Walyalup Civic Centre scoops national architecture awards
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The City of Fremantle’s Walyalup Civic Centre has added more prizes to its trophy cabinet by taking out two major awards at the Australian Institute of Architects 2022 National Architecture Awards in Sydney last night.
Designed by internationally acclaimed Fremantle firm Kerry Hill Architects, the Walyalup Civic Centre won National Awards in the Public Architecture and Urban Design categories.
The jury citation described the centre as a true civic building that transforms the heart of Fremantle into an inclusive, transparent oasis for its community.
“A veiled metallic screen dresses the building’s upper envelope, offering glimpses of the interior while shrouding it from the elements as a sustainable climatic response,” the jury said.
“The simple notion of a rolling lawn connecting the centre to the street realm and an elevated gathering platform from which the workings of its civic heart can be observed is delightful and imparts generational playfulness and activity.
“The visible, readable plan is anchored by the solid, representative geometry of the council chamber, which transcends multiple levels.
“Design and material interactions greet you as you journey through the building, from the library’s response to sunken courtyards to the main facade’s subtle interaction with the historic town hall envisaging a multi-layered, generational design aspect.
“Superbly crafted, detailed and generous in facility and representation, the Walyalup Civic Centre offers itself to the public to experience and contribute to its community ownership.”
At the Australian Institute of Architects WA Awards earlier this year, the Walyalup Civic Centre was recognised with Western Australia’s highest honour for architecture, the George Temple Poole Award.
The centre also won the Julius Elischer Award for Interior Architecture, the Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture, the John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design and a commendation in the Sustainable Architecture category.
Hocking Heritage and Architecture were also recognised with the Heritage Architecture award for their work on the historic Fremantle Town Hall.
Last month the renewal of Walyalup Koort – including the Walyalup Civic Centre and the FOMO retail, hospitality, art and amusement precinct – won the Best Mixed-Use Development at the Property Council of Australia’s 2022 WA Property Awards.