This year's Australian Institute of Architects awards celebrate projects with an emphasis on communal spaces: a mental health facility with a welcoming domestic feel, a primary school that provides a sanctuary for the culturally diverse local population, and a pro bono surf club that celebrates the coast while protecting an adjacent fairy penguin habitat.
The jury, led by Immediate Past President Paul Berkemeier, was particularly impressed with the volume and caliber of public buildings in this year’s crop.
“It is encouraging that so many projects embodied best practice with informed clients, effective procurement methods, appropriate funding models and intelligent architecture,” Berkemeier said. “This provides us with great optimism for the future of our public spaces—an area that has so often delivered dispiriting outcomes.”
Without further ado, the Interior Architecture category winning projects:
The Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture:
UQ Advanced Engineering Building—Richard Kirk Architect and HASSELL (Joint Venture)
National Awards for Interior Architecture:
Sustainable Industries Education Centre—MPH Architects + Architectus
Hotel Hotel—March Studio
Garangula Gallery—Fender Katsalidis Mirams Architects
A total of 43 awards and commendations were given to 36 projects across 12 national categories. The jury selected the winners, with each state and territory represented, from the 153 eligible nominees.
