Five projects have been shortlisted for the new City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize, established to recognise design excellence in the public domain across central Sydney.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the prize was designed to encourage projects that improve the quality of the public domain, making the city more liveable, interesting and engaging.

“We need to celebrate the imaginative, innovative and inspiring design that gives our city its personality,” the Lord Mayor said.

In the running are: The Art Gallery of New South Wales Forecourt Upgrade by Johnson Pilton Walker; Darling Quarter by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) with ASPECT Studios and Lend Lease; Newtown Interchange by Caldis Cook Group in association with the NSW Government Architect’s office; The Wayside Chapel by Environa Studio; and VSQ2 by Tony Caro Architecture.

“These projects accentuate the quality of our open spaces and urban environments,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Each one makes the most of its urban backdrop, creating wonderful open spaces to be discovered and enjoyed.”

The winner of the first Lord Mayor’s prize will be announced as part of the 2013 NSW Architecture Awards next month on 27 June.

Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Chapter President, Joe Agius, said the prize was an exciting addition to the annual NSW Architecture Awards and an opportunity to celebrate the work of architects as place makers and collaborators within the city.

“This prize recognises architects and projects that, through their creativity, have played a key role in bringing new life and texture to a range of places across the city,” Mr Agius said.

Mr Agius said the City of Sydney had been a leading advocate of architecture during Clover Moore’s time as Lord Mayor.

“The Institute is pleased to have developed this new prize in close collaboration with the Lord Mayor and senior Council staff, and I recognise and thank my predecessor Matthew Pullinger for the key role he played in helping to make this prize a reality.”

The Lord Mayor said the awards program acknowledged the skill and creativity of architects, and also encouraged exceptional work.

 

About the Prize

The City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize will be awarded to a project that improves the quality of the public domain through architectural or urban design excellence and may be for, or include, public art.

The project must be located within the City of Sydney Local Government Area.

The prize will be awarded to a project team that includes at least one member of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Projects have been shortlisted for the prize from all 2013 NSW Architecture Award entries, except single residential dwelling houses and residential alterations and additions, by the City of Sydney’s Director of City Planning, Development and Transport, Graham Jahn AM.

The Lord Mayor will select the winner from this shortlist and the inaugural City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize will be presented at the 2013 NSW Architecture Awards on Thursday 27 June at the historic Doltone House venue at Jones Bay Wharf.

More information on the Awards, please visit http://nswawards.architecture.com.au

 

For more information and high resolution images contact Laura Wise, Australian Institute of Architects on 02 9246 4012 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For interviews with the Lord Mayor contact Matthew Levinson, City of Sydney on 02 9265 9752 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.