BE success at the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter 2012 Awards

On 28 June the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) NSW Chapter Architecture Awards were celebrated at the iconic Sydney landmark, Luna Park.

Thirty awards, seven prizes and nine commendations were presented. Notable mentions for  UNSW Built Environment (BE) include:

Professor James Weirick, BE Program Director Urban Development and Design, was awarded the prestigious President’s Prize. Professor Weirick was recognised for his contribution to building public confidence in intelligent urban density. Described as an advocate for the qualities that will serve our society well in the face of the challenges of our age, Professor Weirick was credited as an educator, writer, commentator and advocate for cities.  AIA NSW Chapter President, Matthew Pullinger, applauded Professor Weirick as “an academic who contributes to public debate. I have long admired his ability to encapsulate the essence of subtle and complex issues with great intellect, sharp wit and an occasional hint of mischief.”

Tzannes Associates, of which BE Dean Professor Alec Tzannes is Director, received a Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Architecture Award for Stonecutters and Knox on Bowman, Jacksons Landing. The project, commissioned by Lend Lease, concerned the two buildings which form part of the masterplan for Jacksons Landing, Distillery Hill. The jury proclaimed, “the careful articulation of the individual facades and podium have made a considered and substantial contribution to the streetscape of Jacksons Landing, whilst adding a refined and elegant tower to Sydney’s skyline.”

francis-jones morehen thorp (fjmt), received a Public Architecture Award for The Concourse, Chatswood as well as the Heritage Commendation (Newcastle Regional Museum). Richard Francis-Jones, fjmt Design Director, has been a Visiting Professor at BE and often contributes to BE design studios.

Julie Cracknell, Cracknell and Lonergan Architects, received the Marion Mahony Griffin Prize. Julie Cracknell and Peter Lonergan, Principals of Cracknell and Lonergan Architects, are both UNSW BE alumni.

Fergus Scott Architects with Peter Stutchbury Architecture received the Wilkinson Award in the Residential Architecture – Houses category. Fergus Scott is a third year tutor at the faculty.

Harry Seidler and Associates received: an Urban Design Architecture Award for Harry’s Park; a Commercial Architecture Commendation for 9 Castlereagh Street lobby and forecourt, Sydney; and the prestigious Award for Enduring Architecture (Australia Square). Dr Penelope Seidler AM, Director of Harry Seidler & Associates, is a valued member of BE’s Advisory Council and an UNSW honorary degree recipient.

architectus + ingenhoven architects received: the Sustainable Architecture Milo Dunphy Award; the Commercial Architecture Arthur G. Stephenson Award; and an Urban Design Architecture Award for 1 Bligh Street, Sydney.  Ray Brown, Director of Architectus, is a BE alumnus and contributes to the Graduation Studio.

In the Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing category, Chenchow Little Architects received the Aaron Bolot Award for Bell Romero Houses. Stephanie Little and Tony Chenchow, founders of Chenchow Little Architects, are BE alumni.

In the Residential Architecture – Houses category, Chris Elliot Architects received a commendation for Seacliff House. Chris Elliot, Principal of Chris Elliot Architects, is a BE alumnus.

Built Environment extends its congratulations to these and all the AIA NSW Chapter 2012 award recipients on their success. For further information on the 2012 awards, click here.