is a long overdue but very important step in the right direction. Thank you to all of those who have contributed to this space over the last few years instigating action. We will keep you informed of our progress relating to its implementation.

THE VICTORIAN STATE AWARDS

Well that’s a wrap. Last Friday evening saw many of our members exceptional work and contributions to our Victorian built landscape celebrated. Congratulations to all of our 2019 Victorian Architecture award winners. The awards are also a time to reflect on what has been achieved over the past year and the enormous contributions our members are making to the evolution of our cities and regions. This is incredibly important, and we applaud you all.

We would like to congratulate our Victorian Medal winner Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design for their significant wins on the evening. With a total of 5 Named Awards and Prizes, the Parliamentary Annexe has been celebrated and acknowledged for the significant contribution it has made to our state. Many of the award-winning projects define an important working relationship between client, architect, consultants and contractors. These strong working relationships are imperative for the success of robust architectural outcomes. Parliamentary Annexe is an important contributor to this model.

We were also joined on the evening the Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Sally Capp who this year presented the Enduring Architecture Award. It is great to see our City of Melbourne continuing to advocate for the very important role considered architectural interventions have on defining our varied city scape. The award celebrates a building that has remained relevant through time with the award going to Nonda Katsalidis’ Melbourne Terrace.

On the evening the Victorian Emerging Architect Prize was announced, and this year’s 2019 winner is Rodney Eggleston from March Studio. Congratulations to all award recipients. Please refer to the link for a list of all awarded projects.

And lastly thank you to our wonderful MC Cameron Bruhn. So lovely to have a familiar voice in the room. And a huge thank you to all of the Institute staff in particular Ruth White, Jason Stanton and Kelsey Calder for the making of a fun evening and a seamless event.

A big thank you has to go to all the Awards Partners listed below;

Principal Partner

BlueScope

Major National Partner

Dulux

National Corporate Partners

Bondor

AWS

Lysaght

Fielders

Supporting Partner

USG Boral

National Insurance Partner

Planned Cover

National Media Partner

Architecture Media

State Partners

City of Melbourne

Heritage Council of Victoria

OVGA

Dormakaba

Laminex

University of Melbourne

McKay Timber

Participating Partners

Creffield Digital Print

Monash University

Len Design

ACKNOWLEDEMENT OF COUNTRY

This year, the Awards saw the introduction of a wonderful Welcome to Country, which was delivered by Gheran Steel, CEO Boon Wurrung Foundation. It was a very generous and considered welcome.

Each year the Awards Committee are looking at new initiatives and importantly this year it was requested that all shortlisted projects for the 2019 Victorian Awards be acknowledged based on their Registered Aboriginal Party. Please refer to the attached link to these diagrams.

The 2020 awards will see the introduction of all submitting practices needing to locate the country that their project is located within.

OTHER BUSINESS

We suspect you might all be over hearing about ‘novation’ so we will give you a break for this month. The results of the National Novation Survey will be ready for issue to our membership over the coming month. Please also stay tuned for the announcement of the details associated with our Novation Forum which will provide the opportunity for a broad and open discussion to take place reflecting on the good, the bad, the ugly and the successful outcomes. We look forward to your contribution.

Strength in numbers. A collective voice.

Amy Muir

Victorian President

BUILDING SAFETY – THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTS AND IMPACTS ON THE PROFESSION

BACKGROUND

A spate of recent incidents, generating extensive media coverage, has brought significant attention to the safety and quality of Australia’s built environment and severely impacted public confidence.

These include:

Lacrosse Tower Fire, Melbourne 2014 – A copy of the Institute’s media statement on the ruling is available here and a copy of the Institute’s Advocacy Alert to members is available here and a summary of the decision here.
Grenfell Tower Fire, UK, 2017 – Prompted an inquiry by the Australian Senate Standing Committee on Economics, to which the Institute made a submission that was referenced heavily in the final report.
Australian Federal, State and Territory ministers, through the Building Ministers Forum (BMF), subsequently commissioned a review by Dr Peter Shergold and Ms Bronwyn Weir. Their report, Building Confidence, was released publicly early in 2018 and an implementation plan in March 2019. The Institute has supported and publicly called for the urgent adoption of all recommendations.
Opal Tower building evacuation, Sydney, December 2018.
Neo200 Apartment Building Fire, Melbourne, February 2019 – A copy of the Institute’s media statement on the incident is available here.
CBD walkway collapse, Perth, June 2019.
Mascot Towers building evacuation, Sydney, June 2019.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING…

Shergold-Weir report

The BMF’s implementation plan for the recommendations of Shergold-Weir report on building regulation, compliance and enforcement was released in mid-March 2019. This is presented in the broadest terms and indicates a lack of implementation of the recommendations. The implementation plan has given us the opportunity to examine each state in detail regarding regulatory reform. We’ve also discussed with ACA and ArchiTeam and have released a joint statement on the urgent need for implementation of all 24 recommendations.

