The AIA has announced the five project finalists that are in the running for the City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales Forecourt Upgrade by Johnson Pilton Walker; Darling Quarter by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) with ASPECT Studios and Lend Lease; Newtown Interchange by Caldis Cook Group in association with the NSW Government Architect's office; The Wayside Chapel by Environa Studio; and VSQ2 by Tony Caro Architecture were shortlisted from all 2013 NSW Architecture Award entries by the City of Sydney’s Director of City Planning, Development and Transport, Graham Jahn AM.

A new addition to the annual NSW Architecture Awards, the Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Chapter President Joe Agius says that the prize celebrates the work of architects as place makers and collaborators within the city.

“This prize recognises architects and projects that, through their creativity, have played a key role in bringing new life and texture to a range of places across the city,” he says, adding that the Institute was pleased to have developed this in close collaboration with the Lord Mayor and senior Council staff.

The Art Gallery of NSW Forecourt Upgrade - shortlisted entry for the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Prize in this year’s NSW Architecture Awards. Architect: Johnson Pilton Walker. Image: Brett Boardman

Darling Quarter - shortlisted entry for the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Prize in this year’s NSW Architecture Awards. Architect: Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) with ASPECT Studios and Lend Lease. Image: John Gollings

During her time as Lord Mayor, Clover Moore and her team have pushed Sydney to become a leading advocate of architecture.

“We need to celebrate the imaginative, innovative and inspiring design that gives our city its personality,” the Lord Mayor said. “[All five] projects accentuate the quality of our open spaces and urban environments. Each one makes the most of its urban backdrop, creating wonderful open spaces to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Newtown Interchange- shortlisted entry for the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Prize in this year’s NSW Architecture Awards. Architect: Caldis Cook Group in association with the NSW Government Architect's office. Image: Ross Thornton

The Wayside Chapel - shortlisted entry for the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Prize in this year’s NSW Architecture Awards. Architect: Environa Studio. Image: Owen Zhu

The City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize will be awarded to the project that improves the quality of the public domain through architectural or urban design excellence and may be for, or include, public art. It should add value to the public landscape and make the city more liveable, interesting and engaging.

The winning project team, which must include at least one member of the Australian Institute of Architects, will be presented at the 2013 NSW Architecture Awards on T 27 June at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf.

For more information on the Awards, visit http://nswawards.architecture.com.au

Geraldine Chua

City-of-Sydney-Lord-Mayor-s-Prize-finalists-1736089073.png

Let’s connect!