Projects revealed in the running for Australia’s top architecture prizes

The shortlist has been revealed for the prestigious Australian Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2023 awards, with 5 projects designed by Tenderstream members among the competing submissions for Australia’s top prizes for architecture. Awards jury chair Shannon Battisson said the awards were a celebration of design excellence, stating: “These awards showcase the skill and knowledge of our design professionals in creating spaces that have a positive impact on our landscapes and the lives of those who live in and around them.”

Nominated In the commercial category, Larrakeyah NorForce by BVN provides a new headquarters, working accommodation, logistics support, and training facilities for a regiment of the Australian Army Reserve responsible for surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas and coastline of North-western Australia. Situated at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, the facility adjoins a ceremonial site that is culturally important to the Larrakia people. The new accommodation is planned to provide meaningful visual connections with the adjacent site and includes large overhanging roofs to offer shelter from the harsh climate.

Also in the commercial category, Grimshaw’s 27-storey workplace Poly Centre at 210 George Street, Sydney is conceived as a series of vertical villages in expansive double-height volumes that allow tenants to work with the highest level of amenity but also a heightened sense of community. The interior utilizes daylight in a way that enhances the spaces within to produce a truly leading-edge workplace with wellness central in the design. The building targets a 5-star Green Star As-Built rating and a 5-star NABERS Energy rating.

Meanwhile, Hassell has no less than 3 projects on the shortlist: in the enduring architecture category, the firm is recognised for the design to accommodate increased traveller volumes at Olympic Park Station in Sydney. Sequentially sized spaces, managed pathways, ramps, and lift access deliver large crowds comfortably to and from the station, while the canopy roof over a subterranean station connects all levels with light, air and views.

In the educational category, the firm’s design for the Australian National University Research School of Physics Stage 1 Building in Canberra envisages a central high-tech ‘jewel’ containing shared research platforms that enable discovery. This is encircled by a ‘necklace' of collaborative research offices for focussed intellectual endeavour, and interactive spaces for school engagement with students, research colleagues and industry.

Finally, Hassell was also selected for the urban design shortlist with the Herston Quarter Redevelopment Stage 1 and 2. For nearly a decade, Hassell has been involved as the primary design advocate for the AU$1.1 billion redevelopment of the quarter, situated in Brisbane. In 2022, Stages 1 and 2 of Hassell’s masterplan for the 5.5 hectare health-focused precinct were completed, delivering game-changing urban design and public realm outcomes. The redevelopment creates boundary-pushing integration between the buildings and the public realm, which challenge what is expected from health facilities and treatment spaces.

The award winners will be announcced on 31st October at an event traking place at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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