To kick off this year’s International Landscape Architecture Festival, which runs from 10 – 13 October in Melbourne’s Federation Square, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has today announced the winners of its National Landscape Architecture Awards.

AILA has recognised 32 winners across 14 categories, including 13 Awards of Excellence, highlighting landscape architects that deliver above and beyond the sole purpose of the project.

Lilly Pads by Matt Osbourne

The awards also commended outstanding individual contributions to the profession and to AILA, with two President’s Awards.

AILA CEO Tim Arnold says this year’s awards demonstrated the broad and innovative thinking of Australia’s best landscape architects to deliver projects that bring value to the lives of all who pass through these spaces.

Sea Play by the Bay by PLAN E

“The modern world presents numerous challenges for landscape architects of today, but we are consistently seeing projects respond to common issues to create valuable contributions to our regions and cities,” Arnold says.

“The high calibre of projects entered highlights the beneficial role landscape architecture plays in the way we live, work and play.

“The jury was particularly impressed with the entrants’ commitment to delivering projects that promote sustainability through green infrastructure, as well as the focus on Traditional Owners being central to the design ethos of many projects.”

Jones Residence by Grant Hancock

Arnold says he is pleased to see four projects awarded under the Civic Landscape category, representing the most awards presented under a single category.

“The future design and management of Civic Space is a very high priority for AILA and will be the focal point of this year’s International Landscape Architecture Festival, The Square and The Park.”

“Yagan Square is a shining example of a Civic project that creates a simulating new epicentre for Perth, whilst weaving together a captivating story of Western Australia’s history and respectfully telling the stories of the Whadjuk Noongar people.”

Cooks to Cove Green Way by McGregor Coxall

The collaborative effort of ASPECT Studios, Lyons and IPH to deliver the Yagan Square saw it take out an Award of Excellence in the Tourism category, as well as a Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape.

“This project, and the range of diverse projects awarded this evening, set an inspiring benchmark for landscape architecture and gives the industry inspiration to think bigger and broader into the future.”

Main image: Eden Lane by Scott Burrows

All Images: supplied