For projects which sought the creation or enhancement of outdoor open spaces (eg. Parks, waterfronts, gardens, streets, squares, beaches, playgrounds and other recreational spaces) that are available for public enjoyment. Projects need to highlight how the open space achieved a quality design and successfully integrated elements of accessibility and connectivity, shelter/shade, landscaping, urban furniture and lighting.
Eligibility Criteria
- Submissions can only be made by a local warranted Perit or a practising firm of Periti;
- The projects must have been completed and commissioned over the past 5 years;
- The project can be semi-public/semi-private.
Compulsory Entry Requirements
- An abstract of the project describing the design concept intention, also supported by a statement outlining the purpose for which the project is intended and why the project is being submitted as an entry for the particular selected category.
- A 1:500 block plan with the project centred on it;
- Documentation of how the project has been appropriated by the community towards serving their need for public open spaces and enhancing their quality of life;
- What innovative approach was adopted to provide open space amenity;
- What measures were taken to reduce the project’s overall environmental impact and how well were those measures carried out.
- Photos of the open space in its wider context, showing how the project has positively contributed to its surroundings (before and after);
- Photos of the completed project.
Note:
The jury has the prerogative to honour a Sustainability Award to any of the submitted projects. The project must clearly demonstrate a profound commitment to sustainable design principles, balancing environmental, social, and economic needs while minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. It celebrates innovation in creating resilient, energy-efficient, and resource-conscious buildings that integrate seamlessly into their context and positively impact the environment and community. (Including but not limited to adaptive reuse of existing structures or materials, Offsetting embodied carbon through design strategies or certification systems, life cycle thinking and designs that prioritizes biodiversity corridors or urban greenery.)
Judging Criteria
Form: Through its spatial layout, materiality, and detailing, is the project clearly recognizable and relevant in its response to its site, audience and intent.
Function: Does the design positively contribute to making the project work well for the intended use, including for its client, users, and the public at large?
Impact: Does the open space have a positive impact on its context? Does the intervention allow the open space to respond better in its relationship to its surroundings? How accessible is the space? Does it engage the public in activities? Is the space comfortable? Is it a sociable place?
Environmental consideration: What active and passive means were used to assure more efficient use of energy and minimise negative impacts on the ecological environment? Does the design respond to climatic challenges?
Innovative: Does the project have originality of concept and thinking? Has the design enabled the project to take a fresh approach? Work to improve existing practices? Push material and conceptual boundaries? To what extent were the users or community included in the design process? Was there an element of public participation?
