Architecture

Australian architect Kerry Hill has been posthumously awarded the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) 2023 Gold Medal, with the jury praising his remarkable contribution to elevating architectural standards in the country.
A widely respected public figure, Hill was described by the jury as being “hands-on,” “exacting,” “a perfectionist,” and a man of few words who preferred to let his projects speak for themselves. Hill built an extensive portfolio, filled with various community buildings, office towers, and multi-residential projects, however, he was most notably recognized for his detailed hotel designs. Some of his most celebrated hotel projects include The Chedi, Bandung, (1992–1994), Amanusa, Nusa Dua, (1990–1992) and The Serai, Manggis (1992–1994), all located in Indonesia.
During his career, Hill earned numerous awards. He was the recipient of the prestigious Aga Khan Award in 2001 for his design of the Datai Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia, in 1995 he won the Kenneth F. Brown Asia Pacific Culture and Architecture Design Award, and in 2010, he received a President’s Design Award in Singapore for Designer of the Year.
Hill was also awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal in 2006 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2012.
Hill held a special place in his heart for Singapore, having based himself there in 1979 and Singapore being the country where he established his practice Kerry Hill Architects. In the 1990s, he introduced a unique design language in Asia through the creation of modern, climate specific resort and residential projects. With clean lines and carefully chosen materials, he crafted spaces that not only captivated the architectural community but evoked a sense of appreciation for good design within the general public.
His accomplishments as an architect extended beyond just design ability. The jury praised him for his frequent and generous sharing of knowledge and expertise with emerging architects through lectures, mentoring, serving on judging panels and teaching at several leading architecture schools.
Kerry Hill Architects continues to uphold his legacy, with the practice an ongoing testament to his influence.
Hill was a joint winner of the 2023 SIA Gold Medal, sharing with architect Raymond Woo, of Raymond Woo and Associates Architects. More

A beloved historical treasure, the Lippincott House, built in 1917, has hit the market with a listing price ranging between $2.1 million and $2.3 million. The two-storey home is part of the Glenard Estate in Eaglemont, designed by architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. The home’s initial designs were completed by architect Roy […] More

The New South Wales government has announced it will axe the previously mooted $481 million redevelopment of Powerhouse Ultimo, instead opting for a $250 million heritage revitalization of the existing museum.
The remaining $230 million will be diverted to support the construction of new school and hospital projects in the state.
The decision is the latest chapter in the long saga of Powerhouse Ultimo.
In 2015, the then-state government proposed to sell the site for $200 million in order to fund the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta, which drew ire from across the NSW community.
The government eventually backed down, announcing in 2020 that the site would be retained.

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The existing Powerhouse Ultimo, including the 1988 extension known as the Wran building, will be retained. Image:

Powerhouse Museum

A design competition was launched in 2022 to create expanded exhibition and public spaces, with a focus on design and fashion.
The redevelopment proposed to demolish the Wran building, a 1988 extension that was designed by NSW government architect Ian Thomson and earned a Sulman Medal: the highest accolade for public architecture in the state. The Wran building will now be retained.
The 2022 design competition was won by a team comprising Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay and Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup. Their design was unanimously selected by a jury and described as a “truly exceptional building.”
Following the 2023 state election, reports emerged that the previous government had buried two studies that highlighted the heritage significance of the 1988 adaptive-reuse works, and pressure mounted on the new government to reconsider the redevelopment approach.
“We have responded to community calls for a more modest redevelopment, saving the Powerhouse Museum and preserving the Wran legacy with a $250 million heritage redevelopment,” said arts minister John Graham. More

Desert Mob 2023

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Tjunkaya Tapaya applying sgraffito techniques in the ceramics studio. Image:

Courtesy of Ernabella Arts

An unmissable opportunity to experience culturally rich and diverse works from over 35 art centres across desert country, the 2023 edition of Desert Mob promises to amaze, inspire and educate its attendees. Held between 7 September to 22 October in Alice Springs, the event will feature a record number of contemporary works and an opening event program that includes a symposium, a marketplace, workshops, demonstrations, performances and satellite events.
Affordable Art Fair

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The Affordable Art Fair will take place between 31 August and 3 September. Image:

