LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE SHAPING FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN QLD
03 Jun 2015
The ‘best of the best’ in landscape architecture has been unearthed at this year’s AILA Queensland Landscape Awards.
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards night has unearthed the ‘best of the best’ in landscape architecture including Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, Gladstone’s East Shores Development Master Plan, Gold Coast Landscape Character Study and Brisbane City Council’s Vibrant laneways program.
Taking out the top gong of the night – the 2015 Queensland Medal for Landscape Architecture – was Southbank Parklands Waterway Management for its strategic management and renewal of the public realm, which included improving the water quality and safety of Southbank’s iconic lagoon which hosts over half a million swimmers per year.
The project was a collaborative effort with City Parklands Transition Services taking the lead, being supported by JFP, PLACE Design Group, and Vee Design.
The AILA awards aim to showcase the everyday work of the profession, from working on city-wide green infrastructure solutions, transforming heritage significant sites into public parklands, to the design of healing gardens that stimulate sight, sound, touch and smell.
AILA QLD Awards Judging Chair Mark Fuller said this year’s awards, held over two years, highlighted that the profession was setting new benchmarks across the state.
“Landscape architects are playing a leading role in tackling big picture issues that are facing our cities and regional communities across Queensland through forward-thinking planning and solutions,” Mr Fuller said.
“Our profession is not only championing quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities and greater environmental stewardship, we are working alongside local government and other professionals in shaping policy and plans to support sustainable development in Queensland.
“The work that has been showcased in this year’s awards has been nothing short of remarkable, especially given the challenges our industry has faced over the past two years with a volatile economy, changing political landscape and an uncertain policy framework in areas that influence the natural and built environment.”
Mr Fuller said overriding themes that have stood out about this year’s 14 awards winners are bold, strategic and imaginative.
“There have been exceptional examples of planning principles, cutting-edge research, and innovative design approaches being applied to our community assets including outdoor public areas, landmarks and structures,” Mr Fuller said.
“We’re seeing leading approaches being researched and adopted to tackle urbanisation, climate change and to assist communities preparedness for the future.”
Mr Fuller said the work of landscape architects in shaping future development in Queensland cannot be understated.
“Our profession plays a significant role in making our cities, towns and regions across our state both livable and beautiful places to live, work and play,” he said.
“This year’s 14 award winners clearly show how this is being achieved.”
The AILA QLD Awards recognise outstanding achievements by landscape architects that promote excellence in landscape planning, design and research. The awards are also an important initiative aimed at bringing the work of local landscape architects to public attention by making the community aware of the positive impact the profession has on Queensland lives through the built and natural environments.
The winners across the five award categories announced at Victoria Park, Herston, Brisbane on Friday 29 May 2015, included:
Design CategoryAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardForest of Memories by Logan City CouncilAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardLady Cilento Children’s Hospital by Conrad GargettThe Queensland Award for Residential Designed LandscapesGarland Garden by LandscapologyAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardFrew Park by Brisbane City CouncilPlanning CategoryAILA Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards of ExcellenceGold Coast Landscape Character Study by Cardno and Catherine Brouwer Landscape ArchitectsAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardBrisbane City Centre Masterplan by UrbisAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardBrisbane Rivers Edge Strategy by Lat27AILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardGCRT 2031 Gold Coast Rapid Transit Corridor Study by HassellAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardIntensive Food Production Code by City Projects Office, Brisbane City CouncilLand Management CategoryThe 2015 Queensland Medal for Landscape ArchitectureSouthbank Parklands Waterway Management by City Parklands Transitions Services with JFP, Place Design Group, and Vee DesignResearch and Communication CategoryAILA Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards of ExcellenceFuture Park by LandscapologyUrban Design CategoryAILA Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards of ExcellenceGladstone East Shores Redevelopment Master Plan by UrbisAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardBeenleigh Town Centre by AECOMAILA 2015 Queensland Landscape Architecture AwardVibrant laneways by Brisbane City CouncilAbout AILAThe Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) is the peak national organisation representing and harnessing the collective interests of the Australian Landscape Architecture professions, and oversees the professional recognition of Registered Landscape Architects.
Photos (top to bottom): LCCH Community Plaza. Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones; Frew Park Area. Photography by Scott Burrows; Looking across the herb garland to the raise plunge pool and planted ha-ha. Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones; Eagle Street - The Coop 2014. Photography by Jess Jackson Photography; and Memorial installation at night. Photography by Carla Priestley.
