With the Victorian Architecture Awards 2021 shortlist revealed, connection to the bigger picture will be what ultimately distinguishes the winners from the rest.
April 27th, 2021
Distilled from an excess of 200 project entries, 117 are named on the shortlist, spanning the usual 14 categories, to progress to the clincher judging round. And based on the inimitable calibre of the shortlisted projects, AIA’s 2021 Victorian awards jurors have countless debatable decisions and their fair share of tough calls ahead of June 18—the date that has been set, for the Victorian awards winners to be revealed via Youtube livestream.
While, at this cliff-hanging moment in the program, we can only wait and speculate on the outcome of judging, we have it on good authority that favour will go to any entries that resound with sense of place, considered connections and transcendence of project’s own scale. This ‘big picture’ lens expected to distinguish the winning projects from the runner-ups comes in retrospect of the pandemic that so decidedly changed life, according to Bill Krotiris, president of the Victorian chapter awards.
“Today, in the context of Covid-19, we see an increased emphasis not just on the creation of a place within public but on the associated active and passive activities of place,” said Krotiris in announcing the shortlist. “Projects will be awarded for their contribution to the bigger picture story around how they benefit people not only at the individual level but also the precinct scale.”
Rosemary Burne—who, as Chair of Juries, speaks on behalf of the jury—has echoed Krotiris’ sentiment, noting how the pandemic forced us to think about being kinder to ourselves, each other, and to the planet. These large scale shifts set a thematic precedent for the shortlist.
Such prevailing themes throughout the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards shortlist include forging a stronger connection with nature; cultivating wilderness in urban areas; and architecture as a conduit for both connection to and caring for country.
“What sets the Awards shortlist apart is how entrants have taken innovation to the next level and considered it at all scales – from the single modular unit to a precinct-wide, and indeed a planet-wide perspective,” says Burne.
“Using architecture to enhances people’s connection to nature and their well-being are vitally important across all sectors of the built environment – from home to work to education and health facilities. That theme is evident across all of our shortlisted projects.”
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
From playgrounds to skyscrapers, these are a few of the projects that have been celebrated at the Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards for defying conventions.
From housing affordability to questions of density, multi-residential design and the future of cities, here are eight varied stories from our archives.
The official launch of the 2024 WA Architect Awards opens today – Wednesday 1st May – with the opening of the AIA WA Awards Exhibition.
Designed to drive positive change, promote sustainable practices and cultivate inclusive communities, the recent launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Design will champion the role of urban design in shaping the nation’s identity.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
July has arrived in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane and this exemplary luggage brand has a new home that ticks all the boxes.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.