Parramatta's iconic flagship community, cultural and civic centre is the toast of the architecture industry after PHIVE was awarded the Best Designed Buildings and Landscapes Civic Centre award at the 2024 International Architecture Awards.
The annual international awards by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press, Ltd., recognise the best, significant new buildings that underscore the direction and understanding of current cutting-edge processes consistent with today's design thinking.
Spread across six levels, the $136 million centre opened its doors in 2022 and includes a library, maker spaces, tech labs, sound studios, visitor services and Council Chambers.
City of Parramatta chief executive Gail Connolly PSM said PHIVE has established itself as the City's cultural and civic heart.
"PHIVE is not just an architectural icon - it's Parramatta's community living room," Ms Connolly said.
"Since its doors opened in September 2022, PHIVE has welcomed more than 1.3 million people to either borrow a book, study, attend a Council meeting or take part in a program."
"Its unique design has made it a landmark - and we are proud to see it recognised on an international stage as we strive towards becoming a global city by 2050."
The building was designed by a team led by award-winning French architect Manuelle Gautrand, in partnership with Ms Gautrand's French firm and Australian firms Design Inc and Lacoste + Stevenson, represented by Richard Does and Thierry Lacoste.
Lacoste + Stevenson design director Thierry Lacoste said he is proud to be part of PHIVE's story.
"This prestigious international award is a fantastic acknowledgment of PHIVE's success," Mr Lacoste said.
"The high level of public engagement demonstrates its vital role in the community.
"With a rich mix of cultural and civic programming and its central location, PHIVE stands as the focal point of Parramatta."
The International Architecture Awards were established by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press in 2004 to honour the world's most distinguished buildings, landscape architecture and urbanism.
The win represents PHIVE's sixth major award. It was previously recognised among the world's best libraries as one of four finalists in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions' (IFLA) Public Library of the Year award for 2023, and in May 2024 was awarded Australian Public Library of the Year by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
