28/10/05
Fremantle architect Kieran Wong has fended off 30 other challengers from around Australia to win the prestigious $20,000 'Building for Diversity' design competition.
His victory was announced by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan at last night's National Housing Conference dinner at the Perth Convention Centre.
Mr Wong's design for a diverse, mixed-use development on a vacant site in Northbridge was judged by an independent jury panel to be the outstanding entry.
The chairman of the jury, WA Government Architect Geoffrey London, said Mr Wong's proposal offered genuine diversity in form and approach.
"The use of the site is rationally resolved by placing three-storey units at street level, an inner courtyard above the ground level car park and hostel units in a taller building at the rear of the site," Professor London said.
"Excellent solar orientation has also been gained for the units and the courtyard, while the street would be animated by a mix of housing entries and commercial premises."
WA architects Simon Anderson, Jennie Officer and Trent Woods were awarded second prize ($5,000) in the design competition, while Sydney architects Johannsen and Associates were third ($3,000).
The competition was devised and organised by the WA Department of Housing and Works and the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) provided the $20,000 first prize.
Registered Australian architects were invited to make submissions, with the winning design to be used as the basis for a new development on the Northbridge site at the corner of Zempilas and Newcastle streets.
Mrs MacTiernan said the competition had provided EPRA with some innovative architectural ideas for its New Northbridge project, which aimed to revitalise the inner city area.
"Innovative design is helping breathe new life into our established inner city areas," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Because Northbridge has always been a place of diversity, we are committed to ensuring that it remains a place for the people to enjoy - Mr Wong’s designs are helping us do that."
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said he was delighted the winner was a local architect.
"I heartily congratulate Mr Wong and I look forward to seeing many more of his designs," Mr Logan said.
"As society changes, we are going to have to come up with new designs like those provided by Mr Wong to meet the ever-increasing diversity of housing demands."
Mr Wong, 33, is a graduate of Curtin University and has worked extensively with graphic artists, photographers and fashion designers on a number of projects. He has also worked with well-known WA architect Michael Patroni.
Mr Wong, who has established his own architectural company 'Coda', completed the entry with the assistance of his wife and business partner Emma Williamson and students Renae Tapley, Stephen Hicks and Brett Mitchell.
He said his win was very satisfying, because it was an acknowledgement of some of his design principles for public buildings, particularly with regard to space for public gardens.
Minister for Housing and Works office: 9222 8950
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure's office: 9213 6400
