Latest news with #UrbanDesign
CTV News
28-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Visit Uncommon Spaces in Centretown
Ottawa Watch As part of the Street Seats Pilot Program, three spaces have been transformed in Centretown.
Herald Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
2025 Victorian Architecture Awards hail best in the business
Parliament House restoration works by FPPV Architecture were recognised at 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Picture: FPPV. A cemetery depot, $90m Parliament House rescue mission and an innovative cancer treatment centre have been crowned among Victoria's best architectural projects of 2025. The state's Architecture Awards handed out 40 gongs at a ceremony last night. More than 380 submissions were made across 15 categories to the Australian Institute of Architects' Victorian Chapter for this year's competition. FPPV Architecture received the Conservation Architecture Award for its 18-year long restoration of Parliament House in Spring St. RELATED: What's the true value of great public architecture? Douglas Menzies Chambers sells for $23m in Melbourne CBD Global second-hand fashion fave eyes big entry to Geelong The studio's director Paul Viney said that in the beginning, he had to justify to the Victorian government's Treasury department why the circa-1850s, heritage-listed site 'should be restored and why it shouldn't just be replaced in another location'. At the time, FPPV produced concept plans that showed moving Parliament House to Spring St's southern end would cost taxpayers an estimated $2bn. Instead, Mr Viney and his team embarked on a $90m marathon effort to return the state's seat of democracy to its former glory. 'We put nearly 1000 cubic metres of stone into the building,' Mr Viney said. The Parliament House restoration works by FPPV Architecture took almost two decades to complete. Picture: FPPV. Delivered as part of the Victorian government's level crossing removal program, the new Glen Huntly Station designed by COX Architecture with Rush Wright Associates, received an Urban Design award. Picture: Peter Clarke. The entire process involved more than 340 drawings, 13 separate stages and research into historic construction techniques. Mr Viney said working on the restoration had given him a sense of pride. 'It is really is about delivering the restoration … for one of the most important Victorian-era architecture buildings in Australia,' he added. Mr Viney credited the ex-Department of Premier and Cabinet Strategic Projects director Peter Lockett for his work in the decision-making process to restore Parliament House. The Northern Memorial Park Depot, built to house Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust operations, won several awards. Picture: Peter Bennetts. The 120 Collins St Revitalisation project in Melbourne's CBD was commended in the Commercial Architecture category. Picture: Peter Bennetts. A multi-award recipient in the competition was Glenroy's Northern Memorial Park depot. Commissioned by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, it features training spaces for workers to practise grave-digging and working with mausoleums away from crying eyes. Searle X Waldron Architects director and design lead Suzannah Waldron said a training wall with six crypts was created for this purpose. 'It's a unique project, I would say in that it's a very specific workplace for people who have quite challenging roles and dealing daily with grief and loss at a cemetery,' Ms Waldron said. A quirky house known as 'She Sells Sea Shells' in Aireys Inlet, by Multiplicity's design team, received two awards. Picture: Trevor Mein. Searle X Waldron's aimed to transform the typical 'shed' idea of a traditional depot into a light-filled workplace that fostered wellbeing and connection. The result was a two-storey timber building with a pleated and perforated screen that wraps around it, set near woody meadows, wetlands and future public space within the memorial park. Between 80 to 100 employees are based at the depot which also incorporates a timber workshop, a horticulture space and work areas for stone masons, mechanics, metalwork and welding. Alfred Hospital's Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre was lauded in the Public Architecture category. Picture: John Gollings. Another award winner was the $152.4m Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at Alfred Hospital. Designed by the Melbourne-based Lyons, it was named in honour of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox's wife Paula who had the first of their six children at the hospital. The Fox family were among the project's philanthropic supporters. Lyons director Hari Pliambas said the centre's eye-catching patterned facade was inspired by the cellular structure of healthy skin, while features include gardens and a dedicated wellness centre with a gym and larger areas for yoga and group exercise. Inside the cancer centre, which Lyons director Hari Pliambas described as adopting a 'bench to bedside and back' model. Picture: Peter Bennetts. The Lyons team aimed to re-imagine the traditional clinical model while creating a property suited to cancer treatment, clinical trials and partners like Monash University. 'From our very first conversation with Paula Fox — who articulated her deeply personal vision for the centre — through to the clinicians, researchers, and the wider Alfred Health team, there was a genuine collective commitment to creating something meaningful for future patients,' Mr Pliambas said. Elsewhere, fashion label Decjuba's Cremorne headquarters by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects received a Commercial Architecture commendation. Architecture firm Hassell was commended in the same category for the revitalisation of 120 Collins St, one of Australia's tallest office structures at 265m tall. Fashion brand Decjuba's headquarters was among the 17 projects commended in the awards. Picture: Peter Clarke. 