Lacrosse and the impacts of novation

The Lacrosse decision also raised issues around novation of contracts and roles and responsibilities under a Design and Construct (D&C) contract. The Institute is investigating the impact of novation and D&C contracts through a member survey conducted in April and we’re undertaking further, more detailed research into the issue following that survey. We are also providing members with training on procurement and have numerous practice notes on novation. We have made our online CPD course on inappropriate external cladding use and the subsequent amendments to Volume One of the National Construction Code available complimentary for all members. We have issued advisory notes to members.

Insurance and legislative changes

Building owners are commencing legal proceedings against building professionals, including architects, to recover costs of dealing with ACP and expanded polystyrene (EPS) products in their buildings. In large buildings, such claims amount to many millions of dollars. We are monitoring the situation and working with insurers, Planned Cover.
The insurance market has also changed considerably. Most professional indemnity insurers are imposing exclusions on insurance policies for ACP/EPS or non-conforming building products. These exclusions could leave architects uninsured for past projects because of the claims made nature of the policies. The market exclusions appear to be for both legal/defence costs and indemnity. Planned Cover are working hard to maintain cover for existing customers for past work by architects.
As well, strict controls are being placed on future use of ACP and EPS products, particularly in high-rise buildings.We will keep members advised of legislative changes.

Procurement

Requests for highly detailed practice information, project programming and budgeting in EOIs and RFTs for architectural services has been identified as an issue for members. So too has implied or explicit requests for unpaid design ideas, as well as other requirements. We have produced guidelines that offer advice specific to the commonly used processes of EOI and RFT to concisely deliver relevant, comparable information to clients and ensure a cost effective, resource efficient and fair process for all participants.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT…

Shergold-Weir

We’re producing a detailed advocacy plan for each state and territory including a formal response to the NSW Government’s recently released discussion paper, Building Stronger Foundations.
We’re preparing joint representations to government with ACA and ArchiTeam in addition to our recently released joint statement.
We’re holding discussions with the Australian Building Codes Board on the work they are undertaking.
We’re continuing to liaise with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia and state and territory board registrars.
Direct advocacy with governments – ongoing through chapters and nationally via the Building Ministers Forum and other industry forums and roundtables.
Continued media commentary.

Lacrosse

We’ve examined aspects of the decision in-depth and will be delivering advice to members on the following issues:

Performance solutions vs deemed to satisfy in the NCC.
The role of the superintendent/project manager vis a vis the architect.
The rights, roles, responsibilities and risks under a design and construct contract.

We will continue to monitor government actions and provide regular advice to members on statutory
changes and further outcomes from legal actions.

Risk allocation

We’re conducting an economic research project on the links between cost cutting practices and increases or decreases in risk, using Opal Tower as a case study.
We will be conducting a symposium for members and built environment stakeholders on ways to increase consumer confidence in the building industry, particularly focusing on roles and responsibilities of the people involved in the design, construction and certification of buildings and how that relates to changes in building regulations.
We’re producing member advisory notes on risk allocation for different procurement practices.

Procurement and the impact of novated contracts

We’re finalising our research report based on the national survey undertaken earlier this year.
Using the outcomes from the survey and research project, we will develop best practice guidelines/code of novation with industry stakeholders.
We’re also producing practice advice for managing commercial pressures under novated arrangements.
And we’re developing a national CPD program for members on the pitfalls and risks of various procurement methods.

Procurement guidelines

Our guidelines have been endorsed by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and we will continue to engage government architects and government and institutional clients around the country for further endorsement and adoption.
We’re building on our initial communications, through a concerted and ongoing plan to engage with all levels of government, institutional clients and industry bodies and representative groups at chapter and national levels.
We’re also developing templates for members based on the guidelines.

10 point plan for restoring public confidence in the construction industry

Kathlyn Loseby – NSW Chapter President

A spate of recent incidents, generating extensive media coverage, has brought significant attention to the safety and quality of Australia’s built environment and has severely impacted public confidence. These include the Lacrosse Tower Fire, Melbourne 2014; the Grenfell Tower Fire, UK, 2017; the Opal Tower building evacuation, Sydney, December 2018; the Neo200 Apartment Building Fire, Melbourne, February 2019; the CBD walkway collapse, Perth, June 2019; and the Mascot Towers building evacuation, Sydney, June 2019.

