Architecture

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

Victorian students undertaking a master’s degree in architecture will soon be able to apply for a new annual scholarship initiative, giving one candidate the opportunity to refine their architectural hand-drawing skills through an overseas educational program. Under the 2024 program, the successful applicant will be granted an amount in excess of $10,000, enabling them to […] More

The Design Institute of Australia has revealed the recipients of its highly sought-after Designers Australia Awards 2023, as well as announced its Graduate of the Year Award.
Out of 230 awards nominations from around the country, eighty-six were shortlisted in this year Designers Australia Awards, resulting in three recipients earning category awards, one designer earning the President’s Award and 32 designers receiving Merit Awards.
Jurors appointed to judge the three awards categories Place, Use and Interact, included Jam Factory’s CEO Brian Parkes; The Fulcrum Agency co-founder Emma Williamson; multicultural artist Grace Lilian Lee; Gene Bawden, communication designer and Head of Department (Design) at Monash University, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture; and Australian Tapestry Workshop’s CEO Sophie Travers.
Coinciding with the Designers Australia Awards is the Madeline Lester Excellence Award. Part of the Graduates of the Year Awards program, the Madeline Lester Excellence Award is intended to give recognition to an emerging designer with exciting prospects. This year, one designer from a pool of 163 candidates has been honoured with the prestigious accolade.
Place
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer for Campbell House, Private Offices.

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Campbell House by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Image:

Cieran Murphy

The jury commended this project for “presenting an exemplary and sensitive response to adaptive reuse, integrating contemporary design within heritage contexts. By extending landscape and natural light into the building (and integrating furniture elements into the garden), the threshold is blurred between inside and outside, whilst a legible interior is retained through spatial simplicity.”
Use
Design Health Collab for Palm – Breathing new life into asthma treatment

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Design Health Collab for Palm – Breathing new life into asthma treatment Image: Supplied

The jurors applauded the design team for the relevance and “timeliness of this project,” which comes at a time when access to clinical support and management “is under increased pressure.” Judges praised the project’s ability to support individuals to self-manage and administer medication accurately and efficiently. Jurors further commended the design team for their ability to develop in-house prototyping of components during the pandemic, resulting in an exceptional customization and production model for tailored healthcare solutions.
Interact

Deepend Group for Reach-out — PeerChat.

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Deepend Group for Reach-out — PeerChat Image: Supplied

The project received praise from the jurors for its ability to connect young people with clinical mental health services through peer support, promoting early intervention between youths. “At a time when our wellbeing and mental health services are under increased pressure, this project demonstrates how inclusive, unbiased and timely peer support can reduce distress, increase mental health knowledge, enhance wellbeing through connection, and improve accessibility for vulnerable communities.”
President’s Award
Andrew Rogers, ARID

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Andrew Rogers, president of ARID. Image: Supplied

Principal of ARID, Andrew Rogers has more than 25 years experience in product and industrial design and commercialisation. He is a multi-award-winning designer who has facilitated the development of more than 300 products. Awarded a DIA Fellowship in 2013, Rogers has been actively involved in championing Australian design and supporting Australian designers for many years. Throughout his prolific career, he has served as a Good Design Ambassador, an advisor for the Australia China Business Council, and as an Australian Liaison Officer to China for International Council of Societies of Industrial Designers (now World Design Organization).

The jury applauded Rogers’ design abilities, as well as his ongoing commitment to promoting the profession, commenting that he has demonstrated first-hand just how good design can be used to make positive and lasting changes within society.
“ARID design continues to be recognised for their timely and necessary products developed for a range of clients across the areas of architectural, medical, educational, electronic, household and commercial products. Key recent projects recognised by the DIA and other awards programs include the Embarr Argus Bush Fire Protection System, Enseal Wine Packaging and Entrust technology system and The Ned’s Head FDA Approved Face Shields, just to name a few.

Madeline Lester Excellence Award
Sandra Srun from the University of New South Wales.

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Portrait of Sandra Srun. Image: Supplied More

The Victorian government will introduce planning reforms that removes restrictions on granny flats across the state. From December 2023, granny flats under 60 square metres will no longer require a planning permit for properties larger than 300 square metres with no floor or environmental overlays. Under the current planning rules, granny flats are termed “moveable […] More

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre has opened after a $63.5 million redevelopment, designed by Warren and Mahoney.
The project involved a redevelopment of the existing facility, originally constructed in 1968 While the 10-lane outdoor 50-metre pool and eight-lane 25-metre indoor pool were retained and upgraded in line with the original character of the facility, a new internal warm water pool was added and multi-purpose spaces were improved to service a wider range of health and well-being activities.

