Thearchitect 32010
Thearchitect 32010
Thearchitect 32010
NOVEMBER
2010
ARCHITECTURE
AWARDS
2010 ARCHITECTURE
AWARDS
THE BEST OF THE BEST
PASSING
VALE GILBERT RIDGWAY NICOL . .
BOOKS
MORPHOSIS + MORE
CONTENTS
D
COMMENT F E A T U R E ARTICLES
03 FOREWORD 08 BLUESCOPE MESSAGE 05 VALE GILBERT RIDGWAY NICOL
Letter from Rod Mollett, WA State President. AWARDS 2010 A true gentlemen passes but leaves the state
of W.A. a brilliant legacy of architecture that
The Principle Corporate Partner of
04 EDITOR’S NOTE + AUSTRALIAN spans decades and will live on in the hearts and
the Australian Institute of Architects
minds of family, friends and colleagues.
INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS WA W.A. Chapter Architecture Awards 2010
Brad Cook comments on greening apartments and introduce the Awards for 2010.
updating your architect registration while State
Manager, Meino Mirkva, discusses the enormous
09 THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE
effort that went into the recent 2010 RAIA WA
Architecture Awards. OF ARCHTITECTS W.A. CHAPTER
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2010
41 MORPHOSIS + MORE The “cream of the crop” for 2010 . What
> Brad Cook reviews the latest and greatest collection of a year of brilliant examples of what
projects by Morphosis of California. W.A. Architects, Builders and clients are
> Four new titles have recently landed at Boffins capable of - Bring on 2011!
that are sure to inspire and motivate the student
and architect alike. Great for a stocking filler if you’re
hunting around for the gift that keeps on giving!
WA State President
Rod Mollett LFRAIA
Rod
We can of course take the stance that the commentary or opinions
are ill informed, ignorant or simply wrong, and in most cases they
are, but the negative opinions of some in the community and
indeed, within the profession itself, remain.
However on a positive note I can report that a recent RFP, put out
by a major regional council, that required respondents to include
‘design concepts’ with their submissions has been suspended
after receipt of our written objection. The basis of our complaint
was exactly as said, the devaluing of architectural services and
a lack of respect for the profession. The council in question was
the City of Geraldton-Greenough and they are to be applauded for
taking such positive action in response to the concerns raised. The
said RFP has been withdrawn and will be restructured in a more
appropriate form.
I had enormous respect for Gil, Geoff and Vin but have to admit
to being particularly affected by the passing of Geoff. I worked for
Geoffrey way back in 1978 and for only period of 12 months, but
Brad Do keep an eye out for emails on the elections. We will be trialling
voting on line and those not comfortable with technology will be
sent election papers by post.
Many thanks
Meino
The national architectural profession lost one of its’ most celebrated members on build on the interconnections that were possible between and through sites.
9th September with the death, in his 85th year, of Gil Nicol, senior partner in the Gil understood all of the forces acting upon commercial developments from the
Perth based firm Cameron Chisholm and Nicol. economic to the political and what was needed to make a project work for the
client and the community.
He had retired from that Australia-wide practice in 1986 honouring an agreement
that partners step aside from direct control at age 60 to encourage fresh leadership His commanding presence and rational argument for a scheme or a design
and healthy renewal at the cutting-edge of good design and architectural services. solution was particularly formidable and he was responsible for a major part of
the extensive success experienced by CCN as a practice over a long period.
The firm, started in 1884 by J.W. Wright, headed by a number of respected He was an architect’s architect who loved talking architecture. Those who worked
architects over the years including T W L Powell, A D Cameron and O V Chisholm with him will recall his enviable drafting techniques and coloured freehand
saw Gil’s name added in 1952 following his return from European travels and sketches all with their impeccable lettering.
invaluable work with Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardell, a prominent London practice. He encouraged overseas travel as a means of expanding ones architectural
He had completed the inaugural 5 year architectural course at Perth Technical repertoire. He greatly enjoyed the US and the Mediterranean particularly Italy
College graduating with the top award of the Cohen Medal in 1950. where among his favourite places were Bellagio and Portofino.