Australian Federal, State and Territory ministers, through the Building Ministers Forum, commissioned a review by Dr Peter Shergold and Ms Bronwyn Weir. Their report, Building Confidence, was released publicly early in 2018 and an implementation plan in March 2019. The Australian Institute of Architects has supported and publicly called for the urgent adoption of all recommendations.

For NSW to overcome the huge dip in public confidence in the construction industry, 10 key issues need to be addressed.

1. #SafetyFirst is paramount, but in a first world country we should also expect #Wellbeing

The Australian Institute Architects Code of Conduct expects architects to ‘improve standards of health and safety for the protection and welfare of all members of the community.’ This is an important distinction beyond the basics of safety, and it is not just for the client, the developer or the financial institution, but for everyone.

Architects strive for 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, secure and enriched.

2. Certification by qualified, independent, registered professionals with PI insurance = consumer protection

Certification should be limited to qualified registered professionals who have professional indemnity insurance, are trained, have their capabilities assessed prior to registration and who keep up to date through continuing professional development. This is required for architects in NSW under the Architects Act which is designed to protect the consumer. In NSW, this is not the case for engineers, building designers or project managers, so these titles can be used by anyone without proven credentials, registration or regularly assessable standards to maintain.

We recommend maintaining a ‘third party’ distance between builder and certifier, that is, those that certify should be independent and not be employed directly by the builder.

3. Stop self-certification

The current system of allowing sub-contractors to self-certify does not put safety or quality first.

For example, at the beginning of a project the mechanical engineer will design the air-conditioning system. Under a Design and Construct contract the builder typically replaces the mechanical engineer with a mechanical sub-contractor who will redesign the mechanical system to get the cheapest possible outcome. The mechanical sub-contractor is the installer and also the certifier of the system. Not only is the sub-contractor not independent, but they will not be paid by the builder until they produce the certification. The building certifier relies on these sub-contractor certificates to produce the final certificate so effectively the sub-contractor is self-certifying.

There needs to be much greater clarity on the roles, rights, responsibilities and risks of all parties in the building chain. We need an industry standard as recommended in the Shergold Weir report.

4. Contracts need to place #Quality over #speed and #greed

Procurement practices are principally driven by three factors: time, cost and quality. They are a balancing act.

It is a misconception to presume that every reduction in time and cost produces a better outcome. When quality is affected, the long-term maintenance costs and ‘construction cracks’ are very expensive and time consuming to rectify.

5. Contracts need to reconsider risk allocation

Pushing risk onto sub-contractors who then go into receivership does not work. Likewise, the risk-return trade-off needs to be appropriate relative to fees. It should also be relative to the level of professional training, code of conduct, regulation, ongoing and measured professional development and adequate insurance pertaining to the entity absorbing the risk.

6. Documentation by appropriately registered professionals to the National Construction Code (NCC)

The adequacy of documentation in the building approval process has been an issue of concern to the profession for some time. As per Shergold Weir, we recommend building approval documentation must be prepared by appropriately registered professionals, demonstrating that the proposed building complies with the National Construction Code.

7. Value engineering should include a quality judgement

Bronwyn Weir has stated: ‘Value engineering cuts on costs that can compromise safety; it can make the building cheaper to build but more expensive to maintain.’

Design and Construct contracts in particular can place undue focus on reducing costs through value engineering. For too long these contracts and value engineering have prioritised time and cost (speed and greed) over quality.

Safety and basic amenity should never become second to time and cost; too often we see it has.

8. Substitution of materials

Substitution has become a dirty word. It doesn’t have to be, but again when minimising time and cost drives a decision to substitute a product or material, without any consideration for the quality impact, safety and future maintenance costs are often the losers.

9. Partial services and ‘shopping’ consultant services

The current market sees developers and builders breaking up the design, documentation and site observation stage services of the professional team (architects and engineers). Instead of maintaining consistency, they shop around the market mid project to change the team and reduce fees. This process makes no attempt to justify itself in regard to achieving quality outcomes. The rationale is that the risk of a loss in quality can be offset by the potential cost savings.

What happens? Vital project knowledge is lost so cost drivers trump quality and the consumer loses.

Maintaining the same professional team from design through documentation and overseeing construction means the best equipped and project knowledgeable team is watching the project the whole way through.

