Key themes of this year’s AILA National Awards were connection to country, sustainability, and leadership. Held in Melbourne, 43 winners were selected by the National Awards Jury, consisting of landscape architects and built environment academics from across the country.
Street Furniture Australia sponsored the Civic Landscape award. GLAS Landscape Architects collaborated with ASPECT Studios, Lyons, Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway + Greenshoot and Architects EAT on the award winning Student Precinct at The University of Melbourne. The precinct features a central amphitheatre, entry gateway, lawn, and a new entry space from Grattan Street. Local materials like mudstone and Victorian stone were incorporated into the design.Thorough research revealed the lost Bouverie Creek, bringing it back to the surface. The story of eel migration within the stormwater system was illustrated with Aboriginal artwork on tree grates.
“Winning an award is about more than just recognition; it validates the hard work and passion that goes into each project. It inspires me to push boundaries and strive for greater heights. Ultimately, it reinforces the importance of what we do as Landscape Architects and encourages continued growth and innovation,” says GLAS Director Jasmine Ong.
Hassell took the Play Spaces award for Landscape Architecture back to Western Australia for their design of Perth Zoo’s ambitious playground.
“We were very proud as the project was very much a labour of love,” says Hassell principal in Perth, Anthony Brookfield.
Featuring a giant numbat, a ‘cloud deck’ made from mist jets and a fun network of rope tunnels, the playground aims to be adventurous yet inclusive while highlighting the conservation work of the zoo.
The playground was designed to fit in with the challenging topography and mature trees on the site. Since installation, visitor numbers have soared with 804,763 visits in the year to June.
“It had a challenging site with an ambitious delivery programme and exciting design concept. I was personally very happy how it all came together and the impact it’s had for the Zoo,” says Anthony.
Linea seats, cafe stools and tables were specified for parents to rest with a snack from the nearby Wagtails cafe, while watching their kids enjoy the natural environment.
“It seems to work very well with its adjacency to the new café and it’s also creating much interest in the Zoo’s conservation work,” he says.
Andrew Thomas from Four Landscape Studio in Perth was the MC this year and also participated on the jury.
“That was a really valuable learning opportunity for me. To see how good submissions are written, what is included and how they respond to the AILA awards criteria which are quite specific.”
Personally, Andrew benefitted from the professional development the role provided, such as what went into a good submission and recommends others participate in the role.
“I got to meet a group of landscape architects from all parts of the country that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet, to discuss projects and understand different components of what they see as good landscape architecture. So that was super valuable,” says Andrew.
This year a new category was added, the Climate Positive Design Awards. St Peters Street in Adelaide earned an Award of Excellence for Landskap & City of Norwood Payneham. Passive stormwater infrastructure, biodiversity, improved pedestrian
Amenity and more than 200 new trees converted hardscapes to softscapes while improving the water cycle.
Jasmine says, “I’m especially proud of the Climate Positive Design award entries this year. It’s a new category that really highlights how important climate action is for landscape architecture. It’s great to see our profession stepping up and making a difference.”
Perth Zoo Playground with Street Furniture Australia Cafe Tables and Stools. Credit: Robert FirthUniversity of Melbourne, Student Precinct. Credit: Peter Bennetts
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