2025 VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARD WINNERS Victorian Medal The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Melbourne Prize The Northern Memorial Park depot by Searle X Waldron Architects Commercial architecture The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture: Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture awards 116 Rokeby St, Carr Everlane Cremorne, Fieldwork Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture The StandardX, Woods Bagot Commendations 120 Collins St Revitalisation, Hassell Decjuba HQ, Jackson Clements Burrows Architecture Kosloff Architecture's upgrade design for Pascoe Vale Primary School won the Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture. Picture: Derek Swalwell. Educational architecture The Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture: Pascoe Vale Primary School, Kosloff Architecture Architecture award Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Commendations Kangan Institute Health and Community Centre of Excellence, Architectus Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Maryborough's Central Goldfield Art Gallery received a heritage architecture award. Picture: John Gollings. Heritage architecture The John George Knight Award for Heritage Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Nervegna Reed Architecture Architecture Award for Creative Adaptation Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Award for Conservation Parliament House Stone Restoration Works, FPPV Architecture Commendation for Conservation Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Lovell Chen The Eva and Marc Besen Centre, an addition to the TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville, showcases hundreds of Australian artworks and a performance space. Picture: Leo Showell. Interior architecture The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture Melbourne Place, Kennedy Nolan Architecture Awards: Eva and Marc Besen Centre, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Domain, Flack Studio Commendation Hume Council Chamber, Architecture Associates The late Marc and Eva Besen at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Australia's first privately-funded public museum, which they founded in 2000. Mr Besen was fashion retailer Sussan's managing director and the pair were famous philanthropists. Picture: Richard Cisar-Wright. Public architecture The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Kerstin Thompson Architects Architecture Awards Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, Lyons Truganina Community Centre, Jasmax (Canvas Projects) Commendations Dendy Beach Pavilion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects St Mary's Coptic Church, Studio Bright A private residence, Gunn Ridge House won two awards. Picture: Derek Swalwell Residential architecture – houses (alterations and additions) The John and Phyllis Murphy Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Dunstan, SSdh Architecture Awards Carlton Cottage, Lovell Burton Architecture Gunn Ridge House, Kennedy Nolan Commendation A Light Addition, Office MI-JI The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in Shepparton is an educational, sporting and public gathering space. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Residential architecture – houses (new) The Harold Desbrowe Annear Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Hedge and Arbour House, Studio Bright Architecture Awards Otway Beach House, Kerstin Thompson Architects she sells sea shells, Multiplicity Terrace House, Rob Kennon Architects Commendations Fishharven, Neil Architecture Shady Creek Farm House, MRTN Architects Stumpy Gully House, Adam Markowitz Design with Stavrias Architecture Residential architecture – multiple housing The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Nightingale Preston, Breathe Architecture Architecture Awards Newburgh Light House, Splinter Society Architecture Shiel St North Melbourne, Community Housing Project, Clare Cousins Architects Commendation The Paddock, CROSBY architects A Fitzroy hotel, The StandardX, was another Commercial Architecture award recipient. Picture: Trevor Mein. Small project architecture The Kevin Borland Award for Small Project Architecture Grace Darling Hotel Parklet, Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice Architecture Award Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade, NMBW Architecture Studio with ASPECT Studios Commendation Wangun Amphitheatre, Equity Office Urban design The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design Glen Huntly Station, COX Architecture with Rush Wright Associates Architecture Award Dendy Beach Pavillion and Brighton Life Saving Club, Jackson Clements Burrows Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture A staircase at the Northern Memorial Park Depot was designed as a spot for employees to gather. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Enduring architecture Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award Nicholas Building, Harry Norris COLORBOND award for steel architecture Casuarina Pavilion, Greenaway Architects (GA) Commendation Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture Dimity Reed Melbourne prize Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture EmAGN project award Dunstan, SSdH Regional prize Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, ARM Architecture The 120 Collins St Revitalisation added gardens, hospitality spaces, end-of-trip facilities and a sky terrace above a glass atrium to the office building. Picture: Peter Bennetts. Sustainable architecture The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture The Paddock, CROSBY architects Architecture Award Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio, Mcildowie Partners with Joost Bakker Commendation Northern Memorial Park Depot, Searle x Waldron Architecture A Russell St hotel, Melbourne Place, won The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture, plus the The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture. Picture: Derek Swalwell. Emerging architect prize Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline OBrien, James Flaherty, Placement Bates Smart architecture in media State Award March Studio: Making Architecture, Material & Process, Dr Fleur Watson National Award Gromboyd, Maria Larkins Advocacy Award When Robin Boys Went to Japan, NMBW Architecture Studio and Robin Boyd Foundation with CIBI Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Mount Waverley luxe designer home hits market Cranbourne church turned tavern listed for $3.6m Jaw-dropping Aussie mansion shatters record
