City of Adelaide Prize
The City of Adelaide Prize recognises and awards projects that bring the streets and public spaces of Adelaide alive and make it a great place to live, work and have fun.
The Prize is a category within the prestigious South Australian Architecture Awards Program.
Established in 1997, the prize recognises innovative projects that enliven the city’s public spaces and actively engage with the community. It includes projects such as buildings, landscape works, public art and temporary contributions of the City’s public spaces. The City of Adelaide and the Australian Institute of Architects work together to support the enhancement of public spaces in the city as South Australia’s capital. Best of all: entry is free.
Entries for the City of Adelaide Prize open 18 November 2020 and close 19 February 2021.
The winners of the City of Adelaide Prize will be announced at the annual South Australian Architecture Awards presentation dinner to be held on 19 June 2021.
People's Choice category
In addition to the City of Adelaide Prize, there is also a City of Adelaide People’s Choice award.
Once nominations close, finalists are announced. Members of the public (that’s you!) can vote for their favourite entry. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is the nominee who receives the most votes.
To be eligible to enter, the project must display innovation and excellence in enhancing the public realm of the city. It must be located within the City of Adelaide (Adelaide and North Adelaide) and have been completed in the past two years.
Potential entries may include:
- buildings
- landscape works
- public art installations
- performance spaces
- any other built projects that enhance public experience.
Individual stages or components of projects are also eligible for entry as are projects undertaken by or for the City of Adelaide, State Government and/or Federal Government.
Projects will be assessed against the following criteria:
Social
- enhances the public experience of the City
- activates and enlivens public space
- user friendly and creates a positive experience
- offers equity and community benefits (particularly to disadvantaged groups)
Environmental
- environmentally sustainable
- retains/re-uses heritage fabric
- enhances water quality, ecological systems and biodiversity
Economic
- contributes to the economic growth of the City
- enhances tourism opportunities and experiences
- timely delivery
- quality for cost (including lifecycle considerations)
Design process
- exhibits innovation and creativity in design
- demonstrates collaboration between professionals
- engages the community
City of Adelaide past prize winners gallery
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2020 - U City by Woods Bagot
Jury Award Citation: Through collaborative and intuitive design, U-City sets a new benchmark for multiple-use buildings in the City of Adelaide. A thoughtful, respectful and contextual analysis explores single site ownership for over a century and delivers generous additions to the public realm at street level by re-establishing Penaluma Place. The building continues to embrace the corner site, similar to its predecessor, however realises a greater level of integration, with small reminders of the site’s rich history layered throughout the building through material, form and motif.
Through clever and well resolved design, U-City responds to a brief that can only be described as heroic in scale and complexity, brought together in beautiful detailing and form, with a clear focus on social and environmental sustainability. Meticulous planning and detailed engagement with the end users throughout the design process allows the architecture to seamlessly mask an impressive range of health and well-being services, aged care, a church and public open space.
U-City shows a new approach for integrated development, housed within well-considered, resolved and thoughtful built form. The jury commends both client and architect for their evident partnership in realising a great outcome for the City of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2020 - St Aloysius College AR Mural by Riggs Digital and St Aloysius College
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2020 - Part Time Lover by Sans-Arc Studio
Jury Award Citation: Part Time Lover is a bold addition to its heritage fabric, breathing fresh air into a previously under-utilised, left-over space. Attention to detailing and planning of spatial arrangements makes for an enjoyable user experience while complying with complex access requirements of the site. Levering off existing structure and incorporating a passive thermal design approach, the result encourages activity and movement while keeping its promise of ‘being there when needed.’
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2020 - Tika Tirka Student Accommodation by Phillips/Pilkington Architects
Jury Award Citation: Tika Tirka is an ambitious approach to accommodation for Indigenous students living away from home. It carefully respects culture, place and connection to sky while creating a series of functional and private spaces. Sitting at ease in its surroundings, the delicately profiled screening and curve to the canopy soften the edges of the robust materials used throughout.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2019 - Karen Rolton Oval at Narnungga (Park 25) by Cox Architects
Jury Award Citation: Karen Rolton Oval has set a new benchmark for recreational and community development in the Park Lands. The built form and function of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA)-run facility actively seeks to create a sense of engagement through the architecture and urban design responses of the building. Although sports focused and limited by the specific commercial requirements the design delivers significant community value.
The architecture of the building is striking and bold, at the same time the design and material selection is sympathetic and responsive to its surroundings. The external spaces of the building are always accessible, providing an elegant, much-needed rest spot in the northwest Park Lands. The refined functionality of the stepped terrace and upper-level balcony offers visitors a multitude of seating and viewing points around the building, providing new community spaces from which to experience the Park Lands.
Compared to the previous facilities at Park 25, this project has a reduced building footprint on the Park Lands while increasing operational areas and community space through a well-designed consolidation of built form.
