2007 AILA Queensland Project Awards
And the winners are...
Queensland State Award
Our Town Our Future A Revitalisation Strategy for Ingham
Vital Places
The State Award is awarded to Vital Places for the Our Town, Our Future
A revitalisation Strategy for Ingham.
Ingham within the Hinchinbrook Shire is one of many Queensland towns which is a hub for its local region and has so many opportunities for the community.
The “Our Town, Our Future” strategy will meet the challenge through a place-based enterprise approach that has secured unprecedented community and Council support throughout the whole process. The strategy is an integration of simultaneous community capacity building and catalyst infrastructure projects for future employment growth.
An exceptionally thorough and well executed strategy well worthy of the QLD State Award for 2007.
President’s Award
Lawrie Smith
This year’s recipient of the 2007 President’s Award is Lawrie Smith AM, in honour of his outstanding contribution to the profession through the development of major botanic gardens and commitment to and advocacy for the value of the Australian native landscape.
His record of service to the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) includes: Queensland Group Secretary (1975-78), Vice President (1978-83) and President (1985-87); representation on the International Federation of Landscape Architects (1980-85). He was the recipient of AILA Queensland’s first Karl Langer Memorial Award, and has served as a Board Member for the Australian Flora Foundation, and is current Queensland President of the Australian Society for Growing Australian Plants.
Lawrie has been instrumental in the establishment of major botanic gardens and public open space development, as well as the execution of major national and international exhibitions. Some of the more significant projects for which he has been responsible: World Expo 88, the Australian Gardens at Liverpool International Garden Festival 1984 and International Garden and Greenery Exposition Osaka 1990; Regional Botanic Gardens in Gladstone, Bundaberg, Darwin, Mt. Isa, Longreach, Gold Coast, Barcaldine, Townsville, Maroochy, Tweed, Dubbo and Mackay. Lawrie was jointly responsible, as a member of the p.a.r.c consortium, for the planning and design of Roma Street Parkland and Gardens.
Lawrie was made a member of the Order of Australia in June 2004 for service to landscape architecture, particularly in the development of major Australian botanic gardens through contributions to professional and community organizations. A Centenary Medal in 2003 was awarded to Lawrie in recognition of his contribution to the community through the practice of landscape architecture. Lawrie was also presented in 2001 with the Australian Plants Award (Professional Category) by the Society for Growing Australian Plants for his dedicated services in the use of native plants in urban landscape during the past 30 years of practice.
Awards for Design In Landscape Architecture
Excellence:
Sunrise @ 1770
VIVO Design
Located within a pristine coastal foreshore surrounded by national parks and wetland conservation areas, Sunrise @ 1770 demonstrates how a developer can deliver extremely sensitive environments in a manner that conserves cultural heritage and ecological significance, maintains essential physical processes such as water cycling, whilst providing benefits to the wider community.
This residential lot development including community recreation areas and public foreshore pathways is an outstanding example of the implementation of sustainablel design theory, in a commercially viable way.
One key to the development's success has been the involvement of the landscape architect as a consultant from the early master planning phase of the project through to detail design and construction phase services. This has afforded opportunities to guide the engineering design, inclusion of a suitable water management cycle regime and cultural heritage management on site.
Merit:
The Kingaroy Cultural Centre
John Mongard LA
The jury was impressed with the level of commitment by the landscape architects to successful town-making. Working with a community to transform key spaces and create cultural and gathering spaces of lasting value was considered exemplary both in terms of process and as a strong model for the role design professionals can play in community culture building.
The landscape architects have worked successfully as urban designers in understanding the strategic relationship between buildings and landscape in creating spaces which people will want to occupy, and in undertaking ‘urban surgery’ on a fragmented piece of the town.
The role of the landscape architects as project managers implementing all of the elements in an integrated way has resulted in a coherent, sustainable and responsive project.
Merit:
Stradbroke Domain
CARDNO SPLAT
The Stradbroke Domain holiday resort at Point Lookout North Stradbroke confirms the relevance of a different typology for coastal tourist development in natural settings to meet the imperative of ecological sustainability whilst relaying the essence of a beach holiday experience.
It is an example of a well implemented indigenous flora based designed landscape on a large scale. It confirms the validity, practicality and ecological integrity of using indigenous vegetation in large scale settings as a tangible exemplar for future development on the Island.