World War II put stop to his engineering studies at UWA when he joined the Steeped in the ideals and aesthetics of the “International School” of modern
RAAF following his 18th birthday for aircrew training in Canada, only to find the architecture, familiar with the works of its masters and the products of the historical
War end before he could see action. Short periods of leave had allowed him periods in the arts and architecture, Gil was one of the post-war “innovators”
travel to the US and to be particularly impressed by Chicago and its examples of the profession: well educated, well travelled, engaging with the spheres of
of seminal architecture. His later studies included the history and works of the business and industry, committing to community service and working with his
nineteenth Century Chicago School of Architects so much so that he remained peers in roles of professional guidance and architectural education.
the office guru on its members and achievements. His return to study as an ex-
serviceman brought with it an eagerness and maturity which recent experiences Recognition of his importance within the profession saw him awarded, in 1963,
had engendered. fellowship and in 1971, life fellowship of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
The very broad range of clients for whom he and his office worked and the many Apart from his influence across the output of his firm, individual buildings
young architects and support team members, who gained experience through bearing his particular stamp, and which have each received the highest awards
the firm, will remember his accessible personality, refreshing candour and lack of the WA Chapter and the RAIA, include the Reid Library at UWA, Allendale
of pretense. Exceptional design abilities, technical knowledge, charisma, and Square and Wesfarmers Building in Perth city, the Metropolitan Water Centre in
communication skills made him a revered and respected mentor. Leederville and the Alexander Library Building in the Perth Cultural Centre. Other
Professional and industry bodies have recognized the merits of his buildings and
Gil enjoyed working for large American multinational companies like Alcoa and added their accolades.
responded well to the American way of doing things.
A further honour for his outstanding contribution to architecture was the award
He understood the importance of the integration of architecture and planning such of the Gold Medal of the RAIA, in 1983, shared with his practice partner Ross
that his buildings responded to the whole fabric of the city and were designed to Chisholm. Part of an interview with Gil following the award typifies his modest
“…. but bear in mind it’s the calibre of the other guys in the office that is just as
important as the two people. In many ways winning an award such as the Gold
Medal carries a certain amount of embarrassment because you know that the
credit should go all the way around, there is no doubt about that.”
In the earlier years of his busy life sporting skills shone in tennis and golf with a
creditable record and leaving long friendships in both. Gil continued to play tennis
till well into his late 70s giving friends and visitors a good workout on his court
whenever the opportunity allowed.
In 1984 Gil married architect Jenny Shannon and, following his retirement from
CC&N, they enjoyed sojourns in Queensland whilst developing an interest in stud
cattle. Returning to WA, farmland was purchased in the Yallingup - Margaret River
region. Always a big thinker he planted 50 acres to vineyard fringed with beautiful
avenues of poplars. They built for themselves a unique, playful farmhouse which
is the centrepiece for their beautification of his well loved Springfield Farm. Much
fun was had over drinks and dinners, as he extended his generosity to all on the
extensive deck overlooking the picturesque 10 acre lake.
A fruitful architectural partnership ensued adding some 20 new houses for friends
to the local environment, in a distinct and identifiable style which has become a
benchmark of quality in the locality, winning praise and awards.
In recent years holiday breaks were often taken in the warmer climate of Broome.
He is survived by his wife Jenny and two children from his previous marriage:
Jonathon and Annabel, and four grand children: Tao, Matt, Angus and Ben.
Contributions by:
Bill Weedon, Kym MacCormac, Paul Rossen and Jenny Nicol
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As Principal Corporate Partner, it is with great pleasure that we continue to support
excellence in Australian Architecture through the 2010 Australian Institute of Architects
Awards program. It is particularly exciting to be supporting the profession this year, as
2010 marks our 25th anniversary of partnership with the Institute.
Every year we see an amazing array of projects entered into the Awards program
nationally. They represent a pursuit of excellence by the profession that showcases
advancement in the built environment and the ever increasing appreciation of the
important role it plays in society. In the 25th year of our valuable relationship with the
Institute, we are proud to support the prestigious Gold Medal awarded to Kerry and
Lindsay Clare. Congratulations to Kerry and Lindsay on this honour which recognises a
career of outstanding achievement. The COLORBOND® Student Biennale is also awarded
this year. Our support of this prize also spans 25 years and we are proud to be a part of
a program that recognises exceptional design innovation from some of Australia’s up and
coming students of architecture.