The design and utilisation of Karen Rolton Oval has changed the way SACA interact with the recreational community of Adelaide as well as other sporting communities across the state. The project raises expectations and encourages the community to re-engage with the Park Lands through carefully considered architectural and urban design responses that reinvigorate, activate and delight.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2019 - St Mary's Corner by Grieve Gillett Andersen
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2018- 84 Halifax Street by Oxigen
Jury Award Citation: 84 Halifax Street is a crafted insertion within a classic Adelaide inner-city setting. The project breaks from traditional terrace form to create a series of interconnected exterior and interior spaces that are creative and expressive in their use of light and materials. A re-imagined ground plane showcases the main interior volume and the spaces beyond. Carefully located high level glazing through an upper level courtyard provides a light filled space that celebrates the craftmanship of the local artists and practitioners involved. Oxigen has created a real gem on Halifax Street that combines a beautifully crafted built form and interior with an enhanced public realm that sets a new benchmark for infill city development.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2018 - The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi
The Darling Building also won a Commendation in the City of Adelaide Prize.
Jury Award Citation: The Darling Building sets a new standard for regenerative building re-use, creating a well-considered and exemplar workplace that blends the original fabric with a contemporary twist. Restored and new works display a thoughtful and well executed design that is both measured and exquisite in its process and outcome. An extended lightwell washes daylight through much of the internal space, showcasing the careful use of materials, texture and form. Williams Burton Leopardi have mastered the art of creative and inventive building regeneration.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2018 - Queen Adelaide Room by Swanbury Penglase
Jury Award Citation: The Queen Adelaide Room is a delightful and delicate refurbishment project that breathes new life into one of Adelaide’s premier reception spaces. Extensive research has allowed Swanbury Penglase to create a well-considered beautiful space that blends a historic setting with a repurposed contemporary use. The room’s rich colour palette and strong materiality showcase the craftmanship and inventive approach to restoration that has been achieved. The Queen Adelaide Room celebrates its historic setting and creates a considered, high-quality space for social engagement and public events.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2018 - Urban Beach by Renewal SA acting on behalf of the Riverbank Authority
Jury Award Citation: Urban Beach is an innovative concept to create a playful and engaging public space in an existing city parkland setting. The installation of a recreational beach and pool on the northern bank of the Torrens explored a variety of social activities and opportunities that appealed to a diverse demographic. The location and format of the space encouraged impromptu public usage and enhanced the riverbank experience and identity. This pilot project involving a broad cross section of local businesses, associations, and Government agencies created a unique and appealing social setting for recreation and interaction in a well-known and much-loved location.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2017 - ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk by Grive Gillett Andersen with Tract Consulting
The ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk also won the People's Choice award.
Jury Award Citation: Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk is this year’s winner of the City of Adelaide Prize, which recognises innovation and design excellence that enhances our cities’ vibrancy and character. Anzac Walk is highly considered and well executed concept that creates a significant and reflective memorial precinct to represent and honour the Anzac tradition. It is an engaging space that captures the spirit of war and faithfully represents the service and sacrifice of all Australians affected by war. The progression of space offers a series of destination points, offering a rich and unique identity that reveals itself at human scale. Local materials have been used to craft a simple and elegant urban experience, establishing a new link connecting the existing War Memorial to Riverbank. A redefined edge and fence line offers views of Government House and its unique landscape setting, offering a new and engaged experience with one of Adelaide true landmarks and treasures.
