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HY William Chan is a driving force in Sydney's sustainable architecture scene. His journey as a fledgling architect embodies the qualities of each of our Emerging Sustainable Architect winners, and his win in the category in 2023 only extends this success further. While his past achievements spoke volumes – advocating for social inclusion, shaping public spaces, and championing climate action – Chan hasn't stopped there.
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While large commercial projects might lack the nimble adaptability of smaller-scale ventures, they have the robustness and resources to drive genuine change on a much bigger scale. The architecture and design industry is eagerly embracing this potential, reimagining these spaces as catalysts for environmental innovation, occupant safety and well-being – and celebration of our diverse society.
While we often (understandably) focus on the architecture and design industries, it’s important to remember that there is a big, wide world out there. And when it comes to building, what works in Adelaide doesn’t necessarily work in, say, Tokyo – particularly where sustainability is concerned.
There are no two ways about it, hospitality and tourism are just naturally associated with good times – as they should be. But, with the rise of climate crisis concerns, the global hotel industry has found itself at a critical juncture – the luxurious facades of high-end venues are masking a carbon footprint that, while currently accounting for around one percent of global emissions, is poised to expand alarmingly alongside the industry's growth.
The Australian educational and research landscape is witnessing a transformation, not just in curriculum and pedagogy, but also in the very design and function of its buildings. Just as we recognise our educational institutions as places of innovation and inspiration, so too are we recognising that their buildings must be the same.
The Editor’s Choice Award is given to the entry that stands out from the pack in several very special ways and one that we feel deserves to be recognised for its unique principles and its outstanding as well as, unwavering commitment to sustainability and design.
When it comes to sustainability trends in architecture, there’s a lot to consider. From building practices to core materials and soft furnishings; location and orientation – just about everything comes into play. But possibly the most sustainable architecture and construction methods of them all fall under the category of adaptive reuse renovations.
While the rate of urbanisation isn’t necessarily slowing down, the boundaries between city and nature are somewhat blurring. In fact, our cities are becoming both edible and wilder – and more connected than ever before. Manicured lawns and fussy flower beds give way to veggie patches, uninspired rooftops burst with fresh produce and once-neglected laneways bloom with native wildflowers.
The era of hyper-local, responsive multi-residential development is here. Australian architects and designers are embracing a granular understanding of urban microclimates, harnessing the power of salvaged materials, and prioritising resident empowerment as they forge a new frontier in sustainable design.
Australians are known for their love of space, but with urban land getting pricier and our focus on sustainability intensifying, the small dwelling is having a big moment. Laneway homes, clever additions and rooftop gardens – they're not just about fitting more in, but about living smarter. And Aussie architects and homeowners are leading the way, proving that small-scale alterations can have a huge impact on comfort, efficiency, and even resilience in the face of our unique climate challenges.
Dick Clarke is the epitomisation of a sustainable architect. The Envirotecture Founding Director boasts some three decades of experience specialising in ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings. His commitment extends beyond residences, encompassing sustainable design principles in vehicles and vessels as well.
Noticed the rise of vibrant co-working spaces popping up in converted warehouses, quirky cafes nestled in repurposed shipping containers or small eco-tourism retreats appearing in the heart of Australian outback? Small commercial architecture is where real innovation is happening right now.
