As the year comes to a close, it’s a great time to look back at the ideas, projects, and innovations that caught the attention of our readers.

At Architecture & Design, we’ve covered a wide range of topics - from sustainable solutions to inspiring design projects - that have helped shape conversations in architecture and design.

Appointments kickstart Baldasso Cortese’s 2024

Baldasso Cortese have announced a suite of new promotions, bolstering both their Melbourne and Geelong outposts with a number of experienced personnel.

Neil Christensen has taken on the role of Practice Manager, with his time at the practice highly regarded by the executive team. He will move into a Finance and Operations role, tasked with nurturing the practice through its next phase, while also working across a number of sectors including Health, Aged Care and Seniors Living.

Tim Pyke, the practice’s new Design Leader, will also work in a leadership role, developing design excellence across an array of markets.
Baldasso Cortese General Manager, Mark Eden, believes the changes made will assist in laying the groundwork for the practice’s future.

Learn more about the appointments here.

Architecture with Pride ponders Our Future in 2024

Architecture with Pride returns for its sophomore year in 2024, with a number of curated events across Sydney and Melbourne to bring together a local and international mix of queer thinkers, parties and participation.

Sponsored by the likes of Architectus, Bates Smart, BVN, Carter Williamson and COX, and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, the NSW Gender Equity Taskforce, and the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network (EmAGN), the events program seeks to challenge the status quo and celebrate the diversity of the built environment community.

2024’s theme ‘Our Future’,resonates with a number of built environment community members, calling upon the wider community to imagine and demand the world we rightfully deserve.

Buchan bolsters health output with Nakano appointment

Buchan has unveiled health expert Elisa Nakano as its new Senior Associate, with the new appointment bringing over 15 years of experience to the international practice.

Nakano’s expertise lies in large-scale healthcare projects and focusing on clinical planning, as well as the education, civic and mixed-use sectors.

Her ability to transform complex briefs into outstanding outcomes alongside stakeholders is highly regarded, with her designs regarded as human-centric and conscious of all users. Recent projects include the Westmead Hospital Clinical Acute Services Building, Prince of Wales Hospital - The Bright Alliance, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and Dunedin Hospital.

Learn more about Nakano here.

Plus’ boutique hotel rethink one step closer

Plus Architecture says it hopes to redefine the Brisbane hotel stay ahead of the 2032 Summer Olympics via the design typology for the Rotheram Hotel, a boutique offering located at Kangaroo Point.

Upon releasing the designs for the hotel, the practice has imagined an urban oasis spanning 16 levels and 179 rooms. Finely crafted wellness experiences, a rooftop infinity pool, entertainment spaces, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and a world-class culinary destination will all be included within the build.

The building’s form is derived from its streetscape and a desire to form a distinctive identity. The exteriors of the hotel are defined by striking green brickwork and bold geometric shapes reminiscent of the adjacent Story Bridge, as are the large porthole shaped windows, which offer views of the city skyline and river.

For more information regarding the project, click here.

Architects say freezing National Construction Code is a risky move

The Australian Institute of Architects has spoken up against the Federal Coalition’s announcement to freeze the National Construction Code (NCC).

The announcement, which is part of Peter Dutton’s $5 billion plan to build 500,000 new homes, focuses on speeding up infrastructure delays by putting a 10-year freeze on changes to the NCC.

Jane Cassidy, a practicing architect and President of the Australian Institute of Architects, representing 14,500 members globally, says the freeze is an alarming move.

Read Cassidy’s full statement here.

Grimshaw wins RIBA Stirling Prize for London’s Elizabeth Line

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the Elizabeth Line as the winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize. The monumental project is a collaboration between Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation, and AtkinsRéalis.

The Elizabeth line is the most significant contribution to London’s transportation in over 20 years. Officially opened in May 2022, after 12 years in design, construction and delivery, the new line is now part of the London Underground network, running 100km east to west across the city through 42km of new tunnels.

Carrying an estimated 200 million passengers per year, increasing the capacity of central London’s underground railway network by 10%, the Elizabeth line connects London from Reading and Heathrow to Shenfield and Abbey Wood, and reduces commuter travel to these areas by up to 30 minutes.

Learn more about this prestigious recognition here.

Woods Bagot’s Hayley Sands makes Paralympic debut in Paris

The Graduate Interior Designer is making her Paralympic debut in Paris this week as a member of Australia’s table tennis squad.

Hayley Sands will represent Australia in three events: Women’s Class 2 singles (W2), Women’s Doubles (WW10) with Danni Di Torro, and Mixed Doubles (XR7) with Chris Addis.

“Hayley will bring the determination and talent we know so well in the studio onto the court,” shares the Woods Bagot team.

Learn more about Sands’ impressive journey here.

Celebrating 10 years of Studio Tate with Alex Hopkins

The practice celebrates its tenth anniversary this month. To mark the occasion, Director and Founder of Studio Tate, Alex Hopkins, sits down with Architecture & Design Digital Editor Clémence Carayol to discuss the genesis of the brand and what its future will be made of.

Learn the full exclusive interview here.

Spotlight on Sustainability Award winner Holocene House by CPlusC

Holocene House, designed by CplusC Architects + Builders, is a pioneering example of regenerative residential architecture located in Manly, Sydney.

Completed in 2023, it became the first home in Australia to receive certification from the international Active House Alliance, reflecting its exceptional balance between occupant comfort and environmental performance.

Recipient of the prestigious Single Dwelling (New) award at the Sustainability Awards 2024, the jury described Holocene House as “an adventure to move through”.

The team sits down with Architecture & Design’s Digital Editor Clémence Carayol to discuss their victory for this exceptional project.

Read the full interview here.

Notre-Dame rises from its ashes: An unprecedented rebirth

After five years of restoration, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris reopens its doors to the world, sublimated by exceptional work. The blond stone, bronze liturgical furnishings and ancestral craftsmanship bring this unique landmark back to life.

Following an inaugural week from December 8 to 15, dedicated to celebrating the reopening and paying tribute to those who saved and rebuilt the cathedral, Notre-Dame will resume its daily schedule from December 16.

Read more about the complex renovation of Notre-Dame here.

Clémence Carayol

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