University Building Wins Top 2009 Australia Regional Architecture Award

A university creative arts building designed to serve both the resident student body and wider Townsville community is the top winner in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2009 North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.

At a ceremony in Townsville, the James Cook University School of Creative Arts by BVN Architecture was awarded the 2009 Building of the Year.

In awarding the prize, Queensland Awards Jury Director Justin O’Neill said: “The School of Creative Arts groups its four primary functions around a central landscaped spine. The perimeter pre-cast panels form a walled court enclosing both internal and external spaces. The roof is stepped to accommodate the different scales of teaching, admin and outdoor living. These external spaces cater for both intimate and large gathering, providing a new, arts based meeting zone within the University. This is a well tuned creative arts building that offers inspiration and freedom of expression to its users.”

All up eight projects were entered in the North Queensland Regional Awards this year, ranging from North Ward, to Townsville, Garbutt, Thuringowra, South Townsville and Thuringowra Central.

A total of four projects were awarded commendations: the James Cook University School of Creative Arts by BVN Architecture; Oliver’s Cloister by Stephen de Jersey Architect; Consortium Townsville by Brand and Slater Architects; and Southpark Terrace by Architects North.

Of this year’s regional commendation winners, the jury said: Oliver’s Cloister by Stephen de Jersey Architect: “This simple rhythmic structure sits atop an existing rock wall adjacent the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It provides a sheltered and peaceful gathering space. The building is both an annex and the primary ordering element for entry to the precinct. The cloister was commissioned in memory of a baby named Oliver. Its idea was born out of a grieving process. The design of the cloister represents a turning point based on a celebration of life and the sharing of precious moments.”

Consortium Townsville by Brand and Slater Architects: “Consortium is a nightclub building within the main pub district of Townsville. The planning for this project allows for a range of club spaces dependent on patronage. One can imagine it handling both intimate cocktails and a heaving Friday night crowd. The finishes are tuned for dim lights with plenty of attention seeking detail.”

Southpark Terrace by Architects North: “These nine townhouses are clustered into two and three-storey buildings facing onto three streets. The layouts are simple but generous, maximising cross flow ventilation. Material selection and use is economical and good privacy is achieved within a tight site. It was obvious from discussions on site that both client and architect shared similar goals for the project. This modest complex provides a good model for future affordable housing within Townsville’s inner ring.”

All commendation recipients are now in the running for Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on Friday 17 July.