The announcement of Australia’s most prestigious urban design award, the Australia Award for Urban Design, took place on 26 June as part of the Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) dinner, held at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.
The Darling Quarter precinct received the major award of the night, the 2012 Australia Award for Urban Design. The jury praised the redevelopment for its vibrant and dynamic mix of commercial and public space with grassed community areas, and its children’s theatre, retail terrace and large illuminated water playground.
The 2012 Australia Award for Urban Design was judged in four categories.
Delivered Outcome – Large Scale
Winner: The Darling Quarter (Lend Lease, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, Aspect Studios, Arup and Hyder Consulting)
Commendation: Taronga Zoo
Delivered Outcome – Small Scale
Winner: River Quay, Brisbane (Arkhefield Architects and Interior Design and Cardno S.P.L.A.T Landscape Architects)
Policies, Programs and Concepts – Large Scale
Winner: The Future of Penrith, Penrith of the Future (Campement Urban, Sylvie Blocher, Francois Daune and Tim Williams)
Commendation: Next Generation Planning Handbook
Policies, Programs and Concepts – Small Scale
Winner: Parramatta River Urban Design Strategy (McGregor Coxall)
The Australia Award for Urban Design is hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia, and supported by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Consult Australia, Green Building Council of Australia, Property Coucil of Australia and the Urban Design Forum.
