Shortlist revealed in 40th year of Australian National Architecture Awards

The Australian Institute of Architects has revealed a shortlist of 57 entries in the pre-eminent contest of architectural design excellence that now spans four decades, the National Architecture Awards. Selected from a field of 807 entries, the shortlisted projects span the full gamut of architectural practice, from residential to commercial, educational to public architecture and urban design.

Collectively they represent the best in Australian architecture with projects drawn from around the country in the cities and the regions. This year marks a milestone for the awards program, celebrating 40 years since its commencement. Jury Chair and Immediate Past National President Alice Hampson reflected on the importance the program has accrued over this period.

“The peer-reviewed judging process is vital as it creates benchmarks for the betterment of the profession, practice and architecture,” Ms Hampson said.

“Judging the National Architect Awards is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of delightfully potent architectural discourse. “The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated this task, but no matter how one visits, truly exceptional work resonates powerfully, and our conversations with the committed, passionate and gifted designers responsible for them were most memorable.”

Ms Hampson said the jury also “makes the observation that public architecture of great standing is increasingly rare and, as a profession, we must advocate for this as a foundation of architectural endeavour.”

Importantly, the awards program provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the enduring value great architecture brings to clients and communities.

This celebration was shared for the first time in 2020 with a global audience resulting in more than 30,000 views of the awards ceremony, which more than 3,100 people watched live on the night.

This year’s National Architecture Award Winners will be announced on Thursday 4 November 2021 and will again be live streamed to the world at 7pm AEDT.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award also opens today giving members of the public until midnight on 2 November to nominate their favourite residential project from the shortlist.

All those who vote can then enter the running to win one of three $500 Bunnings gift vouchers. Alice Hampson LFRAIA was joined on the jury by Angelo Candalepas LFRAIA, Robert Nation LFRAIA, Ingrid Richards RAIA and Cameron Bruhn Hon. FRAIA.