Architecture

Architects will have an opportunity to deepen their knowledge about First Nations’ connections to Country by participating in a three-day immersive course held by the Australian Institute of Architects from 14 to 16 February, 2024.
The Country, Culture, Community program – to be held in nipaluna (Hobart) will explore the practicalities of connecting and designing with Country, as well as engaging with community throughout the design process.
Institute national education program lead Kate Concannon said the role of architects was evolving and recent advocacy for First Nations perspectives had emphasized an awareness that architecture has had a “blind spot” for Indigenous perspectives. However, she said, there was a collective desire to address the issue.
“Through various forums and continuing professional development programs we are striving to help architects attain the newly introduced competencies that underpin the effective engagement and informed design that celebrate and support Country, communities and cultures,” Concannon said.

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Puntukurnu AMS Healthcare Hub by Kaunitz Yeung Architecture. Image:

Robert Frith

The 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) introduced eight new performance criteria to establish specific requirements related to Country, First Nations cultures and communities. The course aligns with the NSCA in that it assists architects to identify successful approaches to intercultural design and artist collaboration, consult and engage in an effective and respectful manner, as well as balance community needs and expectations with regulatory frameworks such as the National Construction Code.
The program seeks to provide practical and actionable insights to guide architects on how to address regulatory compliance, cultural responsiveness, understanding of Indigenous aspirations, project budgeting, and integration of quality, and performance standards considering environmental impact.
Speakers will include Kevin O’Brien (BVN), Sarah Lynn Rees (Jackson Clements Burrows), Michael Mossman (University of Sydney), Jefa Greenaway (Greenaway Architects), Troy Casey (Blaklash), Poppy Taylor and Mat Hinds (Taylor and Hinds), and Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland (Edition Office).

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Bendigo Law Courts by Wardle. Image:

Tim Griffith

Concannon strongly encouraged architects and other professionals within the field to attend.
“Together we can commit to the development, at both an individual and practice level, of knowledge, understanding and practical skills to produce architecture that is more informed, respectful and enriching,” she said.
CEO Cameron Bruhn said the Insitute remain dedicated to supporting the call for Voice, Treaty, Truth, using it as a guiding principle for strategies and plans – with this program just one example of that commitment.
“Working together, we can change outcomes for Indigenous Australians through our support of the profession and alignment of our policy, advocacy and education approaches with First Nations values and priorities,” Bruhn said.
The three-day program will attract 10 CPD points in competencies including NSW mandatory topics, First Nations, Sustainability and NCC 2022. The program will feature a welcome reception, a Dark Sky Tasmania experience and a half-day tour of Murrayfield Station on Bruny Island.
Early bird tickets are on sale now. For the full speaker line-up and to find out more visit here. More

The ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact returns in 2024, with the program honouring projects that promote the common good and have made valuable contributions to society. The 2024 jury comprises David Fisher of Housing Choices Australia, Maryam Gusheh of Monash University, Kieran Wong of the Fulcrum Agency, Linda Cheng, of Architecture Media and Greens MP […] More

The New South Wales government is set to develop a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for buildings up to six storeys.
A design competition will be launched in early 2024 that will challenge Australian and international architects, and architecture schools to create best-practice proposals for low- and mid-rise dwelling types for Sydney and New South Wales.
Winning designs will be incorporated in a pattern book that will be available for developers to chose from, in order to access an accelerated pathway to approval.
The pattern book will include designs for terraces, semi-detached housing, manor houses and apartment buildings of up to six storeys.
Proposed designs should suit the New South Wales climate, allow for natural light and include community spaces.
The process will be led by Government Architect NSW, along with the architecture and planning professions, councils, and development and construction industry leaders.
“Despite being in the top 30 cities in the world by GDP, Sydney ranks 859th in the world when it comes to density,” said planning minister Paul Scully. ““Increasing density in well-located and well-connected parts of Sydney is a key part of the NSW Government’s housing plan. We want to ensure density is done well, and this package will ensure that happens.”
The NSW government will also introduce a mechanism to fast track high-rise developments for sites close to transport infrastructure.
As an alternative to the design excellence competition pathway, developers will be able to chose from a list of architects pre-approved by the government architect, which will reduce the planning assessment process by 6 to 12 months.
“I’ve heard builders and other stakeholders explain some of the long approval times they encounter,” said premier Chris Minns.
“What I’ve announced today is the start of addressing those delays.” More

