Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 180 November 2023 i Landscape Architecture Australia

Aboriginal Nation Yawuru Location Broome, Western Australia Client Shire of Broome Jury comment An exemplary model of cultural heritage integration, this project is profoundly significant to the Yawuru people and the wider community. The site encapsulates diverse historical layers, from Yawuru culture to World War II remnants, and meticulously preserves them through a thoughtful, inclusive design response. The project team’s framing of community as collaborator represents an industry-leading approach to engagement. By valuing the expertise of community contributors, including artists, historians and Elders as paid consultants, the studio demonstrates a genuine commitment to relationshipbuilding. Additionally, the inclusion of youth-focused groups showcases a progressive and inclusive perspective. The jury commends the project team on their processes for facilitating cultural use of the landscape, and embedding economic opportunities into the design via…

Aboriginal Nation Yorta Yorta Location Wangaratta, Victoria Client Rural City of Wangaratta Jury comment The project team is commended for their remarkable accomplishment in transforming Wangaratta’s static transportation corridors into a winding, multi-layered homage to the Yorta Yorta/Victorian High Country landscape. The sinuous design, carefully curated planting palette that showcases native flora, adaptive repurposing of infrastructure and incorporation of interpretive components have harmonized to yield a splendid civic treasure for Wangaratta’s residents and visitors alike. The project team’s depth of research and dedication to prioritizing pedestrian experience in an area previously reserved for vehicles demonstrates their advocacy and commitment to placemaking. By engaging the community and advocating for green spaces, the team has artfully delivered a premium civic amenity that exults in the local heritage and intrinsic sense of place.…

A decade-long Ozbreed study examined the impact of urbanization on ecosystems, focusing on weather extremes, plant waterlogging and increased flooding. The study aimed to identify drought-tolerant plant species that thrive in extremely wet conditions, offering opportunities for landscape architects to create more resilient landscapes. Three testing procedures showcased extreme waterlogging over a 10-year period. Area one was designed to test various plants’ ability to withstand waterlogging, while area two challenged their effectiveness in bioretention swales. A third area was observed to examine plant adaptability over six floods. Many proven drought-tolerant plants thrived in all three test areas, providing landscape professionals with an expanded plant palette to ensure a buffer against failure, especially considering our increasingly extreme weather conditions. The research highlighted the importance of variety over species when selecting plants.…

Aboriginal Nation Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Location Noosa, Queensland Client Noosa Shire Council Jury comment The Cooroy Hinterland Adventure Playground is an all-abilities playground that is thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings. This landscape provides play amenity that responds to site and existing community assets, connecting to the local library and cultural precincts. The project demonstrates innovative thinking, with a commitment to canopy provision and a clear design approach led by a philosophy that “everything must be playable.” This approach has ensured that fun is embedded into the space, encouraging young site users to explore. Design practice Urbis Architect Robinson Architects Flood modelling consultant Bligh Tanner Landscape contractors Aspect Contractors Photographer Noosa Shire Council…

Aboriginal Nation Whadjuk Noongar Location Bentley, Western Australia Client Curtin University Jury comment Curtin University School of Design and Built Environment is an exceptional project that balances connections to ancient stories of place with the provision of a high-quality campus space. The co-creation of this site by artist and landscape architect has produced an experiential space rich in cultural narratives. The Curtin University Living Knowledge Stream framework by respected Elder Dr Noel Nannup with Syrinx and Sync7 identified the cultural significance of the site, where two Songlines, Kujal Kela (Twin Dolphin) and Djiridji (Zamia), intersect. This guidance document was awarded at a chapter and national level by AILA in 2018. In response, Realm Studios developed a design that is grounded in a collaborative process. Throughout the project, the landscape architecture…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Fitzroy, Victoria Jury comment This remarkable placemaking endeavour stands out as an exemplar of innovative storytelling that brilliantly harnesses digital platforms to honour Indigenous modes of narrative. Rooted in a deep understanding of these traditions, it not only promotes visibility but also showcases a sincere and meaningful partnership. The project’s distinctive multi-authored approach to oral storytelling is a testament to its commitment to Indigenous leadership. The initiative has masterfully created a space where diverse voices harmonize, yielding a vibrant tapestry of narratives. Crucially, it has garnered the affection and ownership of the community it serves, becoming a cherished symbol of the local collective identity. As it continues to evolve and flourish, this project paves the way for a captivating journey. The jury commends the project…

