Five of Canberra’s best architecture projects have found a spot on this year’s Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards shortlist.
Six entries representing five projects from the ACT have risen to the top of the industry, included in a group of 180 entries from a field of more than 800 to progress from chapter awards to national consideration.
From there, a National Jury selected 76 entries for the shortlist, now vying for recognition across 14 categories.
The ACT projects shortlisted in the awards include:
Educational Architecture
- ANU College of Law by Guida Moseley Brown Architects
- Marie Reay Teaching Centre, ANU by BVN
Small Project Architecture
- For Our Country by Edition Office and Daniel Boyd
Sustainable Architecture
- Marie Reay Teaching Centre, ANU by BVN
Urban Design
- ANU Kambri Precinct by lahznimmo architects, BVN and ASPECT Studios
- Campbell Section 5 Master Plan by Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
For the first time in the almost 40-year history of the awards, anyone from around Australia or indeed the world, can tune into the announcement of the award winners during free live-streamed event from 7pm on Thursday 5 November.
Jury Chair and immediate past national president, Professor Helen Lochhead, said the judging process was challenging but also inspiring.
“Reflecting on the projects we shortlisted, the jury was struck by the creativity, passion and accomplishment of established and emerging architects alike,” Professor Lochhead said.
“While the pandemic prevented the jury from conducting the usual in-person visits this year, we were still able to experience projects across Australia, animated by people and an array of climatic conditions, on a virtual platform.
“The chance to engage with clients and end-users as well as the architects made these virtual project visits all the richer.
“Importantly, this year’s live-streamed National Awards event means that the best in Australian architecture will be accessible to a much larger national and international audience than ever before.
“The digital delivery of our Chapter Awards has already attracted more than 30,000 views, highlighting the broad interest in outstanding design.”
Professor Lochhead recognised “great architecture required great clients” and said the jury was “privileged” to see the legacies of many exceptional, motivated clients across Australia.
“From those painstakingly restoring precious and modest heritage, to both private and public clients, commissioning enduring and uplifting settings for now and the future.”
Voting for the People’s Choice Award – favourite residential project – is now open to members of the public until midnight on 1 November.
A vote will secure a chance to win one of three $500 Bunnings gift vouchers courtesy of the Institute’s major national partner, Dulux.
Professor Lochhead was joined on the jury by Jefa Greenaway, Jennie Officer, Kerry Clare and Tim Greer.
A full gallery of shortlisted projects can be found at architecture.com.au/awards/entrant-gallery-2020-national-architecture-awards-shortlist and the awards on 5 November at youtube.com/user/AusArchitects/live
