That’s a wrap, (or Oeru 終える in Japanese) and what an exciting celebration of the work of architects. Those celebrated include some of whom are educated in Australia and now living and working abroad, and others, Australian architects completing projects internationally. It was at the International Chapter Architecture Awards, held at the Australian Pavilion and World Expo Osaka 2025 on July 12, where we all gathered to celebrate. Congratulations to all award recipients and to the entrants, thank you for putting your projects forward for consideration.
Jesse Hunniford captured the event beautifully and you can view a gallery of images from the event here.
The celebration event was curated by International Chapter Councillors, many of whom travelled to Osaka to attend the event and I would like to thank them sincerely for the passion and dedication they all give to the Institute. Luke Hayward based in Osaka as well as Samantha Cotterell, Vui Choong, Wei Yap, Justin Hill, John Chow, Nailah Masayu and Orlando Illiopoulos, all took themselves to Osaka, Kansai, Japan for this significant event for the International Chapter. Their commitment to the Chapter and support on the ground was invaluable and I sincerely thank them.
President Elect David Wagner, CEO Cameron Bruhn and Fiona McMullen from the Institute team, were also on hand to support the event and their contribution was greatly appreciated by all. David and Cameron then went on to Tokyo where they met with the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) to discuss ongoing relations and collaboration moving forward. Such relationship building should not be underestimated; this is important advocacy and relations work.
I would also like to thank the 2025 International Chapter Awards jury Wei Jien Ito, Natalie Ward, Vince Pirrello (also travelled to Osaka) and Luke Hayward for their deliberations and commitment to the awards process.
To the architecture practices that provided short films of their work, Buchan, SANAA + Architectus, Ando + Godsell, KHA, Atelier Luke, Architecture AND, Tato and Koichi Takada, thank you for these examples of Australian practices working in Japan and Japanese architects working in Australia.
Finally, congratulations to the projects shortlisted for the Jorn Utzon Awards at the National Awards which will be announced in November in Canberra.
INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