Located at Rooty Hill in Sydney’s western suburbs, the new $100-million Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub has opened, under the attention-grabbing acronym BEST.
Designed by ARM architecture with landscape architecture by Architectus, the hub is intentionally eye-catching, vibrant and dramatic. It was delivered through the design finalisation and construction phases by CO.OP Studio with Buildcorp.
The objective of the project was to create an “internationally recognizable” sporting precinct that would not only attract local residents but sub-elite athletes, professional teams and rising stars from across the nation.

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The hub is intentionally eye-catching, vibrant and dramatic. Image:

Courtesy Blacktown City Council

More than a sports training centre, the facility has been fitted out with consulting rooms, an aquatic recovery pool, a physical rehabilitation space, a 60-metre analysis running track, an environmental chamber, a biomechanics lab, as well as medical technology and 3D-printed equipment to provide allied health treatment.

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The design team incorporated elements reminiscent of Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses and Chinese gardens to celebrate and be inclusive of multiculturalism in the community. Image:

Courtesy Blacktown City Council

The building’s contemporary and striking design reflects the diversity of Blacktown’s community. The design team incorporated elements reminiscent of Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses and Chinese gardens to celebrate and be inclusive of multiculturalism in the community.
Outside the building is a “physical literacy” play space, designed by Architectus with input from BEST project director Neil Gibson, which has been created to improve children’s physical, psychological, social and cognitive skills.
BEST opened on Sunday 19 November. More

Five houses have been recognized in the Australian Institute of Architects 2024 Newcastle Architecture Awards.
Bastian Architecture received an award for Olive Tree House in the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category. The modest home on a site half the size of the average block. “Despite the modest building footprint, the living spaces feel dynamic and generous due to the courtyard arrangement and connections to the broader landscape,” the jury said. “Careful internal planning and inventive details ensure that every square metre is working hard.”

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Olive Tree House by Bastian Architecture. Image:

Katherine Lu

10/30 House by Matt Thitchener Architect and Karuah River Retreat by SHAC each received commendations in the same category.
Over in the Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions), Are House by Curious Pracie and Karen’s Place by Studio Dot both received awards.
“Aru House is proof of architecture’s capacity to elevate human experience, melding quality, craft, and innovation to instill joy, delight, and a profound sense of place,” the jury said. “It is with great enthusiasm that we celebrate Aru House as a beacon of architectural excellence and an exemplar of the transformative power of design.”

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Aru House by Curious Practice Image:

Justin Aaron

The jury also lauded Karen’s Place for its “exceptional and meticulous transformation of a heritage terrace house.”
“The reuse of 10,000 salvaged bricks, along with the incorporation of convict bricks with unique markings, tells a compelling narrative of heritage preservation and familial connection, “ the jury said.

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Karen’s Place by Studio Dot. Image:

Brigid Arnott

A 41-square-metre free-standing studio by Curious Practice also received an award in the Small Project Architecture category. Princes Studio uses finely crafted partitions and joinery to create a sense of abundant space and amenity within its diminutive walls.
“The considered use of timber for structure, linings and many of the fixtures engender a beautiful, warm and sustainable building,” the jury said. “This freestanding studio is an inspiring example of design excellence being combined with affordable and sustainable construction practices, to create a delightful living experience for a young family.”
Curious Practice also received an award and a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing for Maggie Street and Dent Street Double respectively.
See all the winners of the 2024 Newcastle Architecture Awards here. More

The winners of the 2023 Architeam Awards have been revealed, with the winning and commended projects highlighting a commitment to flexibility, sustainability, and design for multigenerational families. The awards jury included director of Gray Space and Architeam chair Ajith Kuruvilla, Philip Stejskal of Philip Stejskal Architecture, Claire Scorpo of Agius Scorpo Architects, Peter Knights of […] More