Aboriginal Nation Turrbal and Yuggera Location Stones Corner, Queensland Client Brisbane City Council Jury comment Hanlon Park/Bur’uda Waterway Rejuvenation turns an underutilized engineered stormwater solution into a climate-positive meaningful destination for all parts of the community. Showcasing revitalization, the project seamlessly integrates flood mitigation measures with a wide variety of recreational components, including play spaces, a shared path network, creek crossings and lookouts, kickabout space and gathering nodes. The team is commended for the engagement-led design process, which relied on First Nations knowledge and local community engagement to balance flood resilience and climate-positive design functions with community health and growth. Hanlon Park/Bur’uda Waterway Rejuvenation sets a new standard for the integration of environmental, engagement, cultural and place values. The jury applauds the contextual approach and the transformative outcome, which will…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location South Australia Client Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project Jury comment South Parklands Wetland demonstrates how early collaboration (planning, engineering and design) and engagement can transform previously underutilized and degraded parklands into a community asset. The project seamlessly integrates a new 3.2-hectare permanent vegetated wetland into Adelaide’s nationally significant Park Lands, providing inclusive passive recreation opportunities and welcoming green space for the wider community. The team is commended on the built outcome, where the wetland appears as if it has always been there, and the significant improvement of natural ecosystems and biodiversity in the city. The ongoing management and care of the wetland will continue to benefit the community as the project matures. Landscape architect TCL First Nations cultural collaborators Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation Hydraulic engineer…

Aboriginal Nation Turrbal and Yuggera Location Stones Corner, Queensland Client Brisbane City Council Jury comment Transforming a concrete-lined channel into a naturalized creek, the rejuvenation of Hanlon Park/Bur’uda Waterway demonstrates the social, environmental and economic outcomes of an engagement-led design process that values First Nations knowledge and the community. The project skilfully balances flood resilience and climate adaptation with community amenity, livability, biodiversity, ecology, existing services and maintenance to create an accessible natural waterway system. The jury applauds the multilayered engagement and design process that responded to Country, community and ecology to improve natural ecosystems and biodiversity in the city. Design practices Brisbane City Council, Tract, Bligh Tanner, Epoca Constructions and AECOM First Nations cultural collaborators Nunukul Yuggera Traditional Custodians Landscape architecture and detailed designer Tract Principal consultant and hydrological,…

Aboriginal Nation Yirrganydji Location Cairns, Queensland Client Cairns School of Distance Education Jury comment The Corner packs a punch of creative exploration and play onto a hundred-square-metre microsite at a Queensland state school. The design’s vibrant and diverse spaces spark the imagination, senses and cognitive engagement of children from prep to year 12, supporting both socialization and independent discovery. The narrative of the central element – a bogged tractor made from recycled materials – reflects the school’s farmland setting. The Corner demonstrates the strength and versatility of tailored landscapes for children that extend beyond off-theshelf playgrounds. Design practice Landplan Landscape Architecture Engineer KFB Engineers Landscape contractor Miles of Landscaping Photographer Ben Mackay…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Melbourne, Victoria Client City of Melbourne; Office for Women, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council Jury comment A little gem within East Melbourne’s Parliamentary Precinct, this project sets out to challenge the traditional notions of a memorial. Finely crafted, understated and of exceptional build quality, the memorial space is discreetly embedded within the terrain overlooking Fitzroy Gardens. After entering along a narrow path, visitors are cocooned in an elegant, womb-like seating area that offers space for contemplation and reflection. Consistent with the memorial’s philosophy and sensibility, messages from Traditional Custodians of the land are carefully integrated, and ashes from the opening smoking ceremony are embedded into the concrete of site elements. Architect and landscape architect Muir and Openwork First Nations…

Aboriginal Nation Gadubanud people of the Eastern Maar Nation Location Victoria Client Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Jury comment Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail Master Plan raises the bar for comprehensive masterplanning and design in one of Victoria’s most iconic stretches of landscape. Since its early collaboration with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the proposal has successfully navigated great complexities. It integrates past and present, and projects for future conditions, to deliver a carefully considered proposal based on thorough research, community analysis and stakeholder engagement. Its aim is to increase the area’s capacity to support a diversity of experiences and user abilities. The jury was impressed by the calibre of thinking and leadership demonstrated by the project, the high quality of its communication and its engaging treatment of…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Croydon, Victoria Client Melbourne Water Jury comment This blue-green infrastructure project delivers on a range of ecosystem services while creating an engaging local place. The design helps reconnect the local community to the natural water cycle through carefully designed viewing points, a network of pathways, and opportunities to interact with water. The jury was particularly impressed by the bird hide; referencing a traditional eel trap, it is the result of a process of engagement with Traditional Owners. The community has benefitted significantly from the input of landscape architects to this project. Design practice GHD Woodhead First Nations cultural collaborators Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Photographer David Hannah…