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The level two gym overlooks the outdoor pool. Image:

Tom Roe

The interior features a learn-to-swim pool, a warm-water pool for rehabiliation and exercise with integrated spa, a kids aquatic play area with water slides and a steam and sauna room. Change rooms have been designed to be inclusive with spaces for females, males, gender neutral individuals, families, school groups and people of all abilities.
“The renewal of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is part of Council’s plan to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities,” said City of Darebin mayor Julie Williams.
Fitness and wellness spaces overlook the outdoor pool and comprise an 800 square metre fitness centre, multi-use areas for group exercise and pilates classes, and consult rooms for allied health professionals.

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The Warren and Mahoney-designed Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre has officially opened. Image:

Tom Roe

In designing the centre, Warren and Mahoney had the objective of minimizing the carbon footprint during construction, achieved through careful material selection and integration of energy efficient systems. A large rooftop solar array disperses energy throughout the building, while timber details offer sustainability benefits and a visually pleasing aesthetic.
According to the architects, the critical challenge involved creating a facility that was sympathetic to the local and largely residential surrounding context. A challenge that was met by using materials such as brick and timber, in combination with “breaking down the overall ‘visual mass’ of the project through the careful modulation of facade and roof elements.”
To celebrate the opening, the public was given the opportunity to walk through the centre on November 12, resulting in 4,500 people attending to get a peek of the rejuvenated facility. “It’s a beautiful facility, and we are thrilled the whole community within Darebin [Council] and beyond can now create new memories here,” said Anthony Lawrence, CEO of Clublinks which manages Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre for Darebin Council. More

Entries are now open for the 2024 Australian Urban Design Awards, the annual program established in 1996 to celebrate exceptional homegrown urban design projects.
Created by former prime minister Paul Keating’s Urban Design Taskforce, the awards have highlighted the critical role of good urban design for more than 25 years. The scope of the awards is wide-ranging, attracting entries for not only built projects, but also initiatives and publications that make significant social contributions to cities and towns.
There are four awards categories, including: Built Projects – City and Regional Scale, recognizing completed built projects at a town, suburb, city or region scale; Built Projects – Local and Neighbourhood Scale, acknowledging completed built projects at a site, local or neighbourhood echelon; Leadership, Advocacy and Research – City and Regional Scale, celebrating proposed projects and ideas that could facilitate, guide or promote urban design excellence at a national, state, territory, regional or city scale; and Leadership, Advocacy and Research – Local and Neighbourhood Scale, applauding proposed projects and concepts that could facilitate, guide or promote urban design excellence at a site, local or neighbourhood level.
Cox Architecture, Six Degrees Architects, Architectus, Oculus Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Aspect Studios, and SBLA Studio were among the winners of the most recent awards, last presented in 2022.
The Australian Urban Design Awards are co-convened by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Entries will be accepted until Friday 2 February 2024. Submissions can be made via the Urban Design Awards website. Awards and commendations will be revealed at a presentation at Canberra’s Parliament House on 18 March 2024. More

Plans for the construction of Australia’s first “circularity centre” have been released with Bega in New South Wales set to become the home of circular innovation.
Designed by Cox Architecture, the facility will operate as a discovery and educational centre, a tourism destination and the headquarters for circular economy research and advancement. Plans state the hub will “showcase local products, programs, technology use and community history, connecting the past to the future.”

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The centre is set to open in early 2026. Image:

Cox Architecture

The project is an initiative of the Regional Circularity Cooperative, a membership organization with support from a range of businesses including Bega Cheese, the University of Wollongong, Bega Valley Shire Council, as well as industry bodies, such as Meat and Livestock Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, and Landcare and Aboriginal Land Councils. The group aims to make the Bega Valley “the most circular region in Australia by 2030.”
“The Bega Valley is the perfect location to prove the concept of the circular economy because it is a natural water catchment and has relevant industries thriving in the district – tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and Australian food producer, Bega Cheese – and a strong resilient community who are open to change,” the University of Wollongong said in a statement.
Comprising a visitors’ centre, a local providore, agriculture technology and business innovation hub, the Centre of Circularity aspires to be the “home of circular economy” education in Australia.

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The centre will educate visitors on circular economies, sustainability, technology, and capabilities of the region as the home of circularity. Image:

Cox Architecture

The facility will embody the theme of circularity through the use of recycled, repurposed and locally sourced materials, as well as through targeting sustainability and low energy ratings. It will also incorporate First Nations culture and history into the design.
The objectives of the establishment include educating visitors on circular economies, technology, sustainability, agriculture, land management, water use, food production and business innovation; demonstrating the capabilities and potential of Bega Valley as an epicentre of circularity; establishing the region as a model for other regions and organizations to follow suit; and attract domestic and international tourism to the area.
The NSW government has allocated $14 million to the $19 million National Circularity Centre (NCC), while the Bega Group has committed to contributing the remaining $5 million, as well as provide land for the construction of the site.
The centre is set to open in early 2026. More