Evelyn Reynolds

Four shortlisted design teams are vying for creative directorship of the Australia Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Here, we share their proposals:
Redux by Jessica Spresser and Peter Besley
This proposed exhibition explores the human impact on the Australian landscape, focusing on the impact of asbestos in Australia. The display traces the evolution of asbestos, from its rapid ascent as a favoured construction material to its classification as a substance to be avoided and dumped. The title Redux refers to revival and reinterpretation, and in this spirit, the design team stated they aimed to embody “redux” by showcasing new processes for transforming the repudiated material into harmless, carbon-negative-by-products.
Manifesting as a modular display, the installation is designed to be adaptable for re-exhibition. A central exhibition space features large-scale panels raked with former-asbestos mineral render mounted on spotted gum frames, along with tall free-standing columns of blue former-asbestos mineral glaze and scattered seating stools with glazed tops. Additionally, the display will feature maps of asbestos building stock and dump sites.
While Jessica Spresser and Peter Besley are the creative directors behind the proposal, the project also involved contributions from Bill Gammage, Rory Gardiner, Deborah Barnstone, Uma Ketheson, Kleopatra Ananda, Jasmine Sharp, Thomas Li, Asbeter and SDA.

View gallery

Precarious Actions – The Marked Home by Ian Strange, Fleur Watson and Jon Clements
This scheme, as described by the design team, “explores and reveals our increasingly fragile relationship with the experience of home.” The proposed exhibition builds on Australian artist Ian Strange’s research into the human history of making marks on homes to codify, symbolise and expose precarious housing conditions. Markings can be used to shame, separate or signify that a dwelling is no longer a home and conversely, they can also be co-opted by citizens to urgently bring attention to issues such as sovereignty, homelessness, climate change or conflict.
This curatorial framework of this exhibition revolves around two questions: What can we learn from the human history of markings on houses in relation to our precarious relationship with home? How are Australian architects taking action to respond urgently and with collective intelligence to the housing crisis today?
The exhibition consists of five interconnected parts, including a large-scale marking and light installation on the exterior of the pavilion, a “precarious home” installation, a scaffold structure with curated works by Australian architects responding to housing precarity today, a taxonomy installation of historical markings on houses, and a film contextualising the research.

View gallery

A New Normal by Georgia Birks, Ewan McEoin, Rachel Nolan, Dr Timothy Moore and Ross Harding
A New Normal builds on a movement led by architects who are working to transform Australia’s cities from being net consumers of energy, waste, and water into net producers by 2030, without any formal request from governments. The national movement originated from a manifesto launched at the National Gallery of Victoria during 2020 Melbourne Design Week. This manifesto inspired a large exhibition of tangible prototypes (several now built) that offered solutions to social and environmental challenges escalated by the built environment.
The exhibition is presented in two parts: in the gallery and in the undercroft of the gallery. The gallery space features a solar battery in the centre of the gallery space that powers a series of short films that tell the story of the architect-led movement and a future where humans have embraced the “new normal.” The films are interspersed with tongue-in-cheek fake advertisements which emphasise the immediacy and do-it-yourself spirit of A New Normal. In the undercroft, the project is augmented by other technological elements of A New Normal. This includes: a biogas BBQ to feed people, a rainwater tank to create mist and cool people down, and a composting toilet with a magical view. These elements demystify technology by putting culture at its centre – extending the promotion of A New Normal culture.
An expanded team of advisors provided consultation on this scheme. This advisory team comprised Nigel Bertram, Clare Cousins, Mark Jacques, Patrick Kennedy, Rachel Neeson, Philip Thalis, Kerstin Thompson, and Building 4.0 CRC.

View gallery

Home by Jack Gillmer, Emily McDaniel and Michael Mossman
This proposal conceptualises the Australia Pavilion as a “home away from home.” The exhibition presents physical, interactive, virtual and technological mediums, providing participatory opportunities for visitors and contributors of the project to storytell their understandings of home through the lens of Country. “Located within the context of existing and future colonial infrastructures, our proposal utilises methods to Indigenise place to introduce culturally considered innovations safe for ceremony, imbued of Country,” said the design team.
A monumental presence of rammed earth will feature prominently throughout the exhibition, highlighted by a curving rammed earth wall and bench seat designed to facilitate the flow of movement and embrace a sand-filled ceremonial space known as the beating heart. Visitors can choose to contribute by leave their mark and tell their story of home via a “living canvas.”
The creative directorial team behind Home were nominated to represent the voice of First Nations design practitioners: Clarence Slockee, Kayle Salvatori, Elle Davidson and Bradley Kerr.

