Landscape Architecture Australia Issue 176 November 2022

The final issue of Landscape Architecture Australia for 2022 celebrates the National Landscape Architecture Awards. Each year, the program showcases exemplary work by landscape architecture practices and this year – no less than in previous years – one of the most exciting aspects is the diversity of projects. The wide breadth of work across cities and regions demonstrates the expanding role the profession has to play in responding to the layers of change within our environment. In the process of judging, the national awards jury examines projects of all types, scales, locations and budgets. The projects recognized are united by their ambition, leadership, rigour and commitment to progressing the values of the discipline in a challenging world. The November issue of this magazine is an opportune moment for reflection –…

I had only been Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) for a couple of months when David Martin, longstanding AILA member and manager of public domain design at Sydney Olympic Park Authority, contacted me. David embodied the passion of so many of our members, not just for the profession but for the entire environment in which humans exist. Over the course of many discussions, we considered how to change the perception of green infrastructure from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” These early discussions led to action, with the development of the first handbook on Urban Green Infrastructure (Interim Standard) by Standards Australia. This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of everyone who served with me on the technical committee, including David Martin, Sebastian…

2022 Jury Chair Report We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the traditional custodians of our lands, waters and seas. We recognize their ability to care for Country and their deep spiritual connection with Country. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom ensure the continuation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. (Constitution of the AILA, 2019) I can recommend being on an awards jury. It is the best form of continuing professional development because you learn a great deal about your own and other jury members’ skills and biases, but you also get to review and analyze the thinking and leadership behind the design and delivery process of awe-inspiring landscape architecture. This excites me and reinvigorates my own work as…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Client City of Mitcham Location Hawthorn, South Australia Jury comment The Mitcham Library and Hawthorn Reserve Upgrade in Adelaide is a wonderful demonstration of integrated civic design and environmental engineering. A key part of a citywide stormwater project, the reserve has been reimagined as a vibrant and active community hub, retaining the much loved character of the existing tree-studded lawns while enriching the park with a naturalized creek setting that has enhanced biodiversity and provided educational and play experiences. Coupled with the integrated public realm surrounding the library, this important civic asset has been transformed into a significant destination for the people of Mitcham and surrounds by the incorporation of nature. Landscape architect Aspect Studios Architect DesignInc Brownhill Creek stormwater and civil engineer Southfront Project manager Moto…

Aboriginal Nation Turrbal and Yuggera Client West Village – Sekisui House Location West End, Queensland Jury comment The central feature of Brisbane’s Mollison Park, a reimagined civic plaza suited to the subtropics, is an urban forest. Presenting a new typology of town square and retail experience, the park places climate responsiveness and human comfort at the forefront. The shaded, verdant landscape responds to the challenges of raising families in the inner city, and it encourages community interaction and public ownership of space. With prospect and refuge, richness of detail, moments of discovery and joy, and connections to local ecology, place and Country, the park is now an exemplar of a high-quality urban human habitat. Landscape architect RPS Architects Nettleton Tribe and Bureau Proberts Builder Hutchinson Builders Project manager Savills Landscape…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country Client Charter Hall and Lendlease Location Melbourne, Victoria Jury comment Wesley Place, surrounding a prominent church in the centre of Melbourne, complements and enhances surrounding heritage buildings while carefully negotiating existing vegetation and a contemporary office tower. Most importantly, the project manages to create a quality civic space that offers a refuge from the adjoining city streets and a new pedestrian connection through the site. The restrained detailing and execution are superb and skilfully assert a new, quality public green space for Melbourne’s CBD. Design practice Oculus Client Charter Hall Architect Cox Architecture Builder Lendlease Landscape contractor Ace Contractors Project manager Armitage Jones Access consultant Morris Goding Access Consulting Planner Urbis Wayfinding and signage consultant Studio Ongarato Civil and structural engineer AECOM Archaeologist Vincent Clark…