A proposal by Stewart Architecture, Stewart Hollenstein and Aspect Studios takes out the top prize for the Queanbeyan’s Downtown Q 2025 ideas competition.
Initiated by the Queanbeyan Business Chamber (QBC), the single stage competition called on architects and designers from Australia and across the globe to propose ideas for the transformation of the one of Australia’s quintessential country towns. Recognizing that provocative ideas and design excellence could help stimulate investment in the local economy, the QBC called on designers to envision a “future of prosperity” that combined urban ideas with development concepts. Entrants were required to submit proposals for Downtown Q with the option of three additional quarters – Civic Q, Commercial Q and Residential Q.
In all, 30 entries were received from Australia and eleven international countries, as far afield as the Czech Republic, Denmark and Eqypt, but it was two local teams that scooped the top prizes.
Stewart Architecture, Stewart Hollenstein and Aspect Studio’s submission, Rivertown, caught the jury’s attention for its unique proposal to reinvent the bridge that crosses the river into Queanbeyan. It proposes to extend the existing Main Street over the bridge and develop on both sides of the river. The proposal thereby turns what is currently the edge of Queanbeyan CBD into a potential centre. New pedestrian walkways embrace the waterfront, creating a hub of activity with a riverside plaza and foreshore parks. “[It’s] a unique and celebratory gateway that welcomes as it binds the town together,” described the jury, who recommended that the town adopt the Rivertown proposal, particularly the riverside connections and new bridge platforms. The design team was awarded $30,000 first prize.
Rivertown by Stewart Architecture, Stewart Hollenstein and Aspect Studios.
Whilst there were no subsequent prizes stipulated by the QBC, the jury used its discretionary prize money ($2,000) to award a commendation to McGregor Coxall for their proposal, Clearwater. The scheme features the insertion of ecological engines underneath Monaro Street and each of the quarters. “[It] presents a poetic use of water sensitive urban design, and a skilful understanding of microclimate and ecology,” commented the jury. It transforms existing carpark surfaces into green sustainable systems, with urban squares at the heart of each Quarter featuring integrated wetland and bio-retention systems, “rethinking the Quarters as part of a continuing story of indigenous past and establishes a platform for a special identity.” The jury also recommended the evocative landscape character be adopted which would enhance the strategic vision of the winning proposal Rivertown.
Clearwater by McGregor Coxall.
The $10,000 first prize for Civic Q was also awarded to Stewart Architecture, Stewart Hollenstein and Aspect Studios. The Civic Square proposal draws on the existing grid to transform a back street carpark into a cultural hub with a theatre and a public square.
McGregor Coxall also picked up the $10,000 first prize for Commercial Q. Its network of meandering pedestrian paths and community gardens provide flexible public spaces for markets, theatres as well as a moonlight cinema.
In Residential Q category, the $10,000 first prize was awarded an international practice, Impuls Arquitectos. “This innovative proposal stood out for its skillful handling of density, human scale and reinterpretation of country urbanism,” said the jury. “The sophistication of the planning and the potential for a courtyard typology of low-rise housing would substantially increase density but at an appropriate scale for Queanbeyan.”
Residential Q by Impuls Arquitectos.
On the jury were: John Wardle (chair, John Wardle Architects), Adrian Pilton (Johnson Pilton Walker), Sue Barnsley (Sue Barnsley Design Landscape Architecture) Professor Mads Gaardboe (University of South Australia), Todd Rohl (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Strategy and Sustainability, Logan City Council, Queensland), Alex Sloan (ABC Journalist and radio broadcaster-producer) and Steve Bartlett (QBC Vice President Tourism and Hospitality).
All 30 of the entries are exhibited in an online gallery for public vote. The People’s Choice will be awarded $2,000. Voting closes 6 December, 2014. Click to view the entries.