Grieve Gillett Andersen worked with tight timeframes and a complex delivery framework to create a memorable and high quality space for Adelaide. The jury was impressed by the timeless quality of the project and its ability to create a Memorial precinct that is both reflective and proud. Anzac Walk creates an awareness of the effects of war on both the individual and the country they represent, creating a sense of memory and reflection for those passing by. The timeless quality of the precinct and the simple elegance of the design has created a truly memorable and significant place for Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2017 - Peter Rabbit by James McIntyre
Jury Award Citation: Peter Rabbit is an inventive and creative concept that has transformed a vacant lot adjacent an electrical substation into a playful indoor/outdoor courtyard and café space that activates and enhances Hindley St. A set of garden gates draws you in to its landscaped forecourt and interior, purposefully arranged around a series of hand crafted seating areas. The mood of the space reflects a playful garden, where moments of discovery reflect attention to detail, applied with skill and a sense of humour. James McIntyre has embraced a modest budget and a selection of recycled and rich materials to create an environmentally sustainable and experimental design that is unique to Adelaide and the surrounding context.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2017 - Rundle Mall Redevelopment by HASSELL
Jury Award Citation: The Rundle Mall Redevelopment has redefined Adelaide’s premium retail mall as an active and engaged urban space, where the placement of landscape, furniture and structural elements broadens and enhances the pedestrian experience. The re-imagined space rediscovers views of the Mall’s great buildings and provides view corridors to the surrounding streetscapes and the Adelaide Hills landscape beyond. HASSELL’s design approach offers a highly considered urban framework that manages the needs of shoppers, retail vendors, artists, operators and property owners to provide a transformed, energetic and comfortable space in the heart of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2016 - Pink Moon Saloon by Sans-Arc Studio
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2016 - Zoos SA Nature's Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design
The Zoos SA Nature Play Ground also won a Commendation in the City of Adelaide Prize.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner - Riverbank Bridge by Aurecon, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer + Taylor Cullity Lethlean and Adelaide Oval Redevelopment by Cox Architecture, Walter Brooke + Hames Sharley
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2015 - Princess Elizabeth Playground by City of Adelaide
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2014 - 84 Cafe Troppo by Troppo Architects
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2014 - Food for Life by Troppo Architects
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2020 - U City by Woods Bagot
Jury Award Citation: Through collaborative and intuitive design, U-City sets a new benchmark for multiple-use buildings in the City of Adelaide. A thoughtful, respectful and contextual analysis explores single site ownership for over a century and delivers generous additions to the public realm at street level by re-establishing Penaluma Place. The building continues to embrace the corner site, similar to its predecessor, however realises a greater level of integration, with small reminders of the site’s rich history layered throughout the building through material, form and motif.
Through clever and well resolved design, U-City responds to a brief that can only be described as heroic in scale and complexity, brought together in beautiful detailing and form, with a clear focus on social and environmental sustainability. Meticulous planning and detailed engagement with the end users throughout the design process allows the architecture to seamlessly mask an impressive range of health and well-being services, aged care, a church and public open space.
U-City shows a new approach for integrated development, housed within well-considered, resolved and thoughtful built form. The jury commends both client and architect for their evident partnership in realising a great outcome for the City of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2020 - St Aloysius College AR Mural by Riggs Digital and St Aloysius College
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2020 - Part Time Lover by Sans-Arc Studio
Jury Award Citation: Part Time Lover is a bold addition to its heritage fabric, breathing fresh air into a previously under-utilised, left-over space. Attention to detailing and planning of spatial arrangements makes for an enjoyable user experience while complying with complex access requirements of the site. Levering off existing structure and incorporating a passive thermal design approach, the result encourages activity and movement while keeping its promise of ‘being there when needed.’
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2020 - Tika Tirka Student Accommodation by Phillips/Pilkington Architects
Jury Award Citation: Tika Tirka is an ambitious approach to accommodation for Indigenous students living away from home. It carefully respects culture, place and connection to sky while creating a series of functional and private spaces. Sitting at ease in its surroundings, the delicately profiled screening and curve to the canopy soften the edges of the robust materials used throughout.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2019 - Karen Rolton Oval at Narnungga (Park 25) by Cox Architects
Jury Award Citation: Karen Rolton Oval has set a new benchmark for recreational and community development in the Park Lands. The built form and function of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA)-run facility actively seeks to create a sense of engagement through the architecture and urban design responses of the building. Although sports focused and limited by the specific commercial requirements the design delivers significant community value.
The architecture of the building is striking and bold, at the same time the design and material selection is sympathetic and responsive to its surroundings. The external spaces of the building are always accessible, providing an elegant, much-needed rest spot in the northwest Park Lands. The refined functionality of the stepped terrace and upper-level balcony offers visitors a multitude of seating and viewing points around the building, providing new community spaces from which to experience the Park Lands.
Compared to the previous facilities at Park 25, this project has a reduced building footprint on the Park Lands while increasing operational areas and community space through a well-designed consolidation of built form.
The design and utilisation of Karen Rolton Oval has changed the way SACA interact with the recreational community of Adelaide as well as other sporting communities across the state. The project raises expectations and encourages the community to re-engage with the Park Lands through carefully considered architectural and urban design responses that reinvigorate, activate and delight.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2019 - St Mary's Corner by Grieve Gillett Andersen
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2018- 84 Halifax Street by Oxigen
Jury Award Citation: 84 Halifax Street is a crafted insertion within a classic Adelaide inner-city setting. The project breaks from traditional terrace form to create a series of interconnected exterior and interior spaces that are creative and expressive in their use of light and materials. A re-imagined ground plane showcases the main interior volume and the spaces beyond. Carefully located high level glazing through an upper level courtyard provides a light filled space that celebrates the craftmanship of the local artists and practitioners involved. Oxigen has created a real gem on Halifax Street that combines a beautifully crafted built form and interior with an enhanced public realm that sets a new benchmark for infill city development.
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2018 - The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi
The Darling Building also won a Commendation in the City of Adelaide Prize.