Aboriginal Nation Wadandi Boodja Location Witchcliffe, Western Australia Client Sustainable Settlements and Perron Developments Jury comment Witchcliffe Ecovillage pushes the boundaries of the sustainable community model that aims to be carbonnegative through design, planning, governance and self-sufficiency in food, energy and water. The gardens constitute one of the development’s sustainability pillars: fresh produce food production. Strategically designed using low-embodied materials, the plots are masterplanned to optimize operation efficiency, encourage communal interaction and offer a diverse range of edible produce for both people and local fauna. The jury commends the establishment of an innovative strata-management system that ensures the garden’s long-term reliability as a food source as well as an experiential space to forage, socialize and explore. Developer and principal Sustainable Settlements Developer Perron Developments First Nations cultural collaborators and cultural…

Client West Bund Group Location Shanghai, China Jury comment Since it opened in 2021, the West Bund has become a landmark segment of one of the world’s most iconic riverfronts. Through international and local collaboration, the project consortium has delivered a critical piece of public space of immense scale and complexity, within a city of more than 26 million people. The project knits together several historic neighbourhoods at various stages of development and urban renewal. It works within the engineering constraints of the bund wall to create new opportunities for social, cultural and recreational engagement. Accommodating vast visitor numbers, West Bund demonstrates the value of high-quality social infrastructure and sets the tone for future bund expansions as the city continues its push to regenerate sites along the Huangpu River. Design…

Aboriginal Nation Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Location Noosa, Queensland Client Noosa Shire Council Jury comment The nature-based Hinterland Adventure Playground successfully draws on the site’s industrial and landscape character, showcasing considered material reuse. The design’s topographic and tectonic response provides prospect and hydraulic conveyance and creates a safe, resilient parkland. The project offers a range of interconnected play experiences, from quiet spaces of low activity to highly active adventure play zones, for a range of ages and abilities. The jury commends the design team’s early decision to provide only natural shade canopy, realised though shade analysis and long-range advanced tree procurement, as well as the council’s commitment to that vision. Design practice Urbis Architect Robinson Architects Flood modelling consultant Bligh Tanner Landscape contractors Aspect Contractors Photographer Noosa Shire Council…

Aboriginal Nation Dharug and Gundungurra Location Blue Mountains, New South Wales Client Andrew Stevenson and Jeffrey Miller Jury comment The regenerative Vanam project is a climate-positive design response to the 2014 Blue Mountains bushfires. Incrementally implemented over nearly ten years, this site and community-sensitive project is 100 percent offthe-grid and sufficiently fire safe. The design includes on-site water retention and re-use, a natural pool, food production, permeable surfaces, and site-salvaged materials. Vanam demonstrates a sound understanding of the carbon footprint of proposed materials. It deftly manages fire risk by removing canopy vegetation close to the building while protecting areas of endemic revegetation. The remaining (deliberately left) 40 acres of existing vegetation form part of the site’s unique and stoic landscape character. Design practice Tanya Wood Landscape Architecture with Andrew Stevenson…

Aboriginal Nation Turrbal and Yuggera Location Stones Corner, Queensland Client Brisbane City Council Jury comment Hanlon Park/Bur’uda Waterway Rejuvenation successfully reassesses historical flood mitigation practices through engagement with the Nunukul Yuggera Traditional Custodians and local community; the deployment of natural processes of erosion and deposition; landform modelling to maximise the retention of trees for carbon sequestration; material salvage and reuse; extensive proposed canopy and understorey planting; and the fostering of active transport connections. The project successfully combines flood and heat mitigation with increased biodiversity, delivering enhanced cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits. The jury recognizes the climate mitigation results, evidenced by using the Pathfinder tool, as well as the ongoing site monitoring and evaluation that has demonstrated increased species richness and water clarity. Design practices Brisbane City Council, Tract, Bligh…

A mid the hustle and bustle of Australian city life, where concrete often overshadows green, there is a compelling need to advocate for increased urban green infrastructure. Not only does greenery aesthetically enhance our urban spaces, but a growing body of evidence suggests it can offer profound health benefits for city residents. AILA continues to champion at a government level the development of good policy to support public and private investment in better green infrastructure for multiple societal benefits. As evidenced by our recent advocacy work, AILA is moving to a space where it is shaping policy, rather than responding to policy. Australia, like much of the world, is witnessing an escalation in urbanization. Our cities, while thriving centres of commerce and culture, also present challenges – rising temperatures, increased…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Southbank, Victoria Client City of Melbourne Jury comment This project is recognized for its ambitious vision and industry leadership, advocating for the re-imagining of redundant grey infrastructure as a vibrant civic gem within a densely populated part of the city. The innovative approach to combining art and play into an exciting adventure space presents a thoughtful proposition of the role of play in human development and cultural expression, while creating an identifiable landmark within the new open space. With a meticulous selection of plants, the design admirably showcases local native ecologies, contributing to climate resilience and urban heat mitigation through the planting of 400 trees. The project’s approach to furnishings and materials generates a playful topography that maintains a clear narrative throughout the sequence of…