Congratulations to all architects who have entered into Institute’s Awards programs
throughout the year, and especially to those who have had their work recognised as Award
winners. BlueScope Steel is proud to be able to assist the Institute in delivering these
magnificent programs again in 2010.
Manu Siitonen
Market Manager – Residential
BlueScope Steel
JURY COMMENTS
The completion of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth is a major civic work
which has been lovingly executed by a sole practitioner. Such an
endeavour over a considerable period has required a complete
commitment to the one project. Whilst the architect is to be
congratulated for his dedication to the task, it is the excellent result
that has been achieved that is recognised by the George Temple
Poole Award.
The finished building tells its own story through the superb detailing
and sensitive relationship of the old to the new.
PROJECT DETAILS
In short the project has captured the impact of the work by noting Architect: Peter M. Quinn Architect
that Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a delightful master work of public Builder: EMCO Building
architecture which must be recognised. Photographer: Adrian Lambert
JURY COMMENTS
The WA Basketball Centre presents a bold & heroic use of steel
to provide the solution for this challenging project. The large steel
masts were custom fabricated overseas to provide the support
for the large column-free spans within. Conventional hot-rolled
sections supplement the overall primary structural solution;
whilst the extensive use of steel cladding and Cor-Ten steel for
the entry portals conspire to elevate this project to a symphony of
innovations in the use of steel.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Peter Hunt & Daryl Jackson Architects
Builder: Perkins Builders & BGC Construction
Photographer: Russell Barton
The roof canopy exhibits a lightness that the jury believes plays a successful role
creating large public facility that does not overwhelm in terms of scale or overblown
complexity.
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the lighting creatively designed and
selected not only to create spaces within the food podium but
also to create direction, focus, mood and to highlight finishes. An
impressive selection of lighting was used – from an array of chromed
drop pendants reflecting spaces behind and beyond for direction,
large polished light sculptures creating focus to the main podium
onto which lighting is projected and fittings in more intimate spaces
working with furniture to create a variety of different themed areas.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland
Builder: Brookfield Multiplex Pty Ltd
Photographer: Alison Paine
JURY COMMENTS
The jury found this project, the result of a limited design
competition, to be an outstanding accomplishment in the realm of
public architecture.
The Cathedral and its grounds are open and welcoming to the city
and its citizens. The architect’s design strategy of retaining the
cathedral in ’a green square’ by carving out ground from beneath
the building for other required facilities allows the maintenance
of a delightful public park and a gathering place before and after
services.
This delightful project is a testament to Tony Brand’s clear and robust master planning
and the ability of Broderick Architects to engage with it and develop new possibilities in
a refined, respectful and innovative manner.
This upgrade has resulted in a renewed public interest in the school and increased
student enrolments all to the delight of the Principal.
JURY COMMENTS
This outstanding design creates a very successful relationship
between major living spaces, terrace, street and marine
environment. Generous and delightful spaces are created from the
modest footprint of two pavilions, one open and the other private
and linked by an internal courtyard, is a very successful response
to local climate and marine environment. The special ambiance of
this building is in part due to the careful and controlled selection
of natural local materials which have been crafted together with
great skill and meticulous detailing. The resulting delightful home
is understated and not at all ostentatious.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Bates Smart & Madeleine Blanchfield Architect
Builder: Gransden Construction
Photographer: Tyrone Branigan
Good spatial planning and selection of harmonious materials create a simple and
memorable beauty.
SEASCAPES RESIDENCE
OPTIMUM RESOURCE ARCHITECTS COMMENDATION
The bold use of natural local stone in external walls is appropriate in this beautiful rural
environment.
INJIDUP RESIDENCE
WRIGHT FELDHUSEN ARCHITECTS
WILKINS RESIDENCE
ROBERT ANDARY ARCHITECTURE
It creates an orchestrated sense of expansiveness and generosity from the street entry
to the rear of the property while carefully maintaining privacy on a small property. This
expansiveness is reinforced by an increasing sense of light.
JURY COMMENTS
The Henry Street Apartments create a rich and wonderful new
layer for contemporary living within the heart of Fremantle. The
architects demonstrate exceptional skill and maturity using refined
and direct detailing that overlays the new work with an existing
heritage ruin. The apartments are carefully considered with an
emphasis on the relationship between the interior and the site.
