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BOND University’s Abedian School of Architecture has snared its second major award in the past six months after being named the Gold Coast’s best public building by the Australian Institute of Architects.
The innovative building, designed by CRAB Studio, also has secured the People’s Choice Award.
Gold Coast firm BDA Architecture equally put its stamp on this year’s awards with its work on the Capri on Via Roma project.
The development has won a gong in the commercial building category after being named regional building of the year at the 2014 Gold Coast & Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards.
The Abedian School of Architecture won public building of the year’ at the same awards earlier this year.
Both designs are now in the running for National Building of the Year when projects from all states are weighed up by judges from the Australian Institute of Architects later this year.
Judges have commended the Bond design for its “clear expression of an aspirational approach to design education”.
“The idea of a collaborative learning is evident and complete in the entire building through its exquisite concrete structure, walls and surfaces to the furniture and elements of design process that inhabit the space,” the judges say.
Capri on Via Roma has been labelled as “a lively reinvention of Sir Bruce Smalls' 1960s Capri Commercial Centre”.
The project “optimises its waterfront location with expansive decking areas, capturing postcard views of Surfers Paradise”, the judges say.
Adam Beck, a director of BDA Architecture who worked on the project says, the design provides” a strong sense of place and identity for the community”.
A number of other Gold Coast projects achieved commendations at the state awards, including Gold Coast University Hospital, Sanctuary Cove Gold Club and Helensvale Branch Library and CCYC.
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