30 September 2009

Think Brick Awards 2009

The winners of 2009 Think Brick Awards have been announced.

Western Australian architectural firm CODA, has taken out the About Face Award – an annual invitation-only competition for architectural practices – part of the Think Brick 2009 Awards.

This year’s brief asked invited practices to address “socially responsive architecture” in their design entries – using at least 75% brick in none-glazed building faces. CODA were awarded for their proposal to create social and affordable housing in the Mandurah region near Perth.

“We were very interested in how social housing might be pivotal in forming a neighbourhood centre. Mandurah is Australia’s least affordable city,” says Emma Williamson from CODA.

Their proposal takes advantage of new zoning rules – resulting in a greater density of residential development in the area – providing affordable housing and supported hostel accommodation.

Sydney-based firm DRAW and Brisbane firm Owen and Vokes both received commendations. DRAW for their work on Yagoona Town Centre and Owen and Vokes for their design focussed on creating more green spaces in neighbourhoods.

The About Face National Student Design Award for 2009 went to both Muizz Adam Nazmi from RMIT University and Susan Young from Curtin University of Technology.

CODA wins prize money of $20,000 for their efforts.

aboutfaceawards.com.au