Last Friday, the winners of the Queensland Architecture Awards were announced, and more than 70 projects have been honoured through 11 categories.

While it is hard to categorise every design, build and final facade, the motifs of Queensland’s architecture carry a resounding message. That message comes through the landscape and its society, as Queensland is an inherently rural and open yet close-knit and proud state.

Across winners, shortlisted applicants and all entrants, the common thread lies in each project unanimously fitting into their surrounding landscape. The winning design for the FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture, Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre by Brian Hooper Architect, reflects this and the natural environment around it.

Remarkable gabion walls built from local stone rise to the lightweight roof, which is a floating orb structure that invites in light, air, and the landscape. And in the geographical heart of Queensland, the centre is reflective of its connections to the land’s past. The jury praised the centre, observing that the building “rises from the landscape as though it was always part of the town’s story”.

Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre, photography by Lisa Alexander.

The Queensland Architecture Awards are the epitome of what architecture in the state can be. And like the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre, there is a distinct flair to the quality, responsible and sustainable design that is expected in Australia.

The most outstanding achievement of that goes to The Andrew N. Liveris Building by Lyons and m3architecture, which won the Queensland Medallion – the highest honour of the Queensland Architecture Awards.

As Lyons founding director, Carey Lyon, says, “In the current cultural and political environment, everyone understands how important it is to keep supporting the knowledge economy. This building promotes a sense of discovery and curiosity for all participants.”

Andrew N Liveris Building, photography by Christopher Frederick Jones.

The Andrew N. Liveris Building is the height of design excellence and thinking. But it also represents our society’s environment, community and growth in tangible ways in this ever-changing world, as does all architecture represented by this award.

Brian Hooper Architect
brianhooper.com.au

Lyons
lyonsarchitecture.com.au

m3architecture
m3architecture.com.au

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