Jury comment Biourbanism is an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive guide for how we can foster healthier, more climate-resilient urban environments that thrive. The publication clearly communicates how to apply the concept of biourbanism in detail, with data and diagrams presented in a way that is both easy to interpret and enticing to read. The research demonstrates intellectual rigour and is presented in a highly impactful, yet digestible format that is engaging and accessible. The jury commends the author for his dedication to researching the topic over what has been an extensive period and notes the significant effort required to produce what is a stimulating body of work. The book is an excellent tool for advocating for the role of landscape architects in offering solutions for restoring and making better…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location Campbelltown, South Australia Client Campbelltown City Council Jury comment Thorndon Park Playground is an exemplary project that illustrates how landscape architects can deliver diverse and unique play experiences while remaining grounded in local site and community needs. Here, sculptural play elements are formed to represent local birdlife, with structures remaining open to interpretation and allowing space for imaginative play. Planting has been selected to support the local bird and insect life, with priority given to habitat species. A targeted engagement program has ensured that this play space is designed for its particular community and connects to surrounding site uses. The playground is inclusive, with consideration for both children and their guardians. Additionally, the designer worked with a local Kaurna representative to respectfully integrate language and culture.…

Aboriginal Nation Bunurong Location Wonthaggi, Victoria Client Bass Coast Shire Council Jury comment Guide Park Playspace demonstrates the impact of high-quality play space design for regional locations. Designed for a diverse user demographic and including integration with the nearby aged-care facility, it is an exemplar of how play landscapes can cater to a broad cross-section of the community. The project shows how play can connect communities to past stories as well as to potential futures. In response to community desires, the area’s coalmining history is recognized throughout the design, with alternative industrial futures also included. In this landscape, storytelling intertwines with play, with a minimal and sensitively selected material palette that allows for many imaginative uses. Landscape architects Orchard Design and SBLA Studio Structural and civil engineers Deery Consulting Landscape…

Aboriginal Nation kanamaluka Location Launceston, Tasmania Client Discovery Early Learning Centres Jury comment The design for Launceston’s Discovery Early Learning Centre transforms an urban rooftop into a nature-centric play space. A diverse selection of play elements have been included in a compact area, with varied soil depths and inventive drainage solutions allowing for a variety of plant species. By consulting with engineers and seeking extensive client input, the landscape architect has been able to create value through a functional design that adeptly tackles structural constraints. With adaptable spaces tailored to its young user group, this project demonstrates how landscape architects can navigate challenging site conditions to sculpt environments that facilitate learning through the joy of play. Landscape architect Playstreet Main landscape contractor Logic Build Playscapes Custom play equipment designer Sturdy…

Aboriginal Nation Dja Dja Wurrung Location Boort, Victoria Client Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) Jury comment Lake Boort Scarred Trees Masterplan represents an exemplary approach to one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in Australia and an unparalleled landscape destination. The masterplan identifies how the site’s unique cultural heritage values can be protected alongside the provision of immersive visitor experiences and appropriate amenities. It considers the steps required to realize the site’s potential and offers a long-term vision and design principles that will engage visitors, benefit the community and protect Country. The team is commended for creating a space for members of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the site, to fully involve themselves in the process of planning and design, and…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location Adelaide, South Australia Client City of Adelaide Jury comment Responding to and embracing Adelaide’s urban fabric and the surrounding environment, Adelaide City Skatepark activates a key site within Adelaide Park Lands. The project utilizes the site’s topography, integrates the existing tree canopy and manages contaminated fill in a mature environmental approach that has enhanced the outcome. The team is commended for creating an inclusive public space for all users and skill levels that also supports international competitions, celebrates youth and, importantly, builds a sense of community. Lead consultant, landscape architect, contractor and photographer Convic…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location Burnside, South Australia Client City of Burnside Jury comment Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve revitalization project showcases the seamless integration of water management and recreational components within a biodiverse setting. By using collaboration to identify new opportunities, the project managed to improve water quality and increase biodiversity while fulfilling recreational and public open space functions through the transformation of an artificial concrete lake into a nature-engaging solution with active and passive recreation, nature play and restored creeklines. The outcome is an active community destination that will provide long-lasting environmental and health benefits for both the local community and the surrounding ecosystem. Landscape architect Aspect Studios Project manager Integrated PM Civil engineer Southfront Structural engineer Struktura Artist consultant Aboriginal Contemporary Arts Lead contractor Camco SA Landscape contractor Consolidated…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Victoria Client Hume City Council Jury comment Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands exhibits principles for the progressive establishment and management of 1,000 hectares of parkland across 26 kilometres, from Sunbury to Diggers Rest in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. The culmination of years of strategic planning, the project balances visitor experience and adaptive land management while responding to the need to enhance biodiversity, protect cultural heritage, mitigate climate change and contribute to improved community health. The team is commended for bringing together a diverse “client” group to achieve this important milestone and for setting a benchmark for the participation of First Peoples as clients/landowners in the development of regional parklands. Design practice Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture Partners Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate…

