| This year’s RAIA state architecture awards, announced by the chapters in July, signal vigorous debates in the national jury room. Looking at results before the jury met to shortlist, it appears that in the Sir Zelman Cowen institutional category, Greg Burgess’ Aboriginal culture centre at Ayers Rock goes against Storey Hall, Melbourne, by Ashton Raggatt McDougall; generating political complexities aside from issues of architectural calibre. Among commercial buildings (or are some public?), Bligh Voller’s Brisbane air terminal might be up against Denton Corker Marshall’s Melbourne Exhibition Centre and Allen Jack+Cottier’s jewel of a restaurant in Adelaide’s foothills. Without a Glenn Murcutt entry, the Robin Boyd Award is no shoo-in, but candidates with intriguing single residences include John Mainwaring, Noosa, Jacob Allom Wade, Hobart, Engelen Moore, Alex Popov and Peter Stronach with Tim Allison, Sydney, and John Wardle, Melbourne.
But when the 15th anniversary winners are read out in Canberra on November 15—Neville Quarry to provide the witty commentary and a jazz band on hand—there may also be applause for multiple housing. Lindsay Clare, pressed to join the national jury despite a potential conflict of interest in this category, will have to absent himself from discussion on Clare Design’s Cotton Tree development at Maroochydore—which could be competing with other multiple schemes by Wood Marsh, Melbourne, Rod Simpson with Tonkin Zulaikha, Sydney, and Fulton Gilmour Trotter Moss, Brisbane. Let’s look at the jury. Other judges booked on the plane are Queenslander Peter Gargett (chair), Yvonne von Hartel (Melbourne), Ric Butt (Canberra) and fashion designer Jenny Kee (Sydney). How will they read the entries? Clues are that two jurors are involved in corporate work, at least three are likely to applaud good responses to clients, climate and sites, one has a strong interest in Aboriginality and none are thought radical on aesthetics. An eternally compelling aspect of RAIA awards is which prominent projects were snubbed by the judges. Remember that some entries initially deemed on-the-nose go on to glory the next year. Among the surprise absentees this time were the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre by Cox Rayner—not even a commendation—and two buildings at Sydney’s new children’s hospital by Lawrence Nield and McConnel Smith & Johnson. This has been a splendid year for newspaper controversies. First, Storey Hall was glorified in Melbourne but critiqued as ghastly in Sydney and Brisbane: history will judge. Then the NSW jury, supported by the chapter, took on the state government for allowing a drop in architectural standards, and declined to give named awards for public buildings, civic design and (inexplicable re the government) houses. This strategy required the trumpet to be blown more faintly for gongs inconsistently given to government buildings, and for the President’s Award won by Government Architect Chris Johnson—but the demand for better quality and care clearly got across. Throwing a cracker into this fuss on Sydney’s banality, the RAIA’s Victorian manger, Gael Tilbrook, gaily forecast a record number of awards (45) in that state—later announced to an remarkable crowd of 900 at a $70 dinner gala. To book tickets for this year’s national awards in the Great Hall of Parliament House, contact the RAIA on telephone (06) 273 1548, facsimile (06) 273 1953. A vintage crop of winners is certain and a buoyant black-tie bash is promised—Davina Jackson | 
| Four front runners for the public and commercial categories were on recent AA covers. from top down Allen Jack+Cottier’s Magill Estate restaurant in Adelaide, Denton Corker Marshall’s Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Greg Burgess’ Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre at Ayers Rock and Ashton Raggatt McDougall’s Storey Hall in Melbourne. |
Torquil Canning house in Hobart by Jacob
Allom Wade.
Promedicus Centre, Melbourne, by
Ashton Raggatt McDougall.
Paralowie School, SA, by Tridente
Architects with Services SA.
Dunsborough Beach cottage, WA, by Front End Design.
More photos can be found
in the version! |
Trawl these RAIA chapter awards for clues to the 15th anniversary nationals revealed in November.
