Full jury citations

Award: Sustainable Architecture

Plant 4 has strived to achieve a 5-Star Certified, ‘As Built’ Green Star rating. Even more impressive is that this was done in an old Clipsal factory, constructed for industrial purposes with little environmental consideration. The transformation of the existing building into a community market space is in itself an impressive statement of sustainable re-invention. The 5-Star rating also requires extensive ESD modelling during design phases and ongoing engagement after completion.

An environmentally sustainable outcome for this project was driven by the client and an established encumbrance for development in the Bowden Precinct. The public benefit of this project is amplified by the civic contribution that this project makes to Bowden and the example it sets as a sustainable community space. It is a cornerstone, engaged with its locality but also connected well beyond its borders by a network of public transport and bike paths.

Alterations to the base building are focused on increasing public interaction. The project demonstrates permeability – light, air and people move through the space freely. This creates a sense of welcome and inclusion for the community. The jury awarded this project as an exemplary version of sustainable design fulfilled by community engagement.

Commendation: Commercial Architecture

Plant 4 Bowden is a successful example where potentially competing agendas of strategic planning, conservation, adaptive re-use, landscape architecture and interior design come together and get it right. It could have so easily gone wrong.

‘Do more with less’ was the obvious ambition for this project where the disciplined restraint of the architect allowed the retention of the desirable and appealingly authentic ‘urban-fringe-grit’ character of place.

(Jury citations were extracted from a PDF document on AIA’s website on 14 June 2017)