Landscapes that prioritise learning, community and connection took centre stage at this year’s AILA Tasmania Awards, with standout projects in Bridgewater and Devonport earning top honours. The recipient of the night’s most coveted accolade, the Award of Excellence, was Inspiring Place Pty Ltd whose design for 24 Carrot Gardens wowed the Jury in its category of Community Contribution. Located in Bridgewater, 24 Carrot Gardens is a food education program that acts as a ‘living classroom’ where students are immersed in hands-on gardening and food production. Notably, the project team worked across nine schools (over seven years) engaging in student-led design processes to tailor each garden with moments for teaching, gathering, celebration and reflection. In summarising its critique, the Jury shared: “24 Carrot Gardens demonstrates the profound impact that long-term commitment — and inclusive design processes — can have in producing inspirational landscapes that support learning, creativity and good health.”  

ASPECT Studios & Lyons have been awarded both a Regional Achievement Award and a Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space. According to the Jury, their design for the Devonport Waterfront Park enhances Devonport as a regional centre. The Jury applauded the design for facilitating larger scale renewal through the deliberate reconnection of the urban centre of Devonport to the Mersey River. “The design weaves across a complex set of infrastructures masterfully connecting the collection of civic buildings to the water and invigorating the waterfront.”

Health and education landscapes were also honoured at AILA TAS’s night of nights. A Landscape Architecture Award was presented to ASPECT Studios, Palawa Artists – Lynne Spotswood & Genie Battese, T3D Studios for their design of Riawunna Garden – River’s Edge, University of Tasmania. Additionally, Playstreet Pty Ltd also received a Landscape Architecture Award for their design of Brighton High School.

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
aila.org.au