Jury Award Citation: The Darling Building sets a new standard for regenerative building re-use, creating a well-considered and exemplar workplace that blends the original fabric with a contemporary twist. Restored and new works display a thoughtful and well executed design that is both measured and exquisite in its process and outcome. An extended lightwell washes daylight through much of the internal space, showcasing the careful use of materials, texture and form. Williams Burton Leopardi have mastered the art of creative and inventive building regeneration.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2018 - Queen Adelaide Room by Swanbury Penglase
Jury Award Citation: The Queen Adelaide Room is a delightful and delicate refurbishment project that breathes new life into one of Adelaide’s premier reception spaces. Extensive research has allowed Swanbury Penglase to create a well-considered beautiful space that blends a historic setting with a repurposed contemporary use. The room’s rich colour palette and strong materiality showcase the craftmanship and inventive approach to restoration that has been achieved. The Queen Adelaide Room celebrates its historic setting and creates a considered, high-quality space for social engagement and public events.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2018 - Urban Beach by Renewal SA acting on behalf of the Riverbank Authority
Jury Award Citation: Urban Beach is an innovative concept to create a playful and engaging public space in an existing city parkland setting. The installation of a recreational beach and pool on the northern bank of the Torrens explored a variety of social activities and opportunities that appealed to a diverse demographic. The location and format of the space encouraged impromptu public usage and enhanced the riverbank experience and identity. This pilot project involving a broad cross section of local businesses, associations, and Government agencies created a unique and appealing social setting for recreation and interaction in a well-known and much-loved location.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2017 - ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk by Grive Gillett Andersen with Tract Consulting
The ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk also won the People's Choice award.
Jury Award Citation: Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk is this year’s winner of the City of Adelaide Prize, which recognises innovation and design excellence that enhances our cities’ vibrancy and character. Anzac Walk is highly considered and well executed concept that creates a significant and reflective memorial precinct to represent and honour the Anzac tradition. It is an engaging space that captures the spirit of war and faithfully represents the service and sacrifice of all Australians affected by war. The progression of space offers a series of destination points, offering a rich and unique identity that reveals itself at human scale. Local materials have been used to craft a simple and elegant urban experience, establishing a new link connecting the existing War Memorial to Riverbank. A redefined edge and fence line offers views of Government House and its unique landscape setting, offering a new and engaged experience with one of Adelaide true landmarks and treasures.
Grieve Gillett Andersen worked with tight timeframes and a complex delivery framework to create a memorable and high quality space for Adelaide. The jury was impressed by the timeless quality of the project and its ability to create a Memorial precinct that is both reflective and proud. Anzac Walk creates an awareness of the effects of war on both the individual and the country they represent, creating a sense of memory and reflection for those passing by. The timeless quality of the precinct and the simple elegance of the design has created a truly memorable and significant place for Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2017 - Peter Rabbit by James McIntyre
Jury Award Citation: Peter Rabbit is an inventive and creative concept that has transformed a vacant lot adjacent an electrical substation into a playful indoor/outdoor courtyard and café space that activates and enhances Hindley St. A set of garden gates draws you in to its landscaped forecourt and interior, purposefully arranged around a series of hand crafted seating areas. The mood of the space reflects a playful garden, where moments of discovery reflect attention to detail, applied with skill and a sense of humour. James McIntyre has embraced a modest budget and a selection of recycled and rich materials to create an environmentally sustainable and experimental design that is unique to Adelaide and the surrounding context.
City of Adelaide Prize, Commendation 2017 - Rundle Mall Redevelopment by HASSELL
Jury Award Citation: The Rundle Mall Redevelopment has redefined Adelaide’s premium retail mall as an active and engaged urban space, where the placement of landscape, furniture and structural elements broadens and enhances the pedestrian experience. The re-imagined space rediscovers views of the Mall’s great buildings and provides view corridors to the surrounding streetscapes and the Adelaide Hills landscape beyond. HASSELL’s design approach offers a highly considered urban framework that manages the needs of shoppers, retail vendors, artists, operators and property owners to provide a transformed, energetic and comfortable space in the heart of Adelaide.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2016 - Pink Moon Saloon by Sans-Arc Studio
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2016 - Zoos SA Nature's Play Ground by Phillips/Pilkington Architects and WAX Design
The Zoos SA Nature Play Ground also won a Commendation in the City of Adelaide Prize.
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner - Riverbank Bridge by Aurecon, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer + Taylor Cullity Lethlean and Adelaide Oval Redevelopment by Cox Architecture, Walter Brooke + Hames Sharley
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2015 - Princess Elizabeth Playground by City of Adelaide
City of Adelaide Prize, Winner 2014 - 84 Cafe Troppo by Troppo Architects
City of Adelaide Prize, People's Choice 2014 - Food for Life by Troppo Architects
Need more information?
If you have any questions regarding the City of Adelaide prize, please contact Amanda McConnell:
08 8203 7536