Catherine Townsend has been appointed for another term as the government architect for the Australian Capital Territory.
Townsend was first appointed to the position in 2016 to provide independent design advice to the ACT government on architecture, urban design, planning and procurement for government projects and private proposals.
ACT planning minster Mick Gentleman said the government architect plays an important role in helping ensure that major public projects, like the light rail or hospital expansions, are designed with climate resilience and accessibility as a priority.
“With the Planning System Review and Reform Project well underway and the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to meeting housing demand through increased urban density, there has never been a more important time for us to keep architecture and design at the forefront of our city’s development,” said Gentleman.
Townsend said she is looking forward to continuing her work for the best possible outcomes for ACT’s build environment, ensuring design responds to Country, and the current and future needs of Canberrans.
Townsend is a director at her practice Townsend and Associates Architects, founded in cofounded in 1993 with Bruce Townsend.
As part of her reappointment, Townsend will mentor two architecture students – Kieran Minto and Courtney Thoo, from the University of Canberra – who have been awarded Alastair Swayn internships. “Ms Thoo will be studying the interface between cemeteries and cities and how this has changed over time, while Mr Minto will be preparing a guide for architects to help them incorporate connection to Country into the design process,” the minister said.
Alastair Swayn became the first ACT government architect in 2010. The Alastair Swayn Foundation was established in 2016 after his death. The internships are a partnership between the foundation, the ACT government and the University of Canberra.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