View gallery

The winning consortium will be revealed on October 10 2024. More

The South Australian government has invited feedback on its draft Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP), a 30-year vision for suitable future development.
The draft plan builds on insights collated from a three-month consultation process in late 2023. It presents a long-term vision for sustainable growth across the Greater Adelaide Region, an 11,000-square-metre area from Cape Jervis to Murray Bridge that encompasses the CBD and the townships of the Barossa Valley and extends to the boundary of Port Wakefield.
The region is currently home to about 1.5 million people, representing approximately 85 percent of the state’s population. This figure is predicted to increase by an additional 670,000 individuals by the year 2050. In an attempt to meet this future influx, the plan aims to proactively pinpoint appropriate land for housing, employment and commercial developments, as well as any supporting infrastructure. It highlights prospective areas for an additional 315,000 homes and the introduction of green spaces.
The key items on which the government is requesting feedback include: the nominated siting of new housing and employment developments, specific areas that should be protected from future development and the maor infrastructure needed to support such growth.
The consultation period for the draft closes on 4 November 2024, with the plan set to be finalised in the first quarter of 2025. To submit feedback, visit the Regional Planning Portal. More

On Bundjalung Country in northern New South Wales, an urban renewal project for Tweed Mall led by Elanor Investors Group, and designed by Chrofi and Turf Design Studio has been recently approved for development by Tweed Shire Council and the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The project reimagines the existing regional CBD site, providing increased retail amenity to an anticipated 4.2 million annual visitors.
According to the architect, the project seeks to redevelop the existing Tweed Mall into an urban destination while addressing the need for sustainable development to account for rapid population growth. “Centres like Tweed are beginning to follow larger centres such as Wollongong and Newcastle, focusing on densification and urban renewal … The project seeks to create an active urban precinct that reflects the area’s unique subtropical character while connecting the CBD to the surrounding natural amenity.”
Linking into the anticipated Gold Coast light rail extension and emerging growth corridor, the project is situated next to Coolangatta Airport, hospitals and Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast Campus. The proposal includes approximately 13,500 square metres of commercial floorspace, 39,000 square metres of retail floorspace and 1350 new dwellings – a portion of which comprises build-to-rent and seniors’ living, both planned for the first stage of development. In total, the proposed dwellings deliver 12 percent of the 2036 North Coast Regional Plan target without the need for new land releases.

View gallery

Having been developed over several years with input from the NSW government architect, the design is a collaborative outcome that, according to Chrofi, blurs “the lines between landscaping, urban design and architecture.” Aiming to strengthen the landscape connectivity with the Jack Evans Boat Harbour and Tweed River, the proposal consolidates large retail tenants away from the site’s edges.
Hybrid retail and public spaces are located around a central “green heart” and beneath a layered outdoor canopy, allowing for semi-outdoor, natural-ventilated environment to suit Tweed’s subtropical climate. According to the architects, landscaping across the design, “prioritises deep greening, incorporating multi-layered endemic plants across both ground and podium levels to create a comfortable environment that invites exploration and interaction.”

View gallery

Deferred commencement approval for the concept development application was awarded in mid-June, with the project planned for a three-stage development over the next 15 years. More

An Australian public library is one of four shortlisted international projects in the running for the title of Public Library of the Year.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions/Baker and Taylor has announced the finalists of its Public Library of the Year Award 2024. Among them, the Yellamundie Library and Gallery, designed by FJC Studio (formerly FJMT Studio), was shortlisted for its functional and sustainable architectural design, as well as its contribution to strengthening local culture.