Material and detailing is restrained, creating a strong formal quality
with a clarity and richness that ensured it was the clear winner in
this category.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: spaceagency
Builder: Northerly Group
Photographer: Adrian Lambert & Michael Patroni
HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE
SAINT MARY’S CATHEDRAL
PETER M. QUINN ARCHITECT
URBAN DESIGN
BROOME NORTH
CODA
Landcorp is to be congratulated for having the foresight to engage the Architects at the
beginning of the project so that a framework is established up front which acknowledges
the uniqueness of the location and which capitalises on the outstanding opportunities
offered by the site. It will be interesting to follow the direct application of modernist
design and sustainability principles on this regional development.
JURY COMMENTS
Durack House displays all the core values of architectural
design and is distinguished by the manner in which it integrates
commercial amenity with civic qualities and environmental
responsibility. Durack House operates as a functional and effective
office building that achieves a 6 Star Green Star design. It is a
testament to the value of architecture that ensures a thoughtful and
clear conceptual framework throughout the architectural process.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Woodhead
Builder: Diploma
Photographer: Martin Farquharson
THE GARDEN
TAYLOR ROBINSON
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the projects strong concept and
excellent realisation, from large scale gesture to detailed resolution.
The architects have drawn on the imagery of mineral exploration
in W.A. connecting the historic façade, a remnant of a previous
mineral boom, with today’s 21st century high-rise development.
Lighting is used to dramatic effect and is combined with sculptural
elements to connect the first floor space to the street. Acoustic
treatment and selected furniture create surprise and variation
between the different zones. Of particular note is the integration of
art works commissioned for the project, which distinguish the ‘food
podium’ as an urban dinning destination.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland
Builder: Brookfield Multiplex Pty. Ltd.
Photographer: Alison Paine
CURTIN STADIUM
JAMES CHRISTOU + PARTNERS ARCHITECTS
JURY COMMENTS
This project embodies the very spirit of the Small Project Architecture
category. The brief called for three tough and durable classrooms
on an existing TAFE campus; a trying context, with recourse to a
restricted material palette of colorbond and concrete block. Each
classroom is rotated providing its own specific site address- the
western courtyard, southern green and eastern campus entrance.
Each address is formed by a deep-revealed, carefully scaled bay
window making the interior richer and the site more embraced.
Screens of blockwork and precast concrete at the head of each bay
window temper the light within. Large pre-cast elements allow for
deep-set heads and sills. Ceilings inflect up or down in response
to the shape of the roof over and the room’s position within the
envelope as a whole. In this way each classroom is made unique
despite consistency of brief and material.
Simply put this project makes so much out of so little. The building
is weathering superbly.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Armstrong Parkin Architects
Builder: Badge Constructions (W.A.) Pty. Ltd.
Photographer: Tony Nathan & Armstrong Parkin
JURY COMMENTS
Durack House is a fine example of a six-star “Green-Star” office
building – meaning that it has been assessed as a world class
example of built sustainable design. The building was developed
within the Green Building Council of Australia’s Office Tool, and in
the context of a strict commercial brief. The developers are to be
commended in taking this additional step to produce an audited
sustainable office.
The project terminates the southern end of Victoria Avenue
responding well to the mass of the larger Family Court on the
opposite side of the street, clearly defining the entry into the city
from the south up Victoria Avenue. The steep contours of the
street make for an unusual entry into the foyer of the building via
a diagonal approach ramp that runs below a dramatic brise-soleil
from operable louvers in a dramatic red shroud.
The red shroud acts as a counterpoint to green tree canopy
of Victoria Avenue and is reflected in the glazed podium of the
Family Court directly across the road enhancing the streetscape
experience for pedestrians and drivers.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architect: Woodhead
Builder: Diploma
Photographer: Martin Farquharson
A specific preoccupation with ambiguity, idiosyncracity and Procurement of architectural commissions through open
imperfection has led the team at Morphosis in California to an competition is thankfully commonplace throughout much of Europe
architecture of duality. A duality that exudes strength yet appears and the USA. Morphosis has an insatiable hunger for architectural
delightfully delicate, melancholically mechanical while at times competitions, which has shaped their methodology of design.
demure and frail – it is this polemical dilemma that strikes at the Using sketch models (physical) to elaborate on forms is not new,
very heart of what the human race craves – order. however it appears to still be a pivotal step in a design process
that is forever developing. Phare Tower in La Défense (Paris) is
Thom Mayne has long been at the forefront of architectural first developed with physical models then progresses to a more
design both in the USA and internationally and this latest volume synthetic approach using computer-generated models that can
of works casts a cursory eye over numerous seminal projects of then be used as CAD-type drawings ready for documentation.
the past fifteen years that the architectural practice he founded, The form of the tower is dictated by both its physical and cultural
Morphosis, some 38 years ago. For those that are not aware, boundaries however its complex dexterity alludes to an anarchy
Mayne and several other colleagues were the founders of SCIARC that is truly French and decidedly passionate.
