Bayside Council is set to pilot an Architectural Design Award as part of its commitment to promoting excellence in architecture, urban design and the built environment across the local government area.
The initiative will explore ways to recognise outstanding design while encouraging best practice in the planning and development of Bayside’s urban environment.
Council is proposing a staged approach that introduces design-related categories within existing award programs to gauge community interest and participation before considering the establishment of a standalone architectural awards program.
As a sponsor of the Bayside Business Awards program Council has the opportunity to request the inclusion of a special architectural or design-focused award category. This would provide an effective and low-cost way to assess interest in recognising excellence in building and design.
Council will introduce a dedicated architecture and built environment category within its annual Photography Competition. This would invite residents to showcase the unique buildings and public spaces that contribute to Bayside’s character and identity.
The staged approach will provide valuable feedback on participation levels, community interest and industry engagement, helping inform future consideration of a standalone Architectural Design Awards Program.
This will help ensure any future awards initiative is supported by community interest and demand.
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said:
“This proposed pilot would help Council better understand community interest in design recognition while supporting high-quality outcomes across the city.
“Great architecture and urban design play an important role in shaping functional and sustainable communities. This approach will allow Council to explore opportunities to recognise excellence in the built environment while engaging the community in conversations about good design.”
