The 2020 David Lindner prize is awarded to Katrina Torresan for her submission entitled “Regional Revitalisation: Reclaiming high streets for public life.”

The economic challenges and revitalisation options currently facing Regional Australia are many and varied.  This winning submission is a direct response to the Government Architect’s vision for Regional NSW and supports growing interests from regional councils who are seeking to ‘breathe life’ back into their main streets.

Through activating the heart of town centres, there is potential to improve the place experience, encourage positive change and growth, and attract tourism, businesses, and individuals to stimulate economic activity. Katrina’s research will provide short and long term recommendations for master planning and creating vibrant high streets within regional centres in NSW.

The jury unanimously agreed that the proposal was highly topical and relevant for industry, regional governments, businesses and communities and has the potential to positively contribute to cultural enrichment of regional Australia.

The David Lindner prize encourages new research on architecture in the public realm. Awarded to an emerging architect in honour of the late David Lindner, it recognizes submissions that generate ideas for solving real challenges facing our cities, and contributes to the profession as well as the broader community.