Debby Hudson/Unsplash

The 2023 Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne will feature thousands of original works from over 50 of Australia’s boutique galleries, along with live painting sessions, interactive workshops and vibrant installations. The four-day event, taking place between 31 August and 3 September, provides collectors and art enthusiasts with an opportunity to engage directly with artists and gallery owners.
With Our Elders

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Euphemia Bostock, Boomalli Ten Founding Member Coolamons (detail), hand built ceramic. Image:

© the artist, photo courtesy of the artist and Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative

This Sydney-based exhibition, running until Saturday, 16 September, showcases ten coolamons created by Euphemia Bostock, proud Bundjalung-Mununjali woman, Elder and founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artist Co-operative — alongside selected works made in a series of ceramics workshops with La Perouse Guriwal Women’s Elders Group, organised by Australian Design Centre and Claypool and coordinated by Dakota Dixon.
Clay: Collected Ceramics

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Ceramic work by Nicolette Johnson. Image:

Courtesy of the artist

From functional to fine art, Clay: Collected Ceramics at the Museum of Brisbane features a curated collection of contemporary ceramics shaping the landscape of local art in Brisbane. The collection, on show until October 22, will include newly commissioned works, never before seen, from cutting-edge Brisbane ceramic artists, Bonnie Hislop, Steph Woods, Kenji Uranishi, Jane du Rand and Nicolette Johnson. More

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Australian Retirement Trust Workplace by Cox Architecture. Image:

Cox Architecture

Architectus for Markham Avenue
Cox Architecture for 70 George Street, Cox Sydney Studio
Cox Architecture for Australian Retirement Trust Workplace
Cox Architecture in collaboration with H and E Architects for The Charles Grand Brasserie and Bar
Elenberg Fraser for Slattery Melbourne
Hammond Studio for SafetyCulture, Sydney Headquarters
JCHQ for Chestnut House
Kerstin Thompson Architects for Lothian Street Studio
Lahaus Studio for Upland Farm – Cabin Forest and Cabin Wren
Lucy Clemenger Architects for Delatite Cellar Door
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer for Campbell House, Private Offices
Walter Brooke for Arup Workplace Adelaide
Woods Bagot for Bassendean Hotel
Use

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Pa collection by Nau. Image: Nau

Arid industrial design development and manufacturing for Embarr Argus
Bankston Architectural and Edition Office for Casts by Bankston Architectural and Edition Office Canberra Design Lab – MPavilion’s “Re-pete” Chair
Design Health Collab for Palm – Breathing new life into asthma treatment
Desiree Ibinarriaga, MADA and Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous Research Lab for Agave Edward
Linacre Studio with Kerstin Thompson Architects for Lothian Street Recycled Lighting Little
Wonder for Round Rhizome Rings
Monash Design Health Collab, SensiLab for PupilMetrix
Nau for Pa collection
Ross Gardam for Volant Chandelier
Ross Gardam for Vestige
SensiLab and Monash Art, Design and Architecture for Drawbotic DB-1: A Drawing Robots Platform
Interact

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Fomo Public Art by Art Theory. Image:

Art Theory

Art Theory for Fomo Public Art
BMW Group and Qut Design Academy for Digitalisation for Sustainability
Deepend Group for Reach Out – Peer Chat
Ellis Jones for Karrkad Kanjdji Trust – Brand ID and Digital
Monash University for Light Colour Humanity – Alastair Swayn Legacy Showcase
The University of Sydney CX Design Team for Sydney Uni App
The DIA Awards are proudly supported by major partners Dulux Venetian Plaster, Smeg, Wood Solutions, Brickworks and The Australian’s WISH magazine.
Following the announcement of merit winners comes the annoucement of the 2023 fellows, who are listed below:
Design Institute of Australia Fellows 2023
Anna Brown, lecturer in industrial and product design, University of South Australia
Brooke Lloyd, interior designer and director, Cox Architecture
Celina Clarke, founder and senior industrial designer, Ism Objects
Csilla Csabai, global technical team leader, Woods Bagot
Fiona Lynch, interior designer and founder, Fiona Lynch Office
Jonathan Tighe, head of industrial design, Intellidesign
Paul Turley, educator, TAFE Queensland and Griffith University, and designer at Home
ReThink Ross Gardam, lighting and furniture designer, founder, Ross Gardam
Simon Christopher, founder and senior industrial designer, ISM Objects More

The Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland chapter has declared the 2023 Philip Y. Bisset Planning (Architecture) Scholarship open for submissions, with the successful candidate to be awarded $15,000 towards overseas study. The scholarship enables final year Master of Architecture students in Queensland to undertake a course of study or research on architecture overseas, with a […] More

Thirty-three architecture and design firms, all members of the Architecture and Design Reconciliation Industry Network Group, have come out in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the establishment of a First Nations voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
The group has published an open letter with that states each of the architecture and design firms have Reconcialition Action Plans embedded in their practices, as part of their ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation in Australia.
The open letter reads:

We represent a broad group of architecture and design practices, each with endorsed Reconciliation Action Plans that formalize our commitment to advancing reconciliation in Australia.
We believe the Voice is a simple, sensible, and positive step in the process of righting the wrongs of the past and building a more equitable Australia.We shape spaces and places on Country across Australia. As a design community, we have begun a process of better connecting with Country – through close engagement and participatory processes led by First Nations communities.
We have witnessed the positive impacts of engaging directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose wisdom, generosity, and world-view enrich our work and the built environment.
We respect the principle of self-determination. We’re committed to working towards greater equity and prosperity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We call on other industries, businesses and organizations to join us – to stand up, speak up, and support an incredibly important moment in Australia’s history.
We urge all Australians to learn more about the Uluru Statement and make an informed decision in the Referendum.

Signatories to the open letter are: AJC Architects, Bates Smart, BKK Architects, Brand Architects, Breathe, Carter Williamson Architects, CK Architecture, Clarke Hopkins Clarke, Cox Architecture, Denton Corker Marshall, Design Inc, Edition Office, Fitzpatrick and Partners, Gresley Abas, Jackson Clements Burrows, Kerstin Thompson Architects, Kosloff Architecture, Lovell Chen, March Studio, McBride Charles Ryan, Meld Studios, MGS Architects, Nguluway Design inc, NH Architecture, Oculus, Philips Pilkington Architects, Sam Crawford Architects, Schored Projects, Six Degrees Architects, Tract, TRCB, Walter and Walter, and Warren and Mahoney.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum will be held on 14 October. For information and resources on the referendum see the Voice and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. More

Port Phillip City Council in Melbourne is considering a proposal for the establishment of a live music venue on a triangle site in St Kilda next to the Palais Theatre.
An indicative site layout has been drawn up, providing a picture of how the venue and carpark could look. The indicative design depicts a venue that is mostly standing and has a series of elevated terraces, balconies and rooftops, with a performance space that could be adapted and adjusted to suit a crowd of 5,000 or small crowds, as well as industry training events and functions.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the St Kilda Triangle site is a prime position for a purpose-built indoor live performance venue.
“We’ve spoken to music industry experts from venues and promoters to performers to gauge the feasibility of this creative concept and they say it would help address a critical shortage of medium-large live music spaces. We now need to hear what our community thinks before deciding whether to progress this plan for the Triangle to play an even bigger role in St Kilda’s live music scene,” Cunsolo said.
“This concept is also about providing beautiful, well-designed outdoor space for locals and visitors which complements the much-loved ‘slopes’ and provides a pedestrian connection to the foreshore.”
The St Kilda Triangle is well-serviced by public transport and the site layout includes about 240 parking spaces in a semi-basement and adjacent site, as well as an existing 1,600 paid parking site within a 500-metre radius.
In 2016, the council endorsed a masterplan by ARM Architecture that would have seen a third gallery for the National Gallery of Victoria or a large cultural facility on the site of the St Kilda Triangle.
The council says its latest proposal “reflects the spirit and intention of the 2016 Masterplan for the site and is aligned with the Triangle’s history as the past home of the Palais de Danse dance hall, Palace Nightclub and other entertainment venues.”
The proposal will be discussed at the Port Phillip Council meeting on Wednesday, 6 September, whereupon council may elect to release the concept into the community for consultation. Progressing the project from idea to implementation would rely heavily on collaboration with the Victorian government. More