Rachel Hurst’s sketch of Balencea by Wood Marsh in association with Sunland Design.
Peter Malatt’s sketch of Latteria, Sydney, another place encountered on tour. Photographs Dianna Snape.
It’s national awards time and we are delighted to once again present the winning projects and to congratulate those responsible for them. As usual, the projects are presented along with jury comments and responses from two critics – an aspect of our awards coverage now in its third year. This time Philip Goad and Fiona Nixon have taken on the tricky task of responding to the array of work premiated by the jury. Theirs are the first voices in what will undoubtedly become a vigorous discussion of the 2009 decisions.
But this year we are also particularly fortunate to have an additional aspect to our coverage – the engaging sketches made by jurors Rachel Hurst and Peter Malatt as they visited all short-listed projects on the intense two-week jury tour. Dianna Snape’s evocative photograph of these sketchbooks graces the cover of this issue, while various pages from the books accompany the jury overview and the critics comment. It is a great privilege to have access to these sketchbooks. Although quite different, both sets of drawings index the work of coming to a detailed understanding of the projects under consideration. These are drawings made to allow the drawer to see, to understand and to remember. Other memories are also woven into these books – sketches of other places encountered along the way, scribbled records of conversations and witticisms. Taken together, the books eloquently capture the various aspects of being part of the Australian Institute of Architects National Jury – the hard work, the intense responsibility, the pleasure, the humour and the privilege. Thanks to Rachel and Peter for allowing us this extra insight into the process.
Justine Clark, editor Architecture Australia.
Take a closer look at Rachel Hurst’s sketch of Balencea
Take a closer look at Peter Malatt’s sketch of Latteria
