A project designed to rejuvenate the heart of Caloundra has been recognised on the national stage.
Caloundra’s Main Street Urban Revitalisation, by Sunshine Coast Council, was acknowledged with an award by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
It was among 11 Queensland winners and 47 national winners that showed significant innovation in landscape architecture.
The award winners demonstrated an effort to facilitate environmental stewardship while striving for cultural sustainability, with strong representation in gardens, health and education landscapes, parks and play spaces.
The awards were announced at a special function in Brisbane on Thursday night.
AILA President Claire Martin said the past 18 months had highlighted the strengths and vulnerabilities of our cities, stressing the need for our public spaces to deliver fundamental social, environmental, and economic change.
“This year’s diverse award entrants demonstrate the leading role that landscape architects play in delivering innovative responses to complex issues and making positive contributions to our regions and cities,” she said.
“Despite all the challenges the pandemic delivered, it presents a great opportunity for the industry to re-evaluate how we use these spaces.
“The variety of submissions illustrates the passion and drive of our AILA members to influence the way we work, live and play.
“These projects set new benchmarks as we continue to build knowledge as a profession,” she said.
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AILA National Jury Char, Peta-Maree Ashford said the Awards Jury applauded this year’s winners for focusing on community involvement and the growing use of localised public and private spaces.
“COVID, for the first time to such an extent, has encouraged communities to make the most of their own backyard, whether that be their physical home, local park or community garden,” Ms Ashford said.
“Growing use of these spaces means there is undoubtably a need for thoughtfully landscaped, high-quality spaces that locals are genuinely excited to use.
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“Green spaces add this irrefutable value in strengthening community connectedness and maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.”
Ms Ashford said the standard of awarded work set an exciting precedent for build outcomes now and into the future.
“Demonstrating leadership and advocacy for approaches outside the norm, the award recipients have succeeded in enhancing local landscapes so that they are an impetus for greater wellbeing and shared understanding within the community.”
AILA’s national awards program is presented as part of the Festival of Landscape Architecture: Spectacle and Collapse, held in Perth and online from October 13-16.
Award-winning Queensland projects
- Caloundra Main Street Urban Revitalisation by Sunshine Coast Council.
- Fish Lane Town Square by RPS.
- Lucent by Form Landscape Architects.
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) and Public Realm, Herston Quarter by Hassell.
- Hillbrook Anglican School Campus by Vee Design.
- Ellendale by Place Design Group.
- Riverside Green – South Bank Parklands by Hassell.
- Bradbury Park Scooter Track by Form Landscape Architects and Brisbane City Council.
- Eromanga Township by CUSP Pty Ltd.
- Guide to Green Building Elements by Lat27 for Brisbane City Council – City Planning and Economic Development Branch.
- Logan Central Civic Community Precinct Plan by Logan City Council and Archipelago.