View gallery

The 5,000-square-metre library, located at Western Sydney’s Liverpool Civic Place, was nominated alongside the Shenzhen Library North by KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten (China); Public Body Kaunas County Public Library by Raimundas Labutis, Ramūnas Grubinskas, Laura Amankavičiūtė and interior architect Laima Čijunskaitė (Lithuania), and Beijing Library by Snøhetta and ECADI (China).
Jakob Lærkes, chairman of the jury panel and head of libraries in the municipality of Gladsaxe, Denmark, said each of the four shortlisted projects are all quite distinct from one another in terms of design, programming and the user experience.
“The Public Library of the Year Award is all about paying tribute to role models, and each of the four nominated libraries stands out as libraries of the future. It is impressive to see the different take on how to respond to the changing needs of the user, sustainability as a more and more important factor, when we build new libraries as well as different takes on how to create welcoming reading and learning spaces for the local communities,” Lærkes said.
“The jury and I believe that each of the four nominated libraries are examples to follow.”
The Yellamundie Library and Gallery was established to replace a former library that was lost to a fire. The library, operated by Liverpool City Council, accommodates public gallery spaces for exhibitions, working stations, children’s education areas, a sunken courtyard, and more than two kilometres of shelving for books and other resources.
The architects describe the curvilinear form of the building as being “inspired by the flow of the local Georges River.” Circular windows on the facade continue this theme of flowing water.
The project achieved a 6 Star Green Star rating.
The award will be presented on 7 October 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the International Library Meeting: “Culture, Knowledge and Community.” More

Designs for a new 17-storey, build-to-rent tower in Abbotsford have been released, with the project targeting the title of Melbourne’s tallest residential mass timber building.
Build-to-rent group Model released the designs for the proposed $120 million high-rise, which would be sited adjacent to the Victoria Park Railway Station at 276 Johnston Street. If approved, the building would accommodate 200 dwellings – 10 percent of which would be allocated to affordable housing – across a ground floor area of 13,000 square metres.
The project required collaboration from a diverse team of partners, including architects Fraser and Partners, sustainability consultants Hip V. Hype, structural and timber engineers BG&E, urban planners from Urbis, as well as quantity surveyors and carbon planners from Slattery. Feasibility testing was undertaken by Model and its partners over a period of six months before designs were released.
According to Model, the design approach was driven by “decarbonisation at scale,” with the project aiming to achieve a 50 percent reduction in embodied carbon compared to standard developments of a similar scale. Additionally, it aims to be entirely powered by renewable energy and to operate at net-zero emissions. The project is targeting Passive House certification, a 6 Star Green Star rating and a NatHERS rating of 9 stars.
The proposal has been submitted for planning approval via the state government’s Development Facilitation Pathway rather than through the City of Yarra. More

A provocation by 2024 Gold Medallist Philip Thalis at the upcoming ArchitectureAu Asks event challenges experts to consider the reciprocal relationship between architecture and the city context, and how it impacts the quality of urban life today.
The ArchitectureAu Asks event programme originates from an editorial series of the same name, where experts from various sectors of the built environment are presented with a question concerning current and critical issues faced by industry.
The inaugural event features a provocation from Philip Thalis, who has asked invited participants to address the question: “how can architects champion public interest?”
Speakers to offer their perspectives include Isabelle Toland of Aileen Sage Architects; Bradley Kerr of Winsor Kerr; Susan Phillips of Phillips Pilkington Architects; Eloise Atkinson of Deicke Richards; Trent Woods of Officer Woods Architects; James Legge of Six Degrees Architects; Ali Bounds of BVN; Jasmine Placentino of Parabolica, and Mat Hinds of Taylor and Hinds.
In their responses, participants will explore the “publicness” of public buildings, the engagement of our commercial spaces with the surrounding streets, and discuss future possibilities for public and affordable housing.
The event make its debut the day after the 2024 National Architecture Awards in Adelaide on Friday 8 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Attendees can earn 3.5 formal CPD points. To find out more about the event, visit here.
ArchitectureAu Asks is a Design Speaks program organised by Architecture Media (publisher of ArchitectureAu) and supported by premium partner Bondor. More

Design renders for the revitalised $150.3 million Perth Concert Hall have been jointly unveiled by the Western Australian and federal governments more than four years after the redevelopment was first announced.
The 2020 Perth City Deal revealed plans for a $52.4 million redevelopment of the 1973 heritage-listed brutalist structure, originally designed by Howlett and Bailey Architects. The deal outlined that construction was expected to be complete in 2022. However, it was only in March 2022 that the design team was appointed – a team comprising With Architecture Studio and OMA.
Further updates regarding the project’s progression were shared in March 2023, when the WA government revealed it would contribute an extra $97.6 million towards the redevelopment, nearly tripling the overall funding specified in the Perth City Deal.
Newly released plans state the building is now expected to be completed at the end of 2027, ready for opening in early 2028.

