The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the winners of of the 2012 Darling Downs Regional Architecture Awards on 30 March, with two projects awarded top honours.

Real Studio: Murphy’s Creek BNT designed by Queensland University of Technology, and Queensland Ipswich Auditorium by Wilson Architects both received a Regional Commendation and the William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year, presented by Queensland State Awards Jury Director Michael Raynor.

QUT’s first Real Studio called for students to design and build a rural agricultural shed for the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) after previous facilities were destroyed by flash flooding in January 2011.

The jury described the project as “at one level a wonderful symbol of community renewal as well as a superb program for QUT students to experience the making of a building”, and “a marvellous jewel of architecture both compositionally and functionally”.

The new UQ auditorium by Wilson Architects (pictured at top) was designed to sensitively sit within the historic remnants of the Challiner Centre buildings, a lunatic asylum dating back to the 1870s. The design had to also minimise the visual impact of an existing four-storey adjoining campus building.

“The masonry modulation, the interstitial public space between new and old, the transparency into the auditorium, and the vivid green glass frontage are beautifully composed around a new campus courtyard,” noted the jury.

“Asked to add what is effectively a large, normally closed box to a highly articulated, historic campus, the architects have created a masterful response.”

A total of four Regional Commendations were awarded to Darling Downs projects, with UQ Fitness and Aquatic Centre by Architectus and Engine Room Offices by Aspect Design Studios also receiving accolades.

Australian Institute of Architects
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