Announcement
SIR JAMES IRWIN PRESIDENT’S MEDAL
University of South Australia Facilