South Australian Landscape Architecture Awards 2019 winners

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) announced the winners of the 2019 South Australian Landscape Architecture Awards on Friday 26 July. 

In 2019 there are 29 entries across categories including civic landscape, infrastructure, play spaces, parks and open spaces, cultural heritage, community contribution, urban design, gardens, small projects and future leader.

By recognising the best in landscape architecture, the 2019 South Australian Awards show the value of productive and collaborative partnerships, high quality design thinking, leadership and outcomes that have shaped our cities and neighbourhoods and realised the health, social and economic benefits of greener, open and more accessible public spaces.

Projects winning Awards of Excellence in 2019 include:

Pridham Hall providing a strong connection between the private and public realm, inviting students and passers-by to engage with this shifting landscape, enhancing the vibrant culture and amenity of the urban environment;
Felixstow Reserve Redevelopment in proximity to the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri, showcasing the rich cultural history of this significant waterway to the local Kaurna people, including their traditional seasonal activities and mythological stories;
City Bikeways – North South Bikeway delivering an exemplary model for separated bikeways in Adelaide along with opportunistic contribution to city greening, with 100 new trees incorporated into the project;
Pelzer Park / Pityarilla (Park 19) Activity Hub involving extensive engagement specifically crafted to involve and inspire the community, to ensure the built outcome reflected their values, needs and aspiration along with Kaurna representatives assisting to develop a thematic narrative around the idea of ‘weaving’ together the diverse cultural elements of the site; and
Lot Fourteen Master Plan & Protocols capturing a unique and significant opportunity to humanise and green the city, while being reflective of the qualities of place, history and the future aspirations of the site.

The expert Jury noted a common thread of the 2019 entries, is a confidence in the role of a genuine, inclusive engagement process to contribute to meaningful outcomes for our communities and environments, without pre-determining what may come from cross-cultural or inter-generational engagement, and to open up space and time to allow for a shared design process.

“At the core of what we do is a healthy measure of optimism, the conviction that we are contributing to such things as quality of life, rich human experiences, building capacity, well-being and resilience, to outcomes that largely stretch far beyond the present, and thinking that reaches further than the confines of any site.”

“From thoughtful small-scale innovations and delightful garden sanctuaries, verdant and vibrant places, engaging inclusive play spaces and activated open spaces, to integrated landscape and building settings. From places that celebrate cultural diversity and heritage significance, to major infrastructure projects and urban design frameworks, and all that fits between.  Through these entries, the ability of the landscape architecture profession to lead and influence greater benefits for our communities, environment and economy is unquestionable,” commented Grace Lin – Jury Chair.

“2019 should be recognised as a significant milestone for the landscape architecture profession and its continued economic, environmental and social contribution to South Australia, with an expansive range of inclusive, city shaping and climate friendly projects. As of this year, all award entries were required to acknowledge the Aboriginal Nation relevant to the project. AILA’s leadership group and all members are to be commended for adopting this approach towards recognition of Australia’s landscapes and the people of the First Nations,” said Daniel Bennett – AILA SA President.

The projects receiving an Award of Excellence and a Landscape Architecture Award at state level proceed through to the national awards, to take place in the Melbourne in October as part of the 2019 International Festival of Landscape Architecture.

aila.org.au