A mixed use development near the Brisbane CBD has taken a top award for urban design in Australia.
The $300 million SW1 South Bank Urban Village project, by South Bank Corporation and Cox Rayner Architects, was recognised as an example of how derelict land can be transformed into attractive habitable spaces.
It received top honours at the 2011 Australia Award for Urban Design hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) in Canberra.
Image: The Mercial Towers on Melbourne Street, courtesy of South Bank Corporation
The project involved input from Gamble McKinnon Green, Allen Jack & Cottier, Bureau Proberts, Haysom Architects and JMA Architects.
PIA National President Dyan Currie said SW1 represented a complex urban renewal challenge and was achieved through the cooperation of a number of professional organisations.
"This is an outstanding example of urban design and good planning. SW1 links South Bank to
West End and has a real sense of community. People are well connected to transport, shops restaurants, commercial and residential precincts," Ms Currie said.
"SW1 was chosen from 46 top quality urban design projects entered in this year's awards, which is an indication of how well it was regarded by the adjudicators."
Special commendations were awarded to three other projects. The Brisbane City Council was commended for its 'Urban Renewal Brisbane - 20 Years' project, an urban design plan which provides a long term vision for the whole of the city's central region.
The City of Canada Bay Council was commended for 'Renewing Rhodes' - a project that transforms industrial wasteland; and the City of Sydney was commended for its 'City of Sydney submission to the Barangaroo Concept Plan (Mod 4)' which involved the city engaging with the community to achieve the urban design outcome.
The Australia Award for Urban Design was proposed by the Urban Design Task Force under former Prime Minister Paul Keating and first presented in 1996. It acknowledges the critical role good urban design plays in the social, economic and environmental development of our cities and towns.
The Award is hosted by PIA, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects, Consult Australia, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, and Urban Design Forum. Entries are assessed against agreed criteria by a jury made up of experienced practitioners supplied by the supporting organisations.
The 2011 Australia Award for Urban Design was presented at the Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) dinner at the National Gallery Australia in Canberra.
