The 2014 ACT Landscape Architecture Awards were announced on Saturday 12 July by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. From ten submissions in four categories, three projects were honoured.
Forde Heritage Trail by Spacelab.
Image: Courtesy Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Award for Design in Landscape Architecture
Forde Heritage Trail – Spacelab
Jury comment: Forde Heritage Trail is a project which fuses together history, ecology and active living through a corridor that forms the backbone to Forde’s open space system. Through the use of a modest material palette and interpretive signage, the trail facilitates connections across the suburban development of Forde in a way that is both scenic and informative. The gentle integration of existing and new site elements also creates an interesting juxtaposition between the heritage and ecology of the site to the adjacent residential development. The jury appreciated Spacelab’s efforts to arrive at a design outcome that tread lightly on the landscape using elements that allowed the site’s natural and historical narratives to resonate.
Springbank Rise by Redbox Design Group.
Image: Courtesy Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Award for Planning in Landscape Architecture
Springbank Rise – Redbox Design Group
Jury comment: Springbank Rise is a project which demonstrates the important role of landscape architects in the planning of new residential developments within the ACT. Of particular recognition is the way in which the Redbox team focused on the protection and enhancement of natural assets occurring on the site and in its approach to storm water management. The project pioneered new ways of managing and treating runoff within a residential estate, successful in part because of the strong underpinning of a landscape framework within its master plan. The jury commends the Redbox team for their vision and leadership in promoting landscape as the core place making attribute of this development.
Landscape Architecture Australia, Issue #138, ‘Canberra’s Centenary’ by Neil Hobbs in collaboration with Architecture Media.
Award for Research & Communication in Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Australia, Issue #138, ‘Canberra’s Centenary’ – Neil Hobbs in collaboration with Architecture Media
Jury comment: The Canberra Centenary Issue of LAA provides critical insights into the important – and evolving - role which landscape architecture serves within Australia’s National Capital. As guest editor, Neil Hobbs was successful in structuring the magazine to address a broad range of topics relevant to Canberra, from celebrating achievements of places and people, to providing critical insights by both designers and users. The issue provides an important resource and overview for those who live, visit, and want to learn more about the landscape underpinnings of the Bush Capital, and sets a high standard for future issues of the magazine.