The Northern Territory government has unveiled new designs for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), with updates made to the interior atrium and facade.
In March 2022, the territory government appointed BVN and Susan Dugdale and Associates to design the gallery with landscape architecture to be completed by Aspect Studios and Clarsen and Clarsen. The project has been co-designed with the local Arrernte community as well as with input from First Nations peoples from across Australia through the National Reference Group, which comprises 11 members, nine of whom identify as First Nations people and three as Traditional Owners of the local estate group of Mparntwe.
Gallery amenities and features remain relatively the same with a First Nations-led and governed gallery, a cultural welcoming circle, a four-storey atrium, a top-floor event and function space, a ground-floor cafe, an outdoor public area, healing gardens to protect and preserve sacred sites, and a Kwatye (water) play park still planned for the site.

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The pinkish, earthy shade of the atrium and stairwell area has been updated to a more neutral, creamy colour palette with the skylights above the stairwell redesigned. Image:

Northern Territory Government

The atrium and stairwell has been redesigned with two oval-shaped skylights above the stairwell replacing three geometric triangular apertures. A walkway originally depicted as being suspended above the stairs and wrapping around to the right of the atrium has also been removed and substituted with a more subtle walkway to the left of the stairs.

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Render of the cultural welcome space. Image:

Northern Territory Government

Plans state the vision for the gallery is to celebrate and display First Nations artwork, share stories and interpretations of the world’s oldest continuous culture, encourage local participation in arts programs and events, generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and upon completion of the gallery, as well as “create a high-quality cultural facility that stands as an iconic architectural statement, driving tourism, enhancing liveability, and promoting social and economic objectives.”
A tender for the construction of the project is now open until 14 December 2023. Construction is expected to commence in late 2027, with the gallery anticipated to open in early 2028. More

The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has opened the 10th MPavilion structure in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, designed by Japanese architect and 1995 Pritzker Prize laureate Tadao Ando, and executive architect Sean Godsell.
The MPavilion is Ando’s first project in Australia and features his signature geometric form and use of concrete.
The installation comprises two right-angled concrete walls, offset from each other to form a square with two entrances.
A central circular concrete column supports 14.4-metre span aluminium-clad parasol. A concrete bench along the southern wall provides seating, while a shallow pool at the northern half of the room creates a reflective water feature. Local blue stone paving is used on floor of the pavilion.

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A reflective pool in the MPavilion designed by Tadao Ando. Image:

John Gollings

The pavilion is oriented on the axis of the pedestrian crossing adjacent to Queen Victoria Gardens. Ando creates an orchestrated, sequenced journey from the edge of the gardens to the wall of the pavilion where the entrance is then revealed to the right.
The interior of the pavilion is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese walled garden. Two open slits in the north and south walls, spanning 17 metres and self-supporting, offer glimpses of the gardens beyond.
The pavilion also subtly draws the surrounding gardens in with a hint of overhanging branches of a nearby plain tree.
In a statement provided to Sean Godsell, Tadao Ando said, “Here in Melbourne I imagined an architecture that could inspire people realize the wonder of nature surrounding it – a pavilion where the sky, water and people become one and dialogue is fostered beyond the boundary of the pavilion and into the garden. I hope the people of Melbourne and throughout Australia will further contemplate the nature of architecture culture from the experience here.”

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A 14.4-metre wide aluminium parasol partially shades the interior of the MPavilion by Tadao Ando. Image:

John Gollings

Naomi Milgrom, who commissions the MPavilion annually, said, “Tadao Ando has designed a new, iconic destination in Melbourne, one that will serve as both a contemplative spot, a temporary refuge from the bustle of the city, and as a dynamic site for creative discovery and vigorous discussion for those attending our public program.”
As with all the past MPavilion structure, Ando’s pavilion is designed to be disassembled at the end of its life in the gardens and relocated to a permanent home. The aluminium-clad parasol is pre-made in a factory, which can be disassembled and reassembled easily elsewhere. The bluestone paving is similar to that of the Bijoy Jain-designed pavilion (2016) which was relocated to Melbourne Zoo.
Godsell said the concrete walls, which is made using a green concrete mix, can be demolished and reused as aggregate, to be recast in a future location.
MPavilion will open on 16 November, kicking off a five-month-long program of more than 150 events. More