From the bushscape to the streetscape , this project has delivered high standards of environmental sensitivity and functional and aesthetic amenity consistent with the Client’s expectations. It has done this by building upon the existing Island bushland character rather than imposing a new one. It has drawn upon the island’s traditional bushtracks as the inspiration for the project’s path and track network, blurring the interface of the built elements with the natural environment.
Merit:
Biological Sciences Library Precinct
Wilson Landscape Architects
The jury praised this project for its strong integration between landscape architecture and architecture, and the clarity and strength of the landscape response at a public scale.
The landscape architect has clearly played a strong role in externalising a previously inward turning set of spaces, creating a strong precedent for external learning spaces. The strong landscape response emphasises the important role of the landscape architect at a public scale in achieving outstanding and sustainable outcomes in our subtropical climate, and the strengths of an integrated design approach.
Commendation:
Ferry Road Markets
Gamble McKinnon Green
Ferry Road is a modern day market place that challenges a new standard in contemporary landscape design for commercial developments. It incorporates appropriate sustainable initiatives and a holistic approach to water sensitive urban design. A close collaborative approach between design disciplines has resulted in clear and legible expression of the design.
Commendation:
Ipswich River Heart Parklands
EDAW
The jury was impressed by successful rationalisation of complex topographic and flood conditions within the design of this significant riverside park. The integration of the complex circulation systems and use areas with the steep river bank and edges has enabled the public to reengage with this once prominent working waterfront.
The Landscape Architects have demonstrated significant skills as lead consultant to manage the difficult site conditions and deliver upon the client’s ambition to reinvigorate this neglected riverside open space. As a catalyst project for the ongoing rejuvenation of the Ipswich City Centre, this project is an outstanding formative step.
Commendation:
The Lakeside Walk
Wilson Landscape Architects
The Lakeside Walk at the University of Queensland St. Lucia campus includes a bridge, associated walkways and viewing platforms to produce a practical, yet exceptionally visually sensitive and interesting connection between the lower river plain and the various disparate parts of the campus.
It is an outstanding example of landscape architectural solutions that respect the visual and physical value of the natural and cultural environment.
It achieves a visually sympathetic arrangement of elements and forms that respects the character and topography of the campus whilst addressing the imperatives of public safety and crime prevention principles, equitably accessible requirements, protection of biodiversity and the use of robust materials to minimize maintenance.
Commendation:
Thuringowa Riverway
Gamble McKinnon Green
The jury praised this project for its sympathetic integration of public use facilities within an established tropical riparian corridor. The principle of retaining significant existing tree species has clearly informed the site masterplan and contributed to the creation of evocative and highly successful public open space.
The Landscape Architects have successfully demonstrated their ability to work within a specialist team of consultants to deliver a highly resolved design. Ecologically sustainable development principles are clearly evident throughout the project, including ‘water sensitive urban design’ and ecological reinstatement, to integrated green roof solutions on built forms.
Through the successful marriage of built form and landscape, this project establishes a new precedent for recreation and cultural facilities in Queensland.
Commendation:
Ephraim Island
EDAW
The landscape architectural response to the design of Ephram Island is outstanding. The clarity of the dunal concept and its sculptural derivations is evident from the physical character of the island through to its more intimate spaces. Resolution of design issues demonstrates commitment to sustainable solutions and a fresh approach with innovative use of all landscape materials.
Special Jury Citation for Small Project Innovation:
Argentea
Residence
VIVO Design
This small scale residential project represents an outstanding case of seamless integration of inside and outside. A fine example of collaboration between architect and landscape architect resulting in a wonderful tropical living environment featuring contemporary architecture, modern living and the tropical environment. A well executed design response which respects the environment and builds on site context and natural attributes of the site.
Awards for Land Management In Landscape Architecture
Excellence:
Viridian Noosa
EDAW & Chenoweth EPLA
Situated approximately 500 metres from Hastings Street, and adjacent to Noosa National Park, Viridian Noosa has integrated residential and resort development in a hillside and creek valley setting with existing and rehabilitated native forest, overlooking Laguna Bay
Site constraints and opportunities were investigated over several years, including the existing flora and fauna, watercourses and the visual sensitivity of the landform, such that landscape design, visual assessment and ecological restoration have been fully integrated to the highest standards of ESD.
