Strengthening ties: Hassell’s 2023 National AIA Awards

Two Hassell projects have been honoured at this year’s Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards.

In Queensland, Herston Quarter Stages 1 and 2 for Australian Unity won the National Award for Urban Design as a redevelopment that carefully stitches together a mix of health facilities (existing and new), student accommodation and facilities, health research institutes, commercial space and green public space in a way that is elegant, comfortable and appropriate for south-east Queensland. Heritage buildings are enhanced by sensitive landscaping and cleverly reformed forecourt spaces that improve their amenity and accessibility.

The jury commended Herston Quarter on Yuggera and Turrbal Country for successfully navigating a steep, complex site that contains heritage buildings and the remnants of an old quarry – and is entangled with busy roads to the east and south. The project maximizes the site’s best qualities and draws the public into the precinct and heritage centre via a grand gesture: the ​“Spanish Steps” and glass lift, which link the train station and Victoria Park to the south with the crown of the hill and the site’s north.

“Herston Quarter has reclaimed a part of Brisbane that has long felt inaccessible and given it back to its neighbourhood. Its new address, transport, amenity, connectivity and landscape are greatly improved through this project.”

— AIA Awards Jury

In the ACT, The Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Physics on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country received the National Commendation for Educational Architecture. The building is a milestone on a transformational eight-year journey and partnership between Hassell and the Research School, signalling a new era of ingenuity and visibility.

According to the Awards Jury, this exciting and extremely well-executed celebration of science balances a complex technical brief with an innovative structural, servicing and formal solution to create laboratories that are on display to scholars and visitors (the ​“ballroom concept”); and work and teaching spaces that are light-filled, inviting and collaborative.

“A love of physics is evident throughout the building, from the waves in the acoustic timber wall treatment and the external shading fins to the randomized patterns of seats in the main lecture hall. A spectacular lake view adds to the effect.”

— AIA Awards Jury

Congratulations to our clients, collaborators, and our esteemed project teams on these award-winning projects.