View gallery

The redevelopment will involve restoring the heritage-listed concert hall’s architectural integrity while simultaneously preserving its acoustics and distinctive features. Under the plans, the seating, lighting, and backstage facilities would be updated, new rehearsal and events spaces would be inserted within the building fabric, the foyer would be refurbished, and the southern and northern forecourts would be transformed. The development will also seek to improve venue accessibility through the remodelling of the auditorium entry, lifts and stairs and the relocation of the box office.
Based on the detailed design statement, the level two foyer will be extended to include new bar and social gathering spaces for use during intermissions and between performances. Upon completion, the building will serve as a permanent home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

View gallery

The existing venue was the first concert hall to be constructed in Australia after World War II. It is internationally renowned for its acoustics. In 2016, the concert hall earned the Australian Institute of Architects National Award for Enduring Architecture.
Western Australian Minister for Culture and Arts David Templeman said the rejuvenation is much-needed to extend the life of the beloved venue. “The works are vital to safeguard the future of the iconic Perth Concert Hall building for artistic groups, performers and audiences,” he said.
In January 2023, the building celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Federal Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman, stated that for more than fifty years, the Perth Concert Hall has offered both national and international artists a platform to showcase their talents. “This investment in Perth’s performing arts will pay itself back multiple times over because investing in the arts benefits our entire community,” he said.

View gallery

All levels of government are funding the project. The state government has contributed $134.3 million, the Australian government has allocated $12 million, and the City of Perth has committed $4 million.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025. More

The Tasmanian government has announced the design of a new hotel at 41–55 Paterson Street in Launceston, Tasmania. Developed by Creative Property Holdings, the project team includes architect Telha Clarke and Skyscape as project manager.
Nearby schemes, including the proposed hotel at 4–6 Boland Street – also designed by Telha Clarke and approved for development by the City of Launceston in 2021 – and two interconnected hotels on 116–128 Cimitiere Street – designed by Scanlan Architects and approved in 2020 – have yet to be realised.
Tasmanian premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff commented that this new Paterson Street hotel would create local jobs and “further cement Tasmania’s reputation as a year-round tourist destination.” According to Rockliff, the project is part of an ambition to strengthen the diversity of offerings in regional Tasmania.
The proposal at Paterson Street is envisioned as a design hotel precinct, comprising a 190-room, five-star hotel, business and education facilities and 400 square metres of street-fronting hospitality spaces. According to the developers, “the hotel will be thoughtfully curated to offer guests an immersive experience, where they can retreat, recharge, and find inspiration in both the hotel’s unique architecture and the captivating natural and built environments of Launceston and the broader northern region.”
Tim Clarke, co-director of Telha Clarke, described the design’s intent to mediate “between the city’s need for a contemporary architectural landmark and the community’s strong affinity to maintain the historical character of Launceston.”
“The inspiration for the design came from the natural formations of rock and sculptural walkways along the Launceston Gorge. These organic forms have been rethought and transformed in a way that also responds to the existing, rectilinear rhythm of Paterson Street,” said Clarke.

View gallery

Given the fallout of similar hotel proposals, the Paterson Street hotel project is eagerly anticipated to improve local amenity and opportunity through the creation of new jobs.
Managing director of Creative Property Holdings Chris Billing observed that “over the past seven years, Launceston has significantly trailed behind Hobart in terms of new high-quality hotel rooms, adding only one-fifth of the new rooms that Hobart has introduced … With major events set to grow, including more AFL and VFL content, it’s important Launceston has the accommodation and choice of designer amenity, to meet the demand.”
Creative Property Holdings have outlined their intention to submit their development application to council in coming months and, subject to approval, begin construction in the latter half of 2025. More