Aboriginal Nation Guringai Location Collaroy, New South Wales Client Northern Beaches Council Jury comment Defined by its coastal setting, surf culture and dune landscape, the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club Courtyard is a successful multifunctional space for beachgoers. Bold concrete planters harbouring coastal grasses are strategically arranged to protect cafe visitors from buffeting winds. Paving design with infill cells captures a combination of sand and vegetation in an extension of the adjacent dunes. The high-performance design makes the most of its compact site with thoughtful responses to local ecology and biodiversity, and water-sensitive design. The jury recognized the project for its rich use of materials and textures to achieve high-quality finishes. Underpinned by environmental and social strategies, the purposeful work drives a landscape that responds to the nuances of…

Aboriginal Nation Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Location Carlton, Victoria Client Lendlease, University of Melbourne, Woods Bagot Jury comment Melbourne Connect makes a significant contribution to the urban design of the local area through its generous permeability and provision of public open space at ground level. The four laneways provide key opportunities for pedestrian movement away from the busy street frontages, while the central oculus provides for a greater sense of openness and access to sky than would typically be provided with this scale of building. The design includes a wide array of niches for studying, working and eating, creating a place that serves as both a university campus courtyard and a pedestrian thoroughfare. Design practice Aspect Studios First Nations cultural collaborators Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Wurundjeri Elders Collaborators…

Aboriginal Nation Wadandi Boodja Location Witchcliffe, Western Australia Clients Sustainable Settlements and Perron Developments Jury comment Travel to the outskirts of almost any Australian city and it’s clear we are desperately in need of alternative models for residential development. Witchcliffe Ecovillage provides just that. An inspiring model of sustainable residential development, the project aims to collect, retain, produce and store as much as possible onsite. Water, power, food systems and waste are built on or around the landscape as intertwined, closed-loop systems. Each residential cluster has its own productive community garden, and the entire village is surrounded by small-scale intensive farms. The jury was particularly impressed by the way that the site design and supporting infrastructure are complemented by governance and strata arrangements. The courage and vision of the project…

Aboriginal Nation Bunurong Location Williamstown, Victoria Jury comment North Williamstown Station level crossing removal project has created an engaging local place that helps to connect people and enhances the local character of the area. Its crafted and restrained approach reflects the community’s value of local heritage, as well as the cultural values of the Bunurong. The jury commends the collaborative engagement with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, which led to the station precinct telling a story of the land; its sheltered green “campgrounds” and gathering places are complemented by inlays and etchings of water journeys and natural resources in the pavement. Design practice Hassell First Nations cultural collaborators Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Cooperation Collaborators Western Program Alliance (Arup, Mott McDonald, McConnell Dowell, MTM and V/Line), T-Projects, ACE Contractors, Flora…

Aboriginal Nation Khoekhoen and San people of the Khoekhoe language group Location Western Cape, South Africa Client Bosjes Jury comment With its stunning natural backdrop of mountainous vistas, Bosjes rejuvenates a working farm property near Cape Town into a world-class agri-tourism destination with a difference. Offering a broad range of programs and spatial experiences, the project constitutes a series of distinctive micro-destinations linked by quiet moments of exploration through narrow meandering paths and strategically sited to capture the serenity of the surrounding mountain ranges. The jury was impressed by the project’s approach to resilience in a challenging environment prone to weather extremes, flood and drought. We appreciated the thorough suite of ecological initiatives to remediate the site, preserve endangered flora and fauna, and establish habitat. The project has also provided…

