QUT's Campus to Country strategy has won the Karl Langer Award for Urban Design at the 2021 Queensland Architecture Awards.
The strategy, designed with BVN Architecture, will help inform QUT’s decision-making when developing its two campuses over time to ensure they reflect and acknowledge Aboriginal people and celebrate the connections between the built environments and place.
The strategy will now progress to the National Architecture Awards, to be announced in November.
QUT Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy) Angela Barney-Leitch said QUT recognises that its Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses are located on the Country of the Turrbal and Yugara people and that is has one of the largest cohorts of Indigenous Australian students.
“This work goes a long way toward ensuring the university’s-built environment is inclusive and welcoming, reflecting the culture and history of Indigenous Australians by creating a sense of belonging and place for all,” Ms Barney-Leitch said.
In his acceptance remarks, BVN Architecture Principal Kevin O’Brien reflected on QUT’s vision and leadership in seeking to connect QUT’s two campuses with country.
Mr O’Brien praised QUT for the highly consultative and collaborative design process, led by Ms Barney-Leitch and her team.
“Creating these connections to country will not only make our built environments more welcoming and inclusive but increase understanding of our shared history and ensure stronger bonds with the places where we work and study,” Mr O’Brien said.
More than 40 projects across 13 categories were recognised in the Australian Institute of Architects awards, and jury chair Eloise Atkinson said 2021 was a particularly strong year in education.
Media contact:
Madeline Healy, QUT Media, 3138 3083 or m5.healy@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, QUT Media team leader, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
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