02 July, 2018

Winner of the 2018 City of Adelaide Prize announced

This year’s winner of the 2018 City of Adelaide Prize is 84 Halifax Street by Oxigen, a creative and light-filled building featuring a pizza bar on the ground floor (Etica Pizza al Taglio) and a separate office space and courtyard upstairs.

The City of Adelaide Prize, established by the City of Adelaide in 1997, recognises innovation and design excellence that enhances the city’s public spaces. Eleven entries were received this year, with winners announced at the annual South Australian Architecture Awards dinner on Saturday evening.

SA Jury Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects, Adam Hannon, said the nominees were outstanding, as they are every year, and deciding on an overall winner was very challenging.

“Oxigen has created a real gem with 84 Halifax Street which combines a beautifully crafted built form and interior with an enhanced public realm that sets a new benchmark for infill city development,” Adam said.

“The building 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. An upper level courtyard provides a light filled space that celebrates the craftsmanship of the local artists and practitioners involved.

“All of the projects that have been nominated are of an exceptional standard and enhance and add to the city experience. They demonstrate what can be achieved when we create opportunities in city spaces for designers and entrepreneurs to experiment.”

The jury also awarded three commendations. One went to The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi for creating a well-considered workplace that blends the original fabric with a contemporary twist and displays a thoughtful and well executed design, mastering the art of creative and inventive building regeneration.

The refurbishment of Adelaide Town Hall’s Queen Adelaide Room by Swanbury Penglase was recognised for breathing new life into one of Adelaide’s premier reception spaces. Extensive research enabled Swanbury Penglase to create a well-considered, high-quality space for social engagement and public events. The room’s rich colour palette and strong materiality showcases an inventive approach to restoration that celebrates the historic setting.

The third commendation went to Urban Beach by Renewal SA acting on behalf of the Riverbank Authority for being an innovative concept that created a playful and engaging public space in an existing city Park Land setting. The location and format of the space encouraged impromptu public usage and enhanced the riverbank experience and identity.

The winner of the People’s Choice category as voted by the South Australian public was The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi.

Sponsored by the City of Adelaide, the People’s Choice Prize category was introduced in 2012, opening the competition up to a wider vote. The winner is the entry that receives the most votes.

Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese said he was pleased to see such a range of innovative projects that showcase the talent in Adelaide’s architecture and design community.

“The nominated projects vary in scale and form but what they have in common is that they bring great design to the City of Adelaide.

“Well done to Oxigen for creating a stunning urban space. I am also excited to see heritage restoration projects, such as The Darling Building and our own Adelaide Town Hall recognised in this way,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I congratulate everyone involved in each of the projects considered for the awards. All of the submissions were outstanding, adding to the high level of design in our city and creating welcoming and unique spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

Eleven entries were received for the 2018 City of Adelaide Prize.

• 84 Halifax Street by Oxigen
• Adelaide Fringe Street Art Explosion by Adelaide Fringe
• Analogue Missions by Tremma
• O-Bahn City Access Project by Oxigen
• Queen Adelaide Room by Swanbury Penglase
• Royal Adelaide Hospital by Silver Thomas Hanley Design Inc
• The Darling Building by Williams Burton Leopardi
• Urban Beach by Renewal SA acting on behalf of the Riverbank Authority

The City of Adelaide Prize Jury for 2018 comprised of:

• Chair Adam Hannon, Cox Architecture
• Emma Fey, representing Guildhouse
• Elinor Walker, representing PIA
• Jere Wilks, representing AILA
• Cr Megan Hender, City of Adelaide

For more information about the City of Adelaide Prize.

Paula Stevens