Aboriginal Nation Nyamba Buru Yawuru Location Broome, Western Australia Client Shire of Broome Jury comment Guwarri/Jilirrgun is a significant cultural place and a historical arrival and departure point for goods and people, including thousands of indentured Aboriginal and Asian pearling workers. The jury recognizes the significant leadership of design practice MudMap Studio for their meaningful engagement over six years. The project thoughtfully transforms a degraded site through a series of interventions, including infrastructure upgrades, community artworks and interpretation, with a focus on the local employment of artists, cultural advisors, historians and Elders. The site now supports tourism and provides safe access to the nearby bay. The project enables the Yawuru people to continue to work in harmony with the six seasons, sustaining their relationship to nagulagun (saltwater Country). Design practice…

Aboriginal Nation Dja Dja Wurrung Location Boort, Victoria Client Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) Jury comment The jury commends the compelling vision of Lake Boort Scarred Trees Masterplan, which recognizes the beauty and significance of the cultural heritage of Boort. The project was developed by the landscape architects through respectful and inclusive consultation and designed in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung community, who contributed to the development of the masterplan and shared their culture, knowledge and stories. The plan will enable opportunities to connect with Country, build awareness and appreciation of Country and provide valuable cultural land management opportunities. The project has helped to strengthen relationships between community, Parks Victoria and the Loddon Shire Council and will inject as much as $18 million into the local economy.…

Aboriginal Nation Gadigal Location New South Wales Client City of Sydney Jury comment The jury commends City of Sydney’s development of Street Tree Master Plan 2023, recognizing that tree species used in Sydney today may not be suited to our future climate. Developed through a process of community and stakeholder consultation, and peerreview, the plan includes technical guidelines for the supply, installation and establishment of new street trees; and a dynamic tool for increasing, managing, and monitoring a more diverse urban forest. The project enables members of the community and design professionals to consider landscape character, walkability, site-specific tree selection, and the importance of the use of locally indigenous species to increase habitat for native fauna and reinforce cultural values. Design practice City of Sydney First Nations cultural collaborator Djaambulgu…

Aboriginal Nation Tyerrernotepanner, Panninher and Lettermairrener Location Launceston, Tasmania Client University of Tasmania Jury comment At the forefront of urban design innovation, this project exemplifies resilience and regeneration. Informed by local Aboriginal wisdom, it elegantly intertwines historical roots with contemporary aspirations, resulting in a harmonious urban fabric that fosters ecological healing. By layering historical structures, cultural influences and land utility, it creates a rich tapestry of urban life while nurturing the university’s educational program. A conscientious approach toward material use underscores its commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The jury commends the project team on their approach to collaboration and cultural heritage, which demonstrates the profound synergy between Aboriginal design ethoses and regenerative design. A testament to the potential of thoughtful urban reimagining, Inveresk Urban Realm envisions a community that thrives…

Aboriginal Nation Gadigal and Bijdjigal Location Randwick, New South Wales Client Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct Jury comment Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct Living Infrastructure Strategy is a valuable and practical resource for the profession of landscape architecture. The strategy clearly and concisely positions living infrastructure as a key part of innovative healthcare precinct design. Grounded in research and onsite monitoring, it encourages us to continue to push toward holistic wellbeing, as well as highlighting the broader positive impacts of living infrastructure to communities beyond the precinct alone. This project illuminates the leading role of landscape architects in advocating for the multiple benefits of healthcare design that is landscape-led. Design practice School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney with the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct partners Collaborators School of Built Environment,…

Aboriginal Nation Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar Location Melville, Western Australia Client City of Melville Jury comment A collaboration between City of Melville and the local community has given rise to the exceptional Bob Gordon Playspace. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Futuro House by Matti Suuronen, the core elements of the play space are guided by a distinct 1970s space theme. City of Melville embarked on an engagement in 2016, with contributions from Noongar Elder Aunty Marie Taylor and other community stakeholders seamlessly woven into the design’s fabric. At the heart of this achievement lies the landscape architect’s adeptness in harmonizing community desires with the realization of a concept that layers history and nostalgia with contemporary site conditions and requirements. Elevating community bonds and recollections, this play space stands as a testament…

Christie is the manufacturer of the original, iconic Australian public barbecue. Its fixed electric grills are designed specifically for cooking in shared public spaces and offer a safe, sustainable alternative to open fires and disposable cooking options. The experience of cooking and sharing food brings communities together and promotes a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Since 1965, more than 50,000 of Christie’s durable, energyefficient barbecues have been installed worldwide in parks and urban public spaces. Christie is a leader in barbecue technology and innovation. Its award-winning gas and electric barbecue cooktops are selfcontained outdoor cooking appliances. Its drop-in design eliminates buttons on doors or benchtops, providing designers with the freedom to create bespoke built-in cabinet solutions that meet local safety standards. The lightweight cooktops are made from 90 percent recycled, 4622 grade…

