Ross Donaldson
With the announcement of this year’s Awards close now, 12th June, it’s interesting to reflect on some key themes which have emerged through the judging committees.
These reflect just how hard architects have been having to work to meet their client’s expectations in the post COVID construction costs escalation. So many of this year’s entries are demonstration of architects ingenuity.
Achieving more with less
There is a general move towards more serious attention to sustainability. We are seeing more comprehensively integrated sustainability strategies. This has led to reduced energy demand through higher performing enclosures and reduced embodied carbon with the biggest gains from more modest structures particular in the residential sector. Consistently higher performing buildings have resulted, with greater amenity for users using less material, designing for more with less.
This aligns with the essential goal for decarbonisation of the built environment through dematerialisation.
The modesty of the residential developments is a feature of this year’s residential projects. Designs are meeting the current needs of the household within affordability constraints and planning for flexibility for future adaptability to future needs.
Acts of repair
Another repeated theme was described by one jury chair as “acts of repair”.
Design teams have been working with clients to substantially retain existing buildings, exercising innovative strategies for repurposing the fabric to new uses with commercial value. In addition to the retention of heritage value, buildings are constituting to the revitalisation of precincts with both community and economic benefits.
Civic generosity
Building on the theme of community and economic revitalisation, we are seeing projects designed to actively knit together the fabric of precinct previously divided through the decline of sites interrupting the flow of civic life through the structure of urban environments.
These projects celebrate the civic realm and re-energise community life. Broader economic impacts follow.
The affordability challenge.
Achieving more in challenging times.
These projects have been delivered in the post COVID era with the costs explosions and supply chain challenges.
Architects have had to work very hard to deliver on client aspirations with sometimes extreme challenges from cost escalation, sometimes during the procurement process and sometimes leading to tearing up initial ideas to find more innovative ways to meet expectations.
We are seeing architects and architecture at its most creative in answering these challenges.
See you at the Award night on the 12th of June.