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘Learning is never wasted'
I studied Biological and Biomedical Science, with a specialisation in Zoology, and graduated in 2023. By the time I got to my final year, after all levels of Covid lockdown and a year out as a student union (SU) officer, I knew that it probably wasn't Zoology that I wanted to pursue. However, the analytical and problem-solving skills I learned through my degree opened the door for me to explore further new interests. Specifically, my degree exposed me to urban ecology and the intersection of nature and society. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was lucky enough to be awarded a George Moore Scholarship to explore these interests further. It took me to London to do a Master's of Public Administration focused on Urban Innovation and Policy at UCL. Here, I learned the foundations of how our public institutions work and I got the opportunity to develop my policymaking skills, both generally and related to the development of science policy. READ MORE What stood out to me most about this experience was realising how the foundational knowledge I developed in my undergraduate degree benefited me in navigating this new academic and professional landscape. I would use the scientific knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills from my undergrad far more frequently than I had initially expected. One of the most useful aspects of my Master's was getting to work in industry with a partner organisation on the thesis component. Here, I worked with a London-based urban design firm on a project which explored the use of unconventional policy tools to create 'feminist cities' – safer, equitable and more inclusive cities for women, girls and gender minorities. It was really important to me to be able to directly apply my learnings in the real world while still studying, and to build professional connections across diverse, innovative and creative teams working on salient, real-world challenges. It was a great privilege to have been able to do a fully funded Master's degree and tackle these challenges at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to be a student, especially when the cost of living and housing crises are considered. My post-graduation pathway is somewhat unconventional when the title of my undergraduate degree is considered. I'm back reviving my old passions for SU politics as I work on developing and increasing democratic participation at one of London's largest SUs. Even here, I regularly use the communication, administration and technical skills from both degrees. My biggest takeaway, I guess, is that the learning is never wasted. My time at university was worth so much more to me than what was written on my degree in the end – from skills, to personal and professional development, I know that wherever I end up in my career, that these opportunities to learn so much, pivot and change my interests, and to work with so many diverse and interesting groups of people, are going to stand to me massively.
Times of Oman
23-06-2025
- Times of Oman
South Al Batinah Design Hackathon kicks off
Al Rustaq: The South Al Batinah Design Hackathon, organised by the Governorate's Office in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musannah, launched at the Office of Wali of Al Rustaq on Monday. Held under the theme 'An Urban Design with the Identity of Place," the two-day event aims to design and develop an integrated tourism project for 'Khor Al Qareem" in the Wilayat of Al Musannah, combining the area's environmental and cultural identity with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The hackathon aligns with national approach in sustainable tourism and smart urban development, supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Over 125 students from 25 educational institutions—both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad—are participating in multidisciplinary teams specializing in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, and interior design. The program includes training workshops and consultative sessions supervised by experts to enhance participants' skills and refine their design ideas. On the final day, a judging panel will select six projects for evaluation based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, environmental and cultural integration, space efficiency, and AI utilisation. The top three winning teams will receive valuable prizes, with the first-place project being implemented in Khor Al Qareem. The rights to the three shortlisted projects will belong to the South Al Batinah Governorate, which reserves the right to execute or modify them for public benefit. This hackathon serves as a platform to empower Omani youth, showcase their creative talents in design and urban planning, and engage them in developing sustainable urban and tourism environments that reflect community aspirations and cope with the national principles of the sustainable development.
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Gladys Margarita Diaz Elected to NAHREP 2025 South Florida Board, Champions Homeowner Advocacy and Cultural Initiatives Through Coral Rock Village Artist Residency Project.
