Place of remembrance recognized in 2021 International Chapter Architecture Awards

The Sir John Monash Centre, the museum and interpretative centre in France that tells the story of Australian service on the Western Front, is the most highly awarded project in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2021 International Chapter Awards.

Designed by Cox Architecture with Williams, Abrahams and Lampros, the project was awarded the International Chapter Named Award for Heritage and a Chapter Award for Public Architecture. Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in northern France, the centre is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail, which links sites of significant Australian battles during World War I.

The jury was impressed with the architects’ approach to such a highly charged site.

“This important project not only honours Australia’s military history, but also showcases the talent of Australian architects working overseas,” said International Chapter executive director Jennifer Nichols. “The centre is a place for reflection as well as a venue for community ceremonies and a hub for historical research and is a worthy winner of the only named award presented in the 2021 International Chapter Awards.”

“Named awards” in Australian Institute of Architects awards programs are the highest award in each category and are typically named after a notable architect.

Two other Chapter Awards went to the One and Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia, the hotel and beach resort by Kerry Hill Architects; and the National Museum of Qatar Gift Shops by Kochi Takada Architects. The winners are: