On a night where architecture is to be celebrated and ogled, specifically NSW architecture, no place seemed more appropriate than the recently refurbished Town Hall. As NSW elite architects mingled and calmed their nerves in the grand Eastern Gallery, you were immediately humbled by the grand scale and shear magnificence of the Town Hall, reminding us all of why we aspire to design great and everlasting architecture.
Hosted by the charismatic Fenella Kernebone, the tone of the night was set by Shaun Carter, NSW Chapter President, in his opening address. Carter emphasised the importance of public architecture and it’s ever-important role in developing and defining a successful city. While applauding NSW architecture and legislation (SEPP 65) for constantly striving to set the bar higher for architecture in Australia, it was his address concerning equality in the workplace that was most notable. While, his comments need no elaboration, as I am sure most of the industry is well aware of the vital role all people play in the pursuit of great architecture, the night’s proceedings couldn’t have reflected Shaun’s sentiments any better.
As the night progressed, a foray of talented architect’s humbly shared the stage upon accepting their awards, reiterating that this profession is made of up teams that work tirelessly to achieve truly inspiring architecture. With JPW, fjmt, BVN, Cox Richardson and the NSW Government Architect’s Office sharing much of the spotlight of the night, it was nice to see many boutique firms receiving similar accolades. Some of the most positive crown recognition was displayed when great architectural feats were recognised by the less gargantuan firms, most notably, an audible murmur of admiration filled the grand Centennial Hall as Clinton Murray + Polly Harbison’s ‘Balmoral House’ adorned the screen. The night truly shone a light on the best of NSW architecture regardless of the size and reputation of each firm, the scale of the architecture or, as was highlighted, gender.
Reiterating the true beauty of the NSW architecture community, the NSW Architecture Awards, was a true celebration of an architectural community that continues to welcome newcomers and embrace its talent. A special mention must be made to Brendan Murray of JPW Architects for winning the ‘Emerging Architect Prize’ which is sponsored by AWS, as well as Helen Lochhead for the ‘NSW Presidents Prize’ and Parlour for the ‘Adrian Ashton Prize for writing and Criticism’. Congratulations to all the nominees and NSW award winners who move onto the National Awards, to be held later this year in Queensland, you are all deserving of these accolades and we the NSW community wish you the best!
All the winners are listed here
Written by: Ben Cohen of Studio GL (New South Wales Event Correspondent for AWS)
Ben is a Sydney based Graduate Architect, who graduated from Sydney University with a Masters in Architecture. He recently begun work at Studio GL where he has been developing his interest in urban design; his role has involved developing graphic information, design and research for civic master planning and development of design principles for a range of projects relating to master planning and urban design.
