Architecture

The newly opened South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Bega Valley, New South Wales, designed by Sibling Architecture, has doubled the size of the former Bega Valley Regional Gallery.
The reimagined gallery has been built within the existing footprint of the former gallery. Comprising 500 square metres of exhibition, archive, storage and workshop spaces, the expansion of the gallery will enable two exhibitions to run simultaneously.

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The cultural hub is double the size of the former gallery building. Image:

David Rogers

The public building features a contemporary perforated steel facade with a steel screen on the building’s exterior offering an opportunity for exhibitions to extend beyond the gallery’s interior.
The integration of windows in the gallery provides visual access to the surrounding landscape, Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain) and the community garden across the street.

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The redevelopment was funded as part of the Bega Valley Cultural and Recreational Infrastructure Project. Image: Supplied

SECCA director, Iain Dawson said the vision for the project was to create a space where people could visit to “experience art and free expression, to learn about different cultures, and above all, be inspired.”
“The gallery has earned a place on Australia’s cultural calendar through its dynamic setting and a long history of engaging exhibitions as the Bega Valley Regional Gallery. This is a testament to the quality of our new space and our commitment to supporting contemporary art,” said Dawson.
The redevelopment was funded as part of the Bega Valley Cultural and Recreational Infrastructure Project, which received around $2.47 million in funding from the federal government to transform the arts space, construct the Pambula Squash Courts (completed in 2022), and upgrade the Eden Skate Park – expected to begin construction November 2023.

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The newly expanded South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Bega Valley, New South Wales, has opened, designed by Sibling Architecture. Image:

David Rogers

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, and Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick attended the gallery on 17 November to cut the ribbon and declare the arts space officially open.
McBain said the new cultural hub will have a significant, positive impact on the region.

The first exhibition, the Archibald Prize 2023, will be on display until 7 January, 2024. To find out more about the gallery, visit the SECCA website. More

Danish architect and urbanist Jan Gehl, of Gehl Architects, has returned to Sydney, 16 years after submitting his vision for transforming the city into a greener and more livable metropolis.
Gehl was commissioned by the City of Sydney in 2007 to undertake a study – Public Spaces Public Life Sydney – that would form the basis for the city’s long-term strategic plan, Sustainable Sydney 2030. Gehl’s recommendations resulted in the revitalization of George Street, the establishment of the Sydney Light Rail through the CBD and 20,000 square metres of open communal space.
“A good city is like a good party – people stay longer than really necessary because they are enjoying themselves,” Gehl said.
“After being invaded by cars and traffic for 50 years we’re now seeing many examples of cities being reconquered for people. Sydney is an example of this, where the transformation of George Street is a great change.”

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Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore with architect Jan Gehl on the Light Rail. Image:

Courtesy Clover Moore

In 2017, Gehl was presented with a Key to the City of Sydney by lord mayor Clover Moore, following in the footsteps of his fellow Danish predecessor Jorn Utzon. The key to the city is the highest honour a city can present an individual or organization.
During Gehl’s latest visit, Moore reiterated just how vital his contribution to the Sydney has been, calling it “unparalleled.”
“We have come a long way since 2007 when Jan Gehl said Sydney had turned its back on the harbour, and that it was at breaking point, unable to cope with traffic volumes and gradually being choked in fumes and noise. Back then I was in my first term as lord mayor and Sydney had had a history of ad hoc interventions rather than considered long-term planning. I wanted to change that and transform Sydney with a vision and strategy to achieve it,” Moore said.
“When we saw Public Spaces and Public Life, featuring George Street as a 2.5 kilometre pedestrian boulevard with light rail as its centrepiece and three large civic squares, pedestrian and cycling networks, green connections and revitalised laneways, I knew we had our vision.
“Once a noisy, polluted traffic jam, Sydney’s central spine is now the people-friendly, tree-lined boulevard you’d expect in an international city.”
Gehl reviewed and updated Public Spaces and Public Life Sydney in 2020, while the City of Sydney has extended its strategic Sustainable Sydney 2030 initiative out until 2050, with plans for a public square at Central Station and another overlooking the harbour at Circular Quay. More

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