New South WalesPublic: Commendation—Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South Wales, by Lawrence Nield & Partners. Commercial:Commendations (2)—NSW Leagues Club refurbishment, Sydney, by Stanic Harding; renovations to the Woollahra Hotel and Bistro Moncur, Woollahra, by Alexander Tzannes & Associates with Greg Anderson. Single Houses (new): Merit Awards (3)—House at Point Piper by Allen Jack + Cottier with Tim Allison Associates; house at Redfern by Engelen Moore; house at Palm Beach by Alex Popov. Single Houses (alterations and additions): Merit Award—House at Woollahra by Ken Latona. Commendations (2)—House at Mosman by Ken Kennedy/Quadrant Design; house at Stanmore by Melocco & Moore. Multiple Housing:Merit Award—Affordable housing at Ultimo by Roderick Simpson and Tonkin Zulaikha. Interior Architecture: Merit Awards (2)—Rosenblum & Partners offices, Sydney, by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp; Foxtel headquarters and playout centre, Pyrmont, by Bates Smart and Byron Harford. Conservation and Adaptive Reuse:Francis Greenway Award—Redleaf, Wahroonga, by Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners. Merit Award—Casula Powerhouse and Regional Arts Centre by Tonkin Zulaikha. Commendations (2)—Railway Institute by NSW Government Architect/State Projects heritage group; Argyle Centre, The Rocks , by O & P Phillips with Allen Jack + Cottier and Design 5 Architects. Civic Design:Merit Award—Children’s Hospital at Westmead by NSW Government Architect/State Projects, Lawrence Nield & Partners, McConnel Smith & Johnson and Woods Bagot. Rural: Blacket Award—University College of Coff’s Harbour by NSW Government Architect with Conrad & Gargett. Commendation—Finish tower at Penrith Lakes rowing course by Conybeare Morrison. Environmental Award—Solarch Energy Research Centre by Alan Ogg with senior students of the School of Architecture, University of New South Wales. President’s Award—Chris Johnson, NSW Government Architect. Special Jury Award—Richard Leplastrier. Architectural Journalism:Adrian Ashton Award—Craig McGregor; Commendation—Peter Hyatt.
VictoriaVictorian Architecture Medal—Storey Hall by Ashton Raggatt McDougall. Institutional:William Wardell Award—Storey Hall by Ashton Raggatt McDougall. Merit Awards (8)—Galina Beek Living Cultural Centre at Healesville by Anthony Styant-Browne; Preston Arts and Entertainment Centre by Philip Harmer; Ringwood Library by Edmond & Corrigan; Robert Clark Horticultural Centre at Ballarat by Peter Elliott; St Thomas More Primary School at Hadfield by Sam D’Orio; RMIT Building 94 by Allan Powell with Pels Innes Nielson Koslof; Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Nelson campus by Perrott Lyon Mathieson; Building PH at Swinburne University, Prahran by Hassell. Commendations (6) —St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Fitzroy by Hassell; Monash Performing Arts Centre and Information Services Building at Clayton by Allan Powell with Pels Innes Nielson Kosloff; Victoria University of Technology Building M at Footscray by Crone Ross with Eggleston Macdonald; boating facilities at Albert Park Lake by McGauran Soon; Korumburra Secondary College at Korumburra by John Brand; Lauriston Girls School at Malvern by Crone Ross. Residential: Harold Desbrow-Annear Awards (2)—Cromwell Rd apartments at South Yarra by Wood Marsh (residential multiple category) and Kitamura residence at Kew by John Wardle (single residence category). Merit Award for multiple residences—Hotham redevelopment Lots 15 and 18 at North Melbourne by Curnow Frieverts Glover. Merit Awards (2) for single residences including alterations and additions: 100 Carlton St, Carlton, by Toscano Architects; 96-98 Webb St, Fitzroy, by Kerstin Thompson Architects. Commendations (2) for multiple residences—87 Marine Parade at Elwood by Geoff Crosby; Cardigan St residential project at Carlton by Hayball Leonard Stent. Commendation for single residence—MacSween house in Kensington by Sean Godsell. Conservation:John George Knight Award—St Patrick’s Cathedral stages 1, 2 and 3 by Falkinger Andronas. Merit Award—Victoria University of Technology campus at Sunbury by Bates Smart with heritage consultants Nigel Lewis and Richard Aitken. Commendations (5)—Melbourne Town Hall main hall and foyers by Allom Lovell & Associates; 1888 building, University of Melbourne by Allom Lovell; Leonard Joel Auctioneers at Hawksburn by Peter Latreille; 1907 kiosk at Ferntree Gully by Roger Beeston; River God fountain at Fitzroy Gardens by the City of Melbourne’s urban design unit. Interiors:Marion Mahony Award—Storey Hall by Ashton Raggatt McDougall. Merit Award— Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Nelson campus, by Perrott Lyon Mathieson. Commendations (3)—Nudel Bar at 76 Bourke St, Melbourne by NMBW with Peter Maddison; Slattery Australia office at 313 LaTrobe St by Ashton Raggatt McDougall; Emery apartment at 181 Franklin St by Katsalidis. Urban Design:Joseph Reed Award—Performing arts precinct, Monash University at Clayton by Allan Powell with Pels Innes Neilson Kosloff. Commercial:Sir Osborne McCutcheon Award—Melbourne Exhibition Centre by Denton Corker Marshall. Merit Award— Promedicus at Burnley by Ashton Raggatt McDougall. Commendations (2)—National Skillshare Association offices at 708 Elizabeth St by Shane Williams; Heidelberg at Richmond by Metier 3. Energy Efficiency Award—Daylesford house at Eganstown by Taylor Oppenheim. Commendation—Red Vineyard house at Langwarrin by Thornton Architects. Architectural Journalism:Bates Smart Award—Joe Rollo for articles in The Age. The Age Award for public approval of a residence—Healy house at South Yarra by Martine Soccull.