(Southern California Institute of Architecture), a research focussed
school of similar international standing as MIT (Massachusetts If you strive for excellence in not only the finished product of your
Institute of Technology), Harvard Design School (HDS) or the designs, but also the methodology you employ, then you have
Architectural Association (AA) in London. Mayne describes his much to learn from this latest volume encapsulating an architect’s
search for architectural clarity as being more than the mere visual architect – Thom Mayne.
manifestations of his work toward a broad spectrum of sensation. A
spectrum that searched for the haptic, the intuitive and interestingly Be sure to watch out for the next instalment from the International
a semblance of Merleau-Ponty’s notion of a preintellectural kinship Speaker Series 2011 by the Australian Institute of Architects, Thom
between the viewer and the work, for an authenticity of the Mayne is coming to talk.
everyday.
Public Architecture Now! The New Structuralism Architectural Modelmaking Twenty Buildings
Design, Engineering and Every Architect Should
Philip Jodidio Architectural Technologies Laurence King Understand
Taschen Gestalten 2010
RRP $90.00 Fabio Schillaci RRP $49.95 Simon Unwin
Wiley 2010 Routledge
RRP $47.95 RRP $48.00
We tend to divide buildings Today the convergence of The physical scale model is Have you ever wondered how
into two basic categories: design, engineering and often cited as an important the ideas behind the world’s
private structures such as architectural technologies is tool of communication for greatest architectural designs
houses, and public buildings breeding a new material practice architecture students and came about? What processes
like railway stations, concert in experimental architecture. In practitioners alike. Although does an architect go through
halls or museums. Public this pioneering publication, this the proliferation of CAD to dream up buildings which
buildings have limits of their important shift is fully defined programmes has enabled become world renowned for
own. Whether a courthouse as a highly dynamic synthesis the creation of increasingly their excellence?
or an airport, a stadium or of emerging principles of complex computer models and This book reveals the secrets
college campus, questions spatial, structural and material virtual environments, there is behind these buildings. Author
of style, function or cost are ordering integrated through the also a growing need to address Simon Unwin asks you to ‘read’
clearly posed. Resolving such application of materialisation the three-dimensional qualities the building and understand
tensions is just one of many and fabrication technologies. of architecture that may be lost its starting point by analysing
serious questions that arise Providing the foundations for when using such media. its final form. Through gradual
when the definition of public a new theory of structuring This book focuses on the revelations made by an
architecture is at stake. in architecture, The New inspiring possibilities for understanding of the thinking
This book explores the most Structuralism has broad modelling the built environment behind the form, you will learn
creative responses to these implications for the way we with all the different media a unique methodology which
and related issues, and shows conceive and undertake and techniques that are now can be used every time you
how, in recent years, public architectural design, as its available. Through description look at any building.
architecture has undergone a impact starts to emanate of the use of different models Simon Unwin is Emeritus
tremendous upheaval. not only across education in different contexts, the Professor of Architecture at
Where solidly classical and internationally, but also through book provides a practical and the University of Dundee, UK.
staid designs were the norm, architectural research and effective guide to how and why He has lived in the UK and
aesthetic daring and innovation practice. models are used, in addition Australia, and has taught or
are now increasingly rewarded. to what they are used for, and, lectured on his work in China,
The New Structuralism features
Celebrated architects from furthermore, how they relate to Israel, India, Sweden, Turkey
premier research and design-
Herzog & de Meuron to Jean architecture education. and the USA. His previous
oriented engineering practices
Nouvel have blazed a trail for books are used in schools of
by Bollinger + Grohmann, Buro
a new generation of truly public architecture around the world.
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and Werner Sobek. It focuses
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the few.
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highlights the groundbreaking
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