2021 Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Awards announced

The Sir John Monash Centre in France was victorious in the 2021 Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Awards.

The project by Cox Architecture with Williams, Abrahams and Lampros was awarded the International Chapter Named Award for Heritage and a Chapter Award for Public Architecture in the live-streamed presentation on Thursday 8 July.

The Sir John Monash Centre tells Australia’s story of the Western Front. Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in northern France, and adjacent to the Australian National Memorial, the centre is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail which links sites of significant Australian battles during the First World War.

The jury was impressed by the architects’ exceptional dexterity and skill in working in such a highly charged site. They commented: “The Sir John Monash Centre is contextualised by both the pre-existing building, Lutyens Memorial, and its surrounding landscape. After visiting the gravesites, visitors are led down to the bunker-like space via a series of ramps, allowing them to experience the space and conditions once felt by their fallen compatriots.”

The Australian Institute of Architects’ International Chapter Executive Director, Jennifer Nichols, said: “This important project not only honours Australia’s military history, but also showcases the talent of Australian architects working overseas. The centre is a place for reflection as well as a venue for community ceremonies and a hub for historical research and is a worthy winner of the only named award presented in the 2021 International Chapter Awards.”

Two further Chapter Awards were presented: One & Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia, the luxury hotel and beach resort by Kerry Hill Architects, was awarded a Chapter Award for Commercial Architecture; and the National Museum of Qatar Gift Shops by Kochi Takada Architects won a Chapter Award for Interior Architecture.

The program also includes a People’s Choice Award. Voting closes 31 July 2021. Vote here: architecture.com.au/2021-awards 

2021 INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER ARCHITECTURE AWARDS JURY

• Vui Choong RAIA – Jury Chair
• Hank Koning LFRAIA
• Dr Sheila Maria Arcuino Conejos RAIA
• Nic Brunsdon RAIA
• Wei Yap Ooi RAIA 

Full list of winners:

HERITAGE

International Chapter Named Award for Heritage | Sir John Monash Centre | Cox Architecture with Williams, Abrahams and Lampros | France

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

Chapter Award | Sir John Monash Centre | Cox Architecture with Williams, Abrahams and Lampros | France

Commendation | Binh Dinh Convention Centre | studioMilou | Vietnam

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

Chapter Award | One & Only Desaru Coast | Kerry Hill Architects | Malaysia

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Chapter Award | National Museum of Qatar Gift Shops | Kochi Takada Architects | Qatar

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW)

Commendation | Nassim House | studioMilou | Singapore