Australian Capital TerritoryCanberra Medallions (3)—Refurbishment of south building at Civic Square, ACT Legislative Assembly, by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp; My Café at Manuka by Freeman Collett & Partners; House at Fadden Hills by Shane Blue and Rachel Bourne. Awards (4)—Barton Park training and conference centre at Barton by Allen Jack + Cottier; Jordana/Ryan house at Ainslie by Townsend & Associates; Sea residence at Lilli Pilli, NSW, by Enrico Taglietti & Associates; Orana School Classroom at Weston by Paul Barnett Design Group. 25 Year Awards (3)—Seventh Day Adventist Church (1970) at Turner by Ancher Mortlock & Woolley; ANZ Bank (1964), corner London Circuit and University Avenue by CK McIntosh; Arthur Circle townhouses (1958) by Sir Roy Grounds. President’s Award—The Canberra School of Art for its artistic contributions to the built environment of the ACT. Students: Chapter Medallions (2) for the outstanding BArch graduates from the University of Canberra—Bernard James Francis Finucane and Robert Gavin Vider.
QueenslandPublic:FDG Stanley Awards (2)—Crows Nest Shire Council administration centre by Davidson Architects & Associates; Brisbane International Airport by Bligh Voller with Lend Lease design group. Housing:Robin Dods Award—Chapman house, Noosa, by John Mainwaring. Multiple Housing Awards (2)—Pier Avenue housing development, Brisbane, by Fulton Gilmour Trotter Moss; Cotton Tree pilot housing project at Maroochydore by Clare Design. Recycling Award—Balmoral Reservoir house, Brisbane, by Robert Riddel. Commercial Award—YHA City Hostel, Brisbane, by Bligh Voller. Interior Award—Extension and refurbishment of ground floor, 127 Creek St, Brisbane, by Donovan Hill Architects. Civic Design Award—The Cliffs boardwalk, Stage 2, Kangaroo Point, by Project Services. Tourism Award—Riversleigh Fossils Interpretive Centre, Mt Isa, by Davis & Josephson. Education Award—Information Technology and Amenities Building, Ithaca campus, Brisbane Institute of TAFE, by Project Services. These winners were chosen from 73 regional commendations.
Northern TerritoryTracy Memorial Award for best building in all categories— Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, Ayers Rock, by Gregory Burgess. Housing:Burnett Award—Nourse residence by Hully Liveris. Commendation—Bracher house by Matthews Kapetas Ehrlich. Civic Design Award—Precinct B residences, Coonawarra, by Matthews Kapetas Ehrlich. Institutional Award—Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre by Gregory Burgess. Conservation:JG Knight Award The Residency, Alice Springs, by Woods Bagot/McDougall & Vines. President’s Award—Centralian College Theatre, Darwin, by Platt Consultants. Corporate and Office Design Award—The Rocks, Darwin, by TPG Architects. Interior Design Awards (2)—Paspaley Pearling offices and showroom, Darwin, by Matthews Kapetas Ehrlich; Yots Café, Darwin, by TPG Architects. People’s Choice Award—Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre by Gregory Burgess. BHP Steel Award—The Rocks by TPG Architects.
