2011 Shortlist
Commercial under 1000sqm
This category is often where smaller practices begin to make their presence felt
in the realm of commercial office design for the first time, yet can also play host
to the innovation of more established players. Maximising the most out of each
budget, designers aim to create the best workspace solution within a tighter
square-metre count – and, often, tighter budgets, delivering smart solutions for
the smaller business.
Designer of the Year
Six firms have been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious designer of the year
(judges award). Encompassing large, established firms along with younger
practices, all six entrants have been shortlisted for their proficient design
capabilities across several categories within this year’s awards. A second award
will also be presented within this category: the People’s Choice Award will be
decided by public vote closer to awards night.
Emerging Designer
The emerging designer award seeks to profile fresh design talent across all of
the IDEA categories, rewarding the blossoming careers of designers who have
established their practices within the last five years.
Event Design
Focusing on ‘the best in show’, the event category packs a good punch this year,
with interesting exhibition design and temporary pop-ups that still compromise
little in functionality and good looks. With notable designs by 6 Hats, Edwards
Moore, Foolscap Studio, Toby Horrocks and Kristian Aus, the competition here
this year is extremely stiff.
Gold Medal
Of all of the IDEA categories, the gold medal is perhaps the most prestigious –
designed to recognise the lasting contribution made by an Australian designer
to the local design industry. This year’s individuals, selected by the 2011 jury, are
nominated in recognition of the outstanding achievements of some of this country’s
most distinguished design leaders.
Hospitality
If there’s one thing Australian designers have mastered, it is hospitality
design. The experience of dining, enjoying a coffee, having a cocktail or all-out
celebration is something we’ve come to appreciate and respect from a design
point of view. Though the success of a restaurant and café cannot rest on design
alone, the design quality of the spatial experience and atmosphere in these
hospitality venues are exceptionally high.
Institutional
This important category, in which architecture itself can often count for
everything, features shortlisted projects with an array of top-class design from
the larger, more established practices to the still emerging design firms, all
working within the parameters of a challenging, yet potentially very rewarding,
brief. Very particular in their purpose, the functionality of each project is
paramount.
Major Commercial over 1000sqm
The major commercial category is often dominated by the bigger design
practices – a result, perhaps, of their seasoned design prowess and resulting
ability to deliver clever solutions within the often-constraining spaces of today’s
corporate environment. This year, BVN Architecture weighs in with three solid
projects, but the competition is stiff – with practices such as Geyer, HASSELL,
Woods Bagot and Bates Smart all making the cut.
Multi Residential
There is little doubt that each year, Australia’s main metropolitan centres
are becoming more and more comfortable with density. Within the context
of a modern urban lifestyle, people are increasingly willing to trade space for
convenience. Then again, in the instance of the projects seen here, the limitations
of space are not always so limiting. Aiming for comfort, functionality and more
enabling qualities, these are designs that champion the denser spatial experience
of living in the city.
Product
We might complain about the fact that it’s fairly expensive to design and
manufacture in Australia, but that hasn’t deterred this year’s shortlisted product
designers. Showing some significant strength in lighting, traditional woodwork,
outdoor furniture, self-assembly and flat-pack design, the following shortlisted
pieces showcase some interesting talent. Considering few veterans entered this
year, it would seem the time has come for a new class of Australian product
designers to take the stage.
Retail
Shopping, We want the allure, but not the pretentious attitude. We wish to be
invited, but not too bothered. We like being impressed but not intimidated. We
seek comfort, but can’t find a chair to sit on. Want, want, want – it’s a demanding
brief to say the least. The fun thing about retail is that eye candy rules, and this
year’s shortlist is no exception.
Single Residential
Encompassing a much larger spectrum of Australian architecture and interior
design practices, the single residential category is one of the biggest this year.
Here, we showcase not only the stunning work of some veteran designers but
also that of some interesting young practices that are gaining momentum in the
quantity and calibre of their portfolio. As always, the residential realm of design
often responds to a very specific brief, with the client’s personality often playing
a crucial role in the success, or failure, of the project.
Sustainable Product
Prioritising the more ecological concerns of a design’s impact on the planet and
its lifecycle, the objects in our sustainable product category value the important
and sometimes overlooked factors of waste, longevity, locally sourced materials
and transport.
Sustainable Project
There is only one criterion by which submissions to the sustainable project
category are assessed, which you might think would make the process
simple. When the criterion in question, however, is sustainable performance,
it is anything but. There are many ways by which the design of an interior
can positively affect its impact on the environment – from sophisticated
technological solutions through to adaptive re-use, and consequently the
projects here represent a diverse range of approaches. All of them, however,
seem to promise that Australia’s designers have a considerable amount to offer
our communities in the push towards a more sustainable way of life.
