Architecture shapes the land we live, play and thrive on, and as a fundamental building block of our society, it is always exciting to celebrate the best of the best.

The Victorian Architecture Awards Shortlist for 2022 had its largest pool of selected applicants in the awards’ history. Now, with winners announced, we take a moment to appreciate the pedigree of the state’s talent.

With the vast selection of projects, the architectural prowess of Victoria cannot be ignored for the strength and diversity these countless designs represent.

Reflecting on the awards, Victorian chapter president Bill Krotiris FRAIA says, “Despite building reform challenges the design and building industry has faced in recent years, we’re very pleased to witness and experience the ongoing significant and positive contributions architects are providing in shaping our built landscape for all Victorians.”

The 125 projects ranged across various contexts of Victorian life, whether urban, suburban or rural; the creative adaptation and pioneering vision of conservation headline this year’s selection.

And at its core, the staple of Victorian architecture comes into a new emphasis on urban renewal and progressive design that connects with the state’s heritage buildings and the future we head toward.

“Projects range from strategic large scale urban renewal works with carefully considered conservation works, through to new sustainable multi-residential models in our inner urban and ring suburbs and regions, through to innovative individual residential and interior interventions,” says Krotiris.

Along with revitalisation, the projects selected also reflect Victorian architecture’s growing response to equity, access and special needs. The projects presented set a precedent for community and connection through our built environment and societal needs.

As part of the jury process, every entrant undergoes a site visit that offers a new lens on how the projects master design, space, and ingenuity. Also, the site visits allow jurors to see the project’s connections to the surrounding environment and participation with the community.

Victorian state manager Tim Leslie FRAIA says, “With architecture, the true assessment of its value is through seeing how it sits within its context, its understanding of place and the successful relationship of its uses and functionality – the considered integration of building services, structure and the sculpting of space.

 “This also includes the admission of light and breeze, the crafting of materials and finishes, the project’s contribution to future sustainability and its ability to transform the mundane and pragmatic into an experience of greater significance for both the user and for our broader society,” he says.

Follow the link here to view the entire list of the winners and here for the shortlisted applicants.

Australian Institute of Architecture
architecture.com.au

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