The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has revealed the winners of the 2024 ACT State Awards. The jury honoured 11 winners across nine categories.
AILA ACT Jury Chair Gay Williamson says this year?s winners showcase the vibrancy, diversity and respect for Country present in the capital?s landscape architecture profession.
?The quality of landscape architecture in our nation?s capital is to be commended. The winning projects showcase climate-positive design, gender equity and a connection to Country,? Gay says.
?What stood out for the jury was the genuine, extensive effort to incorporate First Nation?s people and their knowledge of Country in the design and management of the local landscape.
?This benefits the whole community and ecology and creates a sense of place.?  
Landscapes with social impact triumph
The National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families by PLACE Laboratory won the top Award of Excellence in the Small Projects category.
The National Site of Recognition was established by the Australian Government to acknowledge the Thalidomide tragedy and as a lasting reminder to all Australians that the lessons of the tragedy must never be forgotten. Thalidomide, a medication introduced in Australia in the 1960s, tragically left a lasting impact on babies, causing severe birth defects and developmental issues when taken by pregnant women, highlighting the devastating consequences of insufficient drug testing and regulation...