AILA announces top award winners
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) has announced its 2021 National Landscape Architecture Awards.
In announcing the awards in a special video presentation, AILA President Claire Martin acknowledged the unique time in the profession’s history with the convergence of the global pandemic, a climate and biodiversity emergency and growing appreciation of urban green infrastructure to human and ecosystem health creating unprecedented opportunities for landscape architects.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions won the 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Tourism with its Kaju Yatka (Kalbarri Skywalk) in Kalbarri National Park, WA. Image credit - DBCA.
“The projects recognised in the AILA National Awards Programme bring social, cultural and environmental benefits to the communities they are part of,” she said.
“They are exceptional examples and case studies that form the basis of AILA’s advocacy to all levels of government. They communicate the value of landscape architects to the communities they are part of - not as projects but as places.”
Fish Lane Town Square in South Brisbane earned a 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape for RPS. Image credit - Scott Burrows.
Claire says the awards programme demonstrates the breadth and depth of the profession in Australia and reinforces the idea that all spaces matter.
In terms of climate change, she says, it is important for landscape architects to share knowledge both within the profession, and internationally in order to amplify the impact.
Albert Park Office and Depot in Victoria won a 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Small Projects for Openwork and Christina Silk Office. Image credit - Peter Bennetts.
AILA CEO Ben Stockwin say the AILA awards programme is a key vehicle for the promotion of the achievements of the work of landscape architects in Australia.
“The awards process is an opportunity for public and peer recognition of the landscape architecture work and demonstrates to industry, business, government and the wider community the positive impact the profession has on Australians’ lives through the planning and design of the built and natural environment.”
Deep Creek Eco Play in Victoria earned a 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Play Spaces for Playce Pty Ltd and Agency of Sculpture. Image credit - Land Media.
Forty-seven projects across 17 different categories have been recognised in the programme.
AILA national jury chair Peta-Maree Ashford says the past 18 months have reminded the broader community of what the landscape architecture profession has always known - “ the irrefutable value of green spaces in strengthening communitiies’ connectedness and and maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.
Design King William won a 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Urban Design for The City of Unley with Outerspace Landscape Architects and BMD Group. Image credit - City of Unley.
“This year’s diverse awards 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.”
The 2021 AILA National Landscape Architecture Awards were announced on Thursday 14 October.
Inglenooks in Inglewood, WA, won Four Landscape Studio the 2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Community Contribution. Image credit - Four Landscape Studio.
You can see the full gallery of entries and winners here and the Awards video presentation below.