Aboriginal Nation Whadjuk Noongar Location Wycombe, Western Australia Client Hall and Prior Jury comment Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community project prioritizes community belonging and the comfort of home in a residential aged-care setting. Respectful consideration of the needs of the user group has resulted in a landscape that fosters independence and meaningful social engagement, with a design that facilitates interaction with visiting friends and family as well as the broader community. Careful plant selection and retention respond to the endemic landscape setting, while also being driven by the connections between landscape and the memories and past gardening experiences of residents. This project exemplifies the pivotal role of landscape architects in fostering mental and physical wellbeing through increasing access to landscape and community in health settings. Landscape architect, architect…

Aboriginal Nation Bidjigal and Gweagal Location Cape Solander, New South Wales Client NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Jury comment Taking a restrained approach to a utilitarian element, Cape Solander Whale Watching Facilities is an excellent example of a built form that looks and feels like it belongs in its landscape. The sensitive design demonstrates the team’s understanding of the site conditions, including the delicate coastal heathland environment and the geology, alongside the provision of an accessible facility that responds aesthetically to the surroundings. Design practice Oculus with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Structural and civil engineer Tonkin Engineering BCA and DDA compliance consultant MBC Group Photographer Simon Wood…

Aboriginal Nation Wardandi Noongar Location Bunbury, Western Australia Client City of Bunbury Jury comment Placing youth front and centre, Koolambidi Woola – Bunbury Youth Precinct provides a considered and inclusive recreation hub shaped by the local youth for the wider community. The project, which forms the centrepiece of Bunbury’s waterfront, met the aspirations of the community by encouraging active recreation, play and social connection through participation in informal recreation and leisure activities including parkour, ball sports, skateboarding and unstructured play. The team is commended for emphasizing gender equity, intergenerational recreation and all-abilities play – elements often missing from youth-focused spaces. Design practice Playce First Nations cultural collaborators Wardandi Noongar Structural and civil engineer The CSE Group Architect MCG Architects Lighting and electrical engineering ETC Solutions Contractor Advanteering Civil Engineers Photographer…

Aboriginal Nation Gunaikurnai Location Stones Corner, Queensland Client Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria Jury comment On Tatungalung Country within Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Shoreline Drive Landscape Plan demonstrates the importance of collaboration, partnership, cultural mapping, archaeological surveys, community and Traditional Custodian consultation, and generational capacitybuilding in the development of planning and management recommendations for cultural heritage, local ecology and visitor experiences. The project balances an understanding of landscape cultural values, conservation and preservation with opportunities for visitor access and recreation to implement protection and care measures for generations to come. The team is commended for the plan’s contribution to the social, environmental and economic sustainability of the local community and the environment, and for delivering a culturally responsive outcome that places the Gunaikurnai community at the…

Aboriginal Nation Djugan/Yawuru Location Broome, Western Australia Client Project 3 Jury comment This powerful installation conveys fleeting glimpses of the early industry and diverse cultural history of Broome. The translucent, sail-like sculpture is reminiscent of the clothesline that was part of a pearling camp that once existed on the site. Embracing the coastal breeze, the sculpture creates a dynamic, ever-changing frame for the panoramic ocean backdrop. Once darkness falls, vivid illustrations are projected onto the flowing fabric sails, further heightening the experience. The jury recognized the work’s process of engagement with local communities, project partners and authorities, and its efforts to minimize its impact on the land. Design practice MudMap Studio, Michael Jalaru Torres and Jacky Cheng Sponsors Shinju Matsuri Festival, Tourism WA and Shire of Broome Structure fabricator and…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location Adelaide, South Australia Jury comment Fire Circle is a masterfully curated micro-installation that captures the scale, the paradoxical beauty and destruction, and the rejuvenation of Australian bushfires. The piece responds to the events on Kangaroo Island in early 2020, setting charred branches from the site within circles of red desert sand. Complemented by collaborations across music, poetry and video, the installation creates a highly sensory and immersive experience. The jury commends the artist for achieving a striking and thought-provoking outcome on a modest budget. Design practice TCL Artist Kate Cullity Musician Simone Slattery Writer Stephen Muecke Poet Maggie Slattery Photographer Jackie Gu…