Merit:
Sandfly Creek River Walk
Mackay City Council
The only other award in this category is a Merit Award which is awarded to Mackay City Council for the Sandfly Creek River Walk land development project.
Sandfly Creek is an integral part of an overall vision for the blue water trail in Mackay. Sandfly Creek comprises 2 kilometres of the entire 16 kilometre project.
The Riverwalk ties in seamlessly with the open green space along the riverfront and, despite being a very unique site because of its isolation, is already providing an additional walking, cycling and sight seeing destination.
This is a unique and commendable effort to provide better land management of the area while at the same time providing a useable space and facilities for Mackay
Awards for Research & Communication In Landscape Architecture
Excellence:
The Research Phase for the Transport Accessibility Study
for the majority of
Queensland Rail’s CityTrain network
Dennis Nichols & Associates
The Excellence Award for the Research and/or Communication Category is awarded to Dennis Nicholls and Associates for their APT 2007 Project for Queensland Rail.
The APT 2007 Project was to undertake research and assessment of the Queensland Rail’s City Train stations to achieve their 2007 benchmark obligations under the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.
Dennis Nichols and Associates developed an innovative project methodology for assessment of existing infrastructure against this complex “new” area of law.
This comprehensive research led to Queensland Rail employing Landscape Architects. Dennis Nichols and Associates have since adapted this research to other site and building types and it has been incorporated the knowledge gained into various subjects in the Landscape Architecture courses at QUT.
Merit:
2007 Intern Program
EDAW
A Merit Award for the Research and Communication Category is awarded to EDAW for their Student Intern Program.
Since 1980, the EDAW Intern Program has brought together 197 students from 15 countries and 55 universities to 21 locations across the globe. EDAW hosts the innovative Intern Program, with a commitment to the growth of a work-study environment.
This year, EDAW in partnership with the Gold Coast City Council, hosted the two-week charette-style workshop at Surfers Paradise. Students were immersed in an intensive learning environment and were challenged by local planning issues. They explored issues and potential solutions for Surfers Paradise through site visits, client discussions and studio work sessions. The ideas produced from the program have the potential to influence the development of Council’s own planning documents.
The Intern Program 2007 at Surfers Paradise marks first time the program has been held in the southern hemisphere. The group of 23 students were chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants from around the world.
Commendation:
Cotton Tree WSUD Demonstration Precinct
Maroochy Shire Council
A Commendation Award for the Research and/or Communication Category is awarded to Maroochy Shire Council for their demonstration Cotton Tree Water Sensitive Urban Design Project for in Maroochy Shire.
The Maroochy Shire enjoys a rich array of natural assets such as creek and river systems, coastal plains, rainforests and rich agricultural and pastoral lands, yet the major asset Maroochy River is under stress for development in the shire.
Council has taken the lead in the public sector by building and designing a demonstration project at Cotton Tree to help show all developers and consultants local examples of Water Sensitive Design outcomes and the performance via ongoing monitoring of the water quality.
Commendation:
Sweetwater DVD
Vital Places
Commendation Award for the Research and/or Communication Category is awarded to Vital Places for the Sweetwater DVD which supports the Our Town Our Future Revitalisation Strategy for Ingham. The 9 minute DVD supports actions identified in the prospectus document of the Ingham Strategy, the approach to this media integrates the concept of “Place Music” with traditional revitalisation project communication.
Original music and lyrics were inspired by the community vision and the local cultural and environmental history. The combination of these original processes has created a DVD that is an experimental window to the future of authentic place communication in important planning projects. The DVD extends the community’s understanding of the landscape architecture profession.
Commendation:
Landscape Design Guidelines Water Conservation
City Design Brisbane City Council
The ‘Landscape Design Guidelines for Water Conservation’ blends hydrological and horticultural science and local climatic conditions to provide guidance for sustainable water sensitive landscapes. A comprehensive document and useful guide for the many professionals involved in the design of urban landscapes. Brisbane City is to be commended in its ongoing effort to provide expertise in this emerging field. Continued work in this discipline is required to face the challenges of water management in the future.
Awards for Planning In Landscape Architecture
Excellence:
Our Town Our Future A Revitalisation Strategy for Ingham
Vital Places
The Excellence Award for the Planning Category is awarded to Vital Places for the Our Town, Our Future – A revitalisation Strategy for Ingham.
Ingham within the Hinchinbrook Shire is one of many Queensland towns which is a hub for its local region and has so many opportunities for the community.
The “Our Town, Our Future” strategy will meet the challenge through a place-based enterprise approach that has secured unprecedented community and Council support throughout the whole process. The strategy is an integration of simultaneous community capacity building and catalyst infrastructure projects for future employment growth.
Merit & Jury Citation for New Directions:
The Set-Up Process
John Mongard LA
A Merit and Jury Citation is awarded to John Mongard LA for the Set Up Shop Process.
This Process clearly illustrates what the profession of landscape architecture can truly offer the community.
Set-Up Shop is a collaborative and site-led design process where the consultation, analysis, design and construction stages are enacted with local residents, artists and builders. A vacant shop or some other ‘on site’ venue (such as a caravan, bus or demountable shed) is converted into a design studio for periods from 3 days to 4 weeks.
The designers become ‘dwellers’ for a while, part of the daily rhythm of a town. People come to talk about the future of the place.
This organic process quickly brings to the fore whole-of-town key values, issues and priorities, and efficiently manages conflict and debate. Due to the level of equity and involvement, projects are nearly always accepted and implemented.
The process can be used in small scale or large scale projects and has been used in over 30 towns across Australia.
Merit:
Brisbane Airport Landscape Master Plan
CARDNO SPLAT
A Merit award for the Planning Category is awarded to CARDO SPLAT for the Brisbane Airport Master Plan
The overall objective of the plan was to generate landscape framework for the airport to provide direction and continuity for current and future landscape projects with the aim to develop the appearance and identity of the airport and provide a stronger and more memorable visitor experience within a sound environmental framework.
Due to the scale and complexity of the site, individual precincts were identified and the strategies to address the major objectives of Environment, Amenity, Access and Mobility, and Costs and Maintenance were developed.
The bringing together of objectives is clearly illustrated in completed precincts such as Airport Drive and the International Terminal. The establishment of environmental quality within an exciting visual amenity framework is a major and very public feature of this exciting project.
Commendation:
JCU Academic Core Master Plan
Gamble McKinnon Green
Commendation Award for the Planning Category is awarded to Gamble McKinnon Green for the James Cook University Academic Core Master Plan.
The James Cook University Academic Core Master Plan is a project to create a pre-eminent but distinctly Australian topical university campus of world standing.
The Master Plan by Gamble McKinnon Green focuses on radiating a strong sense of place that celebrates its distinct tropical and contemporary setting. The inclusion of a pedestrian orientated ‘green heart’ in the Master Plan is fundamental in establishing the University’s sense of place, valued for it’s social, environmental and community functions as well as its aesthetic appeal and landscape character.
Commendation:
The Green Heart
Urbis P/L in consultation with Gold Coast City Council
Commendation Award for the Planning Category is awarded to Ubis and Gold Coast City Council for the Green Heart Vision; a 20 year vision for 1846 hectares of urban open space on the Carrara Merrimac floodplain. Located near the centre of the Gold Coast City’s urban footprint it will be one of the largest urban parkland systems in the world.
The Green Heart builds on an extensive analysis of the site, values and opportunities to develop five key themes, each responding to issues and ideas raised during the investigation phases. In particular it responds to the City’s growth, public open space needs, concerns for the sustainability and the environment, the needs of the tourism industry.
The project goes beyond developing a vision and has a 5-year implementation strategy, including a range of further investigations, studies and public consultations that will inform and refine the proposed development phase of the project. Notable are the opportunities encompassed for landscape architecture to generate beneficial outcomes for the environment and to influence environmental decision making processes.
Commendation:
Macintosh Island Master Plan
Hassell
Commendation Award for the Planning Category is awarded to Hassell for the Macintosh Island Master Plan.
The Macintosh Island Master Plan generates a framework for the future development of Macintosh Island and Narrowneck as parkland of regional visitation and importance to the Gold Coast.
The Master Plan acknowledges the park’s community value as an urban environmental refuge, with an emphasis on passive recreation and enhancing the environmental character and presents an appropriate balance between the conflicting needs of key stakeholders and Councils responsibilities in providing priority infrastructure.
