BVN’s Campus to Country - a masterplan for Queensland University of Technology developed in reference to local First Nations knowledge and culture - has taken out the top honour at the 2022 Queensland Minister’s Award for Urban Design.
The awards were announced by the minister for public works Mick de Brenni on 9 June, recognizing excellence in contemporary urban design. The awards are intended to underline the critical role of good urban design in shaping Queensland, and highlight how collaboration can lead to successful outcomes in the built environment.
The judging panel said the Campus to Country project set an important benchmark in quality, vision and clarity, translating Aboriginal culture and knowledge into a tangible design strategy.
“The QUT Campus to Country project was recognised for its connection to, and engagement with, Aboriginal culture and knowledge, and how this can be embedded in the daily campus experience,” said de Brenni.
The Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang agreed the project exhibited great merit in its clarity, quality, innovation and originality.
“By bringing these essential elements of Aboriginal culture onto campus, the Campus to Country project is not just engaging with Aboriginal people and places but telling their story in a much wider space,” she said.
“It’s also helping preserve and honour it in an environment where the leaders of tomorrow are actively engaged on a daily level, ensuring a greater understanding, appreciation and knowledge of our First Nations people.”
Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) and Public Realm received commendation for the built category award.
Image: Scott Burrows
Two other projects received special commendations under the Minister’s Award for Urban Design for the built category: the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) and Public Realm by Hassell BESIX Watpac with Australian Unity and Metro North Health; and the Fish Lane Town Square by RPS with Richards and Spence, Bland 2 Brilliant, Greenstock, Michael Bale and Associates, Shape Australia and FPOV with Aria Property Group.
The Fish Lane Town Square project was also awarded the Movement and Place Award for its novel and courageous approach to addressing walkability and open space network in South Brisbane.
Loganlea Healthy Street, by a team comprising Logan City Council and PMP Urbanists, received commendation for its ability to balance the priorities of commuters and local residents along major arterial networks.
The Malcolm Middleton Award for Outstanding Liveable Design was awarded to Alondra Residences by BVN, which delivered a series of public, private and communal spaces for the Lutheran Church of Australia. Commendations were awarded to Anne St Garden Villa by Anna O’Gorman Architect, and Bokarina Terrace by Hollindale Mainwaring Architecture.
“Each one of the 26 entries challenges the status quo, demonstrating leadership and design excellence, and leaving lasting, sustainable legacies for the broader community,” the minister said.