Aboriginal Nation Gadigal people of the Eora Nation Location South Eveleigh, New South Wales Client Mirvac Jury comment The jury was impressed by South Eveleigh’s strong focus on community integration and reconnection to the surrounding neighbourhood. The designers have integrated elements of Indigenous and industrial heritage into the site to create a place with a strong local identity while providing a diversity of spaces for residents, workers and visitors. The site makes a significant contribution to the neighbourhood by providing opportunities for local teenagers to get together, skate, and use basketball or futsal courts. The refined use of brick through the public realm complements the historical rail architecture and helps to give the project an intimate feel, despite its large scale. Landscape architect and public domain lead Aspect Studios First…

Aboriginal Nation Gadigal people of the Eora Nation Location Zetland, New South Wales Client City of Sydney Jury comment The Drying Green is an important demonstration of how our parks can be designed to deliver engaging places for the community while also providing muchneeded ecosystem services. As local wetlands were replaced by industry, Alexandria Canal became one of the most polluted waterways in Sydney. This site was once used for wool-washing and drying, with polluted water flushed into the canal. The Drying Green seeks to improve water quality by drawing water from a stormwater drain beneath the site and filtering it using a combination of wetlands and mechanical filtration systems that are cleverly integrated into the folds of a public park. Design practice and lead consultant McGregor Coxall Architect (amenities/substation)…

Aboriginal Nation Gubbi Gubbi Location Kings Beach, Queensland Jury comment Banksia House demonstrates a highly cohesive collaboration between the project teams to create a timeless residence that seamlessly blends nature and home. The design responds to the clifftop coastal setting with a fortress-like robustness of industrial details, coalesced with a diverse mix of textures, tones and patterns. This solidity is greatly lightened through a permeable open plan that constantly draws on the connection to the richly layered landscape. The strategic use of natural and raw materials, along with the predominantly native coastal vegetation selection, will ensure that the home embraces its exposure to the weather and improves with age. Design practice 7b Landscapes and Interiors Architect Majstorovic Architecture Builder Watt Building and Construction Nursery Plant Connections Landscape contractors Asten Hackwood,…

Aboriginal Nations Red Dao, Giay, Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho Location Sapa, Vietnam Client The World Bank on behalf of the Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee Jury comment Supported by the World Bank, this ambitious project in a remote province in Northwest Vietnam sets out to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable local ethnic minorities through an engaged international and local collaboration process. The jury sees great potential for the project to set a precedent by demonstrating a highly sensitive approach to cultural tourism that involves locals in a meaningful and sustainable way, while protecting historic villages and their communities in a region experiencing rapid tourism development. Design practice Hansen Partnership Collaborators Atelier Dubosc et Associés and Paul Rogers Images Hansen Partnership…

Aboriginal Nation Yorta Yorta Location Wangaratta, Victoria Client Rural City of Wangaratta Jury comment The Rural City of Wangaratta, 235 kilometres north of Melbourne, sits at the gateway to Victoria’s high country region and attracts over three million visitors per year. The Wangaratta Railway Precinct project is a restrained response. During development, collaboration with council and engagement with the local community and stakeholders emphasized the need to reinforce the welcoming character of Wangaratta by prioritizing people over cars. The jury commends the project’s sensitive planting design that provides high levels of comfort, visual amenity, pollinator habitat, shade through warmer months, and filtered light during cooler periods. It also commends the project’s water-sensitive urban design approach, which helps to mitigate flood events while improving water quality and passively irrigating garden beds.…

Aboriginal Nation Gadubanud people, of the Eastern Maar Nation Location Victoria Client Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Jury comment Championed by the communities of Wye River, Separation Creek and Kennett River after the 2015 Christmas Day bushfires, Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail Master Plan details the future construction of a 90-kilometre-long coastal walking trail. The design team’s early engagement with the Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) during the project has enabled the reinforcement of important values and connection to Country. An extensive landscape visual impact assessment informed the design. The project outcome caters to a broad range of people with varied time and ability while dispersing visitation across appropriate areas and avoiding endangered or protected flora and fauna. This complex landscapeled project has been officially endorsed by the…

Aboriginal Nation Kaurna Location South Australia Client Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project Jury comment As part of a broader flood mitigation strategy, South Parklands Wetland’s landscape-first approach enriches the cultural, amenity, and ecological values of the Adelaide Park Lands. The jury commends the project’s focus on design leadership advocacy, consultation and collaboration across multiple disciplines, jurisdictions and stakeholders. The project skilfully navigates stormwater harvesting with the removal of introduced species and the retention of sensitive ecosystems, including remnant and significant trees. It minimises excavation and successfully integrates the wetlands within the character of the existing parklands. The design carefully uses endemic plants to conserve and enhance chequered copper butterfly habitat, broaden biodiversity and promote environmental and cultural values and education. Landscape architect TCL First Nations cultural collaborators Kaurna Yerta…