Mayor's Award at the 10th City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards
Skinner's Reserve in South Melbourne by PHOOEY Architects picked up the Mayor's Award for its architectural excellence in sustainability "from cradle to grave" & for its contribution in engaging with the local community.
Mayor Cr Frank O'Connor told the packed crowd of developers, builders, planners & architects Skinners Children's Activity Centre should be congratulated for encouraging play for disadvantaged children, & children in public housing & for using sustainable strategies aimed at zero waste.
"Skinner's has already been highly applauded within industry both locally & internationally & so tonight it is only fitting that this work by PHOOEY Architects be recognised by the City of Port Phillip," he said.
Guest speaker for the evening Professor Geoffrey London, the Victorian State Government Architect spoke to the topic of 'Resilient Architecture' & praised council for valuing good design in the City.
"I'm a strong believer in making Awards in architecture, in allowing the awarded projects to make the argument, to make the case, through the evidence of their design quality. Awards show the projects in which high quality design is judged to be present; awards show that we do value innovation; & that we respect those who are able to achieve it," said Professor London.
"Awards provide exemplars for the community, &, when a local authority such as the City of Port Phillip makes design awards, it demonstrates widely that the City values good design, that they believe it important - so, if you are going to build here, you do it very well. This will have a roll-on effect for those who later apply to build here," he said.
The Design & Development Awards were the first to be held by a local government in Victoria commenced in 1998. The awards recognise design excellence in architecture, sustainable development & urban art.
Media Release
Elles, K 2010, 'Design & Development Awards 2010', City of Port Phillip, 21 May