Gladys Margarita Diaz, an award-winning entrepreneur, architectural urban designer, and community development professional. Renowned community development professional Ms. Diaz leverages several decades of public-private partnership expertise to advance Hispanic homeownership policy and creative projects for cultural benefit in the City of Miami Miami, Florida - 5 June, 2025 - Gladys Margarita Diaz, an award-winning entrepreneur, architectural urban designer and dedicated community development housing advocate, has been elected to the Board of Directors for NAHREP - the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals South Florida chapter. This milestone reinforces her commitment to shaping policy at the local, state, and national levels, while continuing to pioneer transformative projects such cofounding an AI tech company, Agent Mira, providing tools for homebuyers. Her support for the arts continues to be channeled through the Gaudí-inspired Coral Rock Village, a cultural haven for artists and scholars sponsoring Art Residencies. About NAHREP: Founded in 2001, NAHREP- the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals- is the leading authority advocating for equitable Hispanic homeownership and wealth creation across the US. With a network of over 100 chapters and over 40,000 members, NAHREP drives policy change, delivers homebuyer and wealth building education, and partners with industry leaders to close the Hispanic homeownership and wealth gap. Why Is Gladys Margarita A Leader In The Design Of Cities? Key Milestones & Achievements NAHREP South Florida - National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals NAHREP 2025 Gala- L to R – NAHREP Member, Anil Kaul CEO Agent Mira, Gladys Co-Founder Agent Mira, Ray Jourdain Broker, Agent Mira. Design Policy Leadership for Affordable Housing: Gladys Margarita Diaz at the NAHLFA National Conference in Las Vegas with the award for excellence in design of the project in Miami. Coral Rock Village – A Historic Landmark Development Project: Coral Rock Village Development (2000–2025): Spearheaded the restoration of historic Coral Gables cottages into a community that provides 'Homes for Creative Minds: Empowering the Artist in You'. The village features Gaudí-inspired mosaics, provides Art Residencies since Art Basel 2007 and includes year-round cultural programming. Coral Rock Village – A Historic Landmark Development Project by Gladys Margarita Díaz. Ford Motor Company Latina Entrepreneur Award: Gladys Margarita Diaz at her booth at the X Contemporary Art Fair at the Eden Roc Hotel during Art Basel 2016 with artwork by Cuban contemporary artists. Neighborhood Stabilization Program Developer: The lobby of Hampton House hotel is adjacent to the affordable housing development Hampton Village, developed by Gladys Margarita Diaz in partnership. American Landmark Apartments Artist In Residence Co-Founder: Image of feature article in Multifamily Executive Magazine with Gladys Margarita Diaz, Joseph Lubeck CEO and artist Artem Mirelovich. Cornell University Faculty Member: Cornell University article about Gladys Margarita Diaz faculty program. Policy and Society Influence: Gladys Margarita Diaz's leadership bridges the worlds of design and legislation. She ensures that public policy supports quality urban design and affordable housing initiatives meet technical standards. All her advocacy is to foster neighborhood vitality and design initiatives prioritize resident well-being, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment. Featured Quote 'I believe that every policy decision and design choice must uplift the people it serves. By combining art-inspired living spaces with sound legislative advocacy, we create homes—and communities—that enhance our culture.' — Gladys Margarita Diaz, Government Affairs Director, NAHREP South Florida Left to right: Jack Lowell (Partner, Codina/Bush Group), Governor of Florida (now U.S. Senator) Rick Scott, Gladys Margarita Díaz — honored with the Key to the City of Coral Gables in Miami — joined by her husband, Ray Jourdan, a leading realtor in Miami. Upcoming Visionary Initiatives: Press Release by: Reinaldo Vandres Media Contact: Reinaldo Vandres, Public Relations Manager, Coral Rock Village Email: [email protected] Phone: + 1 (714) 926-1058 Hashtags & Social Handles: #GladysDiazAdvocacy | #NAHREPSouthFL | #CoralRockVillage | @GladysMDiaz @NAHREP @UrbanizaStudio Media Contact Company Name: Coral Rock Village Contact Person: Reinaldo Vandres Email: Send Email Phone: (714) 926-1058 Address:1301 Milan Ave. City: Coral Gables State: FL 33134 Country: United States Website: Source: CORAL ROCK VILLAGE