South AustraliaPublic:Awards (2)—Paralowie R-12 School, Paralowie, by Tridente Architects with Services SA; Art Gallery of South Australia extensions, Adelaide, by Peddle Thorp & Walker with Robert Dickson. Commendation—Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens reception building, Port Augusta, by Shannon Architects. Commercial Award—Penfolds Magill Estate, Magill, by Allen Jack+Cottier with Danvers Architects. Civic Award—Bus passenger shelters for the City of Adelaide by Geof Nairn. Residential:Awards (2)—Low cost Flinders St housing, Adelaide, by John Diekman & Associates; Glenalta, Stirling, by Anton Johnson. Conservation Award—Adelaide Botanic Garden palm house by Services SA heritage unit with Bruce Harry & Associates. Recycling:Award—Penfolds Magill Estate by Allen Jack+Cottier with Danvers. Commendation—TMK Consulting Engineers tenancy, Adelaide, by Loucas Zahos. Interiors: New central assessment clinic for the South Australian Breast X-Ray Service, Wayville, by Tridente Architects. Commendations (2)—Foyer of 41 Currie St, Adelaide, Cheesman Architects; TMK Consulting Engineers tenancy by Loucas Zahos. Environment Award—Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden reception building by Shannon Architects. President’s Award—Guy Maron. BHP Colorbond Steel Award—Paralowie R-12 School by Tridente Architects with Services SA. Archicentre Awards (2)—Stirling Retreat: Griller in the Midst, Stirling, by Swanbury Penglase; Glenalta by Anton Johnson.
TasmaniaPublic/Commercial:Award—Lake St Clair Park Centre by Eastman Heffernan Walch & Button. Commendations (2)—Huonville High School by Jacob Allom Wade; Tasmanian Fire Service headquarters by Mark Drury & Partners. Mentions (4) for client satisfaction— North-West Centre by Artas Architects; Operations Centre at Ridgley by Cripps Davis & Associates; Ainslie House nursing home at Low Head by Philp Lighton Architects; Magistrates Courts by Crawford Wegman Architects. Residential:Award—Torquil Canning house at Fern Tree (Hobart) by Jacob Allom Wade. Commendation—The Fisheries holiday house at Coles Bay by Leigh Woolley. Mentions (2) for client satisfaction—Williamson/Vogel house at Sandy Bay by Jacob Allom Wade; Brookes-Drury house by Mark Drury & Partners. Conservation:Henry Hunter Award (triennial) for recycled buildings and conservation—University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music by Forward Viney Woollan. Recycling and Conservation Award—Perpetual Trustees in Hobart by Eastman Heffernan Walch & Button. Commendation—Arthur Circus house at Battery Point by Last Architects. Students:SWT Blythe Student Award—City Edge by Stephen Watson. Commendations (2)—Cold-climate plant museum at Sullivans Cove by Scott Balmforth; Mixed-use building by Brad Wheeler.
Western AustraliaGeorge Temple Poole Award for best work of architecture—Four Seasons resort, Bali, by Grounds Kent. Public/Institutional: Merit award—Purnululu School, Frog Hollow, by Michael Ipkendanz. Single House:Merit Award—Hilton residence, Claremont, by Richard Szklarz. Commendations (3)—Roberts house, West Leederville, by Hofman and Brown; the Ed house, Mt Claremont, by Ian Dewar & Associates; Baker residence, Sanbourne, by Banham & Associates. Multiple Housing:Merit Award—Bicton houses by Ross McAndrew. Civic Design:Merit Award—King Street (heritage precinct) enhancement by Geoff Hawkins for the City of Perth. Commendation—Town of Vincent Administration and Civic Centre, Leederville by Peter Hunt. Conservation:Merit Award—The Moores precinct, Fremantle, by Fremantle City Council. Recycling:Merit Award—Fitzgerald Hotel refurbishment and adaptation, Northbridge, by Spowers with Odden Rodrigues. Commercial:Merit Award—Bankwest at Joondalup by Hames Sharley. Interiors: Merit Award—Nexus drama theatre and computer laboratory, Murdoch University, by Donaldson & Warn. Commendations (2)—303 Advertising/Fitzgerald Hotel, Northbridge, by Odden Rodrigues; Spowers fitout, Central Park, by Spowers. Energy: Commendations (3)—Purnululu School, Frog Hollow, by Michael Ipkendanz; Perth Zoo infrastructure development, South Perth, by Baverstock & Associates; Dunsborough Beach cottage, Dunsborough, by Front End Design. WA Centenary Overseas Award—Four Seasons resort, Bali, by Grounds Kent.
Awards lists have been supplied by the RAIA chapters. Some chapters were unable to supply photographs. |
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