Awards highlight Queensland’s commitment to build back better

Queensland’s determination to ‘build back better’ from the global pandemic has been showcased through the exceptional quality of entries in this year’s Urban Design Awards.

Minister for Public Works Mick de Brenni said Queenslanders had a growing appetite for high-quality urban design that enhanced the key features of liveability and lifestyle.

“There were 24 nominations for the Urban Design Awards this year, ranging from city-shaping projects to smaller projects at the neighbourhood level,” Mr de Brenni said.

“All of them reflect a state-wide commitment to good design outcomes within the built environment.

“They also encourage communities to be active and connected - something important in a post-COVID world,” he said.

The four major Urban Design Awards winners this year were:

• Built Award – Large Scale: Cox Architecture in collaboration with Counterpoint Architecture and Stadiums Queensland for Queensland Country Bank Stadium
• Built Award – Small Scale: Logan City Council with AECOM for the Slacks Creek Green Link + Dennis Road Shared Pathway and Murrajong Streetscape Works
• Master Plan Award: Tropical Design Studio for Strategic concept masterplans in Northern Queensland country towns
• Policy Award: City of Gold Coast in collaboration with Arup and Dr Lyndal Plant for Urban Canopy Mapping

Mr de Brenni also announced a new award for next year, the Middleton Award for Outstanding Liveable Design.

“This award will honour Queensland Government Architect, Malcolm Middleton, who retires next month after 10 years helping to shape our state’s built environment,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Under his guidance, we’ve seen a momentous shift in how Government views urban design.

“It was Malcolm who championed the production and publication of QDesign – the first common set of design principles and values for the state.

“He has promoted ‘urban design excellence’ and I truly believe it is because of Malcolm that so many of our city-shaping projects – the South Bank Master Plan, Cross River Rail, and the New Performing Arts Venue – are the very best they can be.”

“He also provided leadership in the ongoing rollout of 20 social housing demonstration projects which are pioneering the transition to accessibility standards in home design.

“Queensland is leading the push for minimum standards in the National Construction Code because all Queenslanders deserve to live with dignity regardless of ability or age,” he said.

“In coming months, Queensland will hold an Outstanding Liveable Homes forum to bring together architects, builders and consumers to celebrate the best of household architecture.

“This will be yet another legacy of which Malcolm can be justifiably proud.”

Commendations for 2021 were received by Lat27 with University of Queensland for the UQ Gatton Campus Entry and Heart, Wolter Consulting Group with Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail as well as Sunshine Coast Regional Council for the Sunshine Coast Design Strategy and Book

A number of entrants were encouraged to consider resubmitting unbuilt projects in forward years when they are substantially complete.

These included emerging projects singled out for their vision and potential (Victoria Park Vision, Brisbane; Townsville University Hospital Master Plan; Cherbourg Cultural Pathway) as well as those delivering or promoting good design in local communities (Traditional Housing: Alterations and Extensions Design Guide; Warril Parkland; Aerodrome Road intersection on the Sunshine Coast and Hill’s Avenue Boardwalk at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens).

Media Contact: Richard O’Leary 0447155332

ENDS