The ACT Architecture Awards will be held digitally for the first time this year, with the territory’s best architectural projects announced through a YouTube event live streamed on Friday 5 June.
The ACT awards lead off a month-long series of state and territory architecture awards events which recognise architectural excellence in categories such as public architecture, residential, commercial, education, and sustainability. These awards are part of a national program run by the Australian Institute of Architects.
This year there are 43 ACT entries vying for awards across nine categories with individual awards being presented to the ACT Emerging Architect of the Year. The most outstanding project will be awarded the Canberra Medallion – the highest accolade for architecture in the ACT – by the Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Gordon Ramsay.
While the move to a digital format has come about because of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, ACT Chapter President Shannon Battisson says the virtual event is evidence of the architecture profession’s ability to adapt quickly to change.
“There’s no doubt that the world looks very different to when we started planning this year’s awards program, but I’m so pleased we’ve been able to pivot to a digital presentation. A truly incredible array of architecture has been completed over the last 12 months in ACT, and it would be remiss of us not to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our members and the way architecture shapes the past and future of our wonderful city, ” she said.
“It’s great to see that we have received 14 entries competing for the sustainability award.”
“We know it’s a tough time for Canberrans and for many of our members. Producing a professional and engaging awards program that celebrates and promotes quality architecture in the ACT is one of the positive ways we’re supporting our members and reaching out to the community during this uncertain time.”
“A digital awards event is a whole new experience, and it will be exciting to see architectural firms, students, academics, builders, planners, suppliers, sponsors, government agencies, and family and friends meeting virtually in Canberra and beyond to be part of this reimagined awards event for 2020.”
Live streams for all the Institute’s Chapter Awards will, for the first time, be open to members and the public free of charge. The digital presentations will cross live to the winners, and architects, sponsors, jury members and the wider built environment community across the country is invited to tune in and enjoy the live events.
Projects recognised as Architecture Award winners in each category will progress to the National Architecture Awards to be judged against the very best architectural works in the country. ACT Chapter winners are selected by independent juries and will be announced at a digital awards ceremony on 5 June 2020 via https://www.youtube.com/user/AusArchitects
For more information: ACT Executive Director, Liz Lang on 0447 262 415
