An evocative urban plaza has been crowned this year's winner of the 2022 City of Adelaide Prize, with ARM Architecture's redevelopment of the Adelaide Railway Station Entry beating a field of nine finalists to take home the prestigious award.
The prize was established by Council in 1997 to recognise and award a project that enhances the public experience of the City of Adelaide. The City of Adelaide Prize is currently managed on behalf of Council by the SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects and is presented as part of its annual awards program. The winner of the City of Adelaide Prize and the People's Choice Award was announced at the annual South Australian Architecture Awards Online streaming event last night.
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the City of Adelaide Prize recognised innovative and creative projects that bring our city to life.
"The City of Adelaide Prize is about supporting the creation of extraordinary public spaces that engage the community and bring the streets of Adelaide alive," said the Lord Mayor.
"Adelaide is a city designed for life and all the finalists in this category have made significant contributions to our city's aesthetic and experience.
"The new Adelaide Railway Station entry is both visually beautiful and extremely functional in helping large crowds of people enjoy their time in our city."
This year Council received nine entries into the award:
- Lot Fourteen Canopy by Tridente Boyce
- Adelaide Railway Station Entry by ARM Architecture
- Adelaide Festival Pavilion by CO-AP
- Bice Building Refurbishment by Baukultur
- Jam Factory Tarnanthi Exhibition 2021 by Grieve Gillett Andersen
- The Foundry by Architects Ink
- Fugazzi by Studio Gram
- Australian Space Discovery Centre by JPE Design Studio
- Restaurant Botanic by Williams Burton Leopardi
Adelaide Railway Station Entry by ARM Architecture was also the People's Choice Winner. Councillor Helen Donovan was part of the six-person jury who praised the redevelopment in their citation.
"Complex, rhythmic, generous in scale, and fun - this urban plaza and throughway project is already loved by Adelaideans and visitors alike. The vaulted spaces, textured surfaces and soft earthy glow of the coloured glass are evocative, sensory and provide visual delight - drawing you through to the unseen river beyond.
A once forgotten and neglected end to the Station Concourse, this project reinstates a significant urban pedestrian connection back to the river and celebrates the stories of this precinct in the heart of the City."
The jury also awarded two commendations:
Adelaide Festival Pavilion by CO-AP
Nestled elegantly in a complex space, CO-AP's Adelaide Festival Pavilion delivers a thoughtful and well considered response to the City's Riverbank Precinct. A beacon that doesn't shout, the understated temporary structure enlivens the Park and riverside during the Festival season. It is also an egalitarian insertion that sits comfortably amongst the river, theatres, rotunda and the nearby oval.
The Foundry by Architects Ink
The Foundry project makes a significant social contribution to the City through its youth programming, which is supported by the welcoming design. The jury were impressed with the collaborative process between client, architect, user groups and artists in delivering this community space. The revitalised semi-industrial building provides a fresh, light-filled and sympathetic environment through carefully crafted internal spaces.
The City of Adelaide Prize Jury for 2022 comprised of:
- Councillor Helen Donovan
- Felicity Sando (Mulloway Studio)
- Daniel Bennett (AILA)
- Anna Brown (DIA)
- David Bills (PIA)
- Emma Fey (Guildhouse)
