Pioneers who are advancing reconciliation through architecture’s connections to Country and addressing Australia’s complex heritage have been awarded at the New South Wales’ Architecture Prizes.
Recognising the outstanding achievements of individuals and practices working to improve the built environment, the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Prizes and Honours Awards have been granted to 30 practitioners and organisations.
Chapter President Adam Haddow said the accolades celebrated the diversity of work across the industry, including in project design, reconciliation and First Nations perspectives, housing affordability and industry excellence.
Three Prizes for Reconciliation were awarded to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community social enterprise Gujaga Foundation, architect and educator Dr Michael Mossman, and the Heritage NSW and Heritage Council of NSW.
“We believe that our efforts as a profession and community to engage with and consider First Nations stories and perspectives is critical to the betterment of society and our collective culture,” Mr Haddow said.
President’s Prizes were also awarded to the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and the Blacktown City Council for their efforts on housing and community development.
The NSW Land and Housing Corporation was recognised for its procurement of high-quality social housing, in the Bigge Street Apartments.
“While housing itself is the priority, well-designed housing that is fit for purpose, reduces running costs, increases individuals sense of health and well-being, and is robust and future proofed, are all
important contributing factors to delivering value to the people of NSW,” Mr Haddow said of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation.
The David Lindner Prize for graduate and emerging architects was awarded to Isabella Reynolds for her proposal to research the invisible experiences of people living with chronic pain and disease, and how the built environment should address this.
The Christopher Procter Prize, also for an emerging architect, went to Andrea Lam for her project to reinvigorate Australian urban Chinatowns through a study trip to one of the oldest and largest in the western world, in San Francisco.
Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Catherine Lassen, won the Marion Mahony Griffin Prize for her inspirational career as a practitioner and academic, and her consistent and passionate promotion and mentoring of those around her.
These awards also celebrate the elevation of esteemed Fellows and Life Fellows. Fellowship is awarded to those who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the architecture profession beyond architecture practice. Each nomination requires the endorsement of two voting members and the Chapter Council.
Life Fellowship is awarded to members who is a Fellow of the Institute and who, in the opinion of the National Council, has rendered notable contribution to the advancement of the profession in design, construction, literature, education, public service or in any other way deemed worthy of the honour of Life Fellowship. Life Fellow is the highest honour class of RAIA membership available to members practising architecture.
President’s Prize:
NSW Land & Housing Corporation
Blacktown City Council
Reconciliation Prize
Gujaga Foundation
Dr Michael Mossman
Heritage NSW and Heritage Council of NSW
Marion Mahony Griffin Prize
Catherine Lassen
David Lindner Prize
Isabella Reynolds
Tamara Kerr (Commendation)
Christopher Procter Prize
Andrea Lam
Life Fellows
Laura Cockburn
Bridget Smyth
Ingrid Pearson
Mark Jones
Prof Lindsay Johnston AM
Dr Deo Prasad AO
Fellows
Andrew Duffin
Cherry Parsons
Brent Dunn
Elisabeth Peet
Duncan Sanby
Kirstin Utz
Jason Elsley
Sophie Solomon
John de Manincor
Gabrielle Pelletier
Niall Macken
Jacqueline Urford
Phillip Arnold
Sandra Stewart
Wesley Hindmarch
*Prize citations available on request.
Media contact: Rosanne Barrett on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects | M 0425 420 024 | hello@barrettcomms.com.au