10. Delight, beauty and inspiration

In the words of the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Mr Rob Stokes: ‘We can do better than liveability, we can do delight, we can do beauty, we can do inspiration.’

An architect spends five years at university, a minimum of two years of practical experience, and further professional registration examinations to be accredited as an architect. To maintain the title requires annual continuing professional development. Underpinning every part of this process is a commitment to ensuring that architectural outcomes are always more than a sum of their parts. Safety, quality, time, cost, liveability, delight and inspiration never have to be mutually exclusive.

Notes:

7. Brownyn Weir quote from Warning dangerous building flaws will continue without industry overhaul, Mon 17 Jun 2019, 12:38pm, By Stephanie Smail on The World Today

8. Rob Stokes quote from Rob Stokes’ push for Sydney development: no more nasty surprises, by Jacob Saulwick May 31, 2019 — 5.43pm

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/rob-stokes-push-for-sydney-development-no-more-surprises-20190531-p51tbp.html

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/adelaide/programs/worldtoday/warning-dangerous-building-flaws-will-continue-without-overhaul/11215750

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/rob-stokes-push-for-sydney-development-no-more-surprises-20190531-p51tbp.html

Fixing a failing construction industry means quality and safety before speed and greed

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

Before architecture there were trees

A few weeks ago I attended The City of Adelaide’s brand launch of: Adelaide. A City designed for life. In essence, it reflects on the focus of the Design of the City and how we live according to the virtues of Light’s vision, in particular, the Parklands. I must say it was refreshing to hear a presentation start by acknowledging the inherent value of storytelling and cultural heritage in our City, rather than getting caught in the advocacy of design protocols usually reserved as a prelude to the City Plan. The Adelaide City Council is to be applauded for this initiative. It should be embraced.

Having Light’s vision as the mainstay of this document is a welcome narrative that acknowledges and clearly articulates our design origins and informs the built environment.

Internationally recognised, the Adelaide Parklands are one of the greatest assets this City has. It is the most important element of Town Planning principles that we have inherited and has formed the groundwork for this City to evolve.

It is the founding design principle of our City.

Accordingly, it deserves the respect to ensure that we protect or repair the Adelaide Parklands for future generations.

The search for an evolving regional or city identity is often blurred by the promotion of the built environment. Perhaps the search for an Adelaide identity should be more vested in the landscape and cultural heritage of the Parklands rather than anything we can produce in the built form – it is our most unique identity.

But it is also so much more than this. Whether through design or by accident, the natural outer protective layer that the Parklands provide to this City is invaluable to our existence. If we allow it to, it will act as an immune system to the evolvement of the City.

Aside from their recreational values they provide a biophillic overlay that other Cities crave and retrospectively try to design for. We have ours (naturally) by design.

If some 70% of our population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050 and our cities consume 75% of our natural resources and output some 70% of CO₂ emissions and if science is correct in that trees and vegetation can absorb some 40% fossil fuel emissions then we are blessed to have the Parklands as part of our City.

In these times of climate change and environmental awareness in all things of wellness and lifestyle, we need to be resilient and avoid the temptation to choke and infuse the Parklands. The City in the Park concept that Adelaide is based on offers an opportunity to future proof our City and act as a repair mechanism. The Parklands allows us this opportunity. It appears to be a recent trend that there seems to be more architecture in landscape architecture than landscape. If anything we should whenever possible strive to facilitate return and regeneration.

Accepting that our City will evolve and the Parklands need to evolve, they should be sponsoring activity, enjoyment and support well-being. Enclosures for inclusive cultural events, festivals, celebrations, sport and identity that espouse the life and celebration of our City should all be supported. They should not be sacrificed and prioritised for exclusive and commercial usage that restricts public access.

Gradually we are seeing more and more intrusion on our hallowed turf. Commercial development appendages challenging and overriding the governance of the Adelaide Park Lands Act are becoming more frequent.

Of late, a few seeds have been planted in the Parklands but they won’t be sprouting green shoots, they will be concrete shoots.

They will be exclusive patronage domains and like the heritage debate, its advocacy always reverts to economic stimulation, not cultural initiatives.

The Parklands don’t need to be activated by the built environment, the notion of the temporary enclosure can facilitate this; they need increased greenery, trees and foliage, some may say forestation, they need to breathe, and in turn, they will return the favour to let our City and People breathe.

Tony Giannone
Chapter President

Architects of ‘congeniality and wit’ win Institute’s highest honour

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.

Julie Eizenberg and Hank Koning. Photo: Matthew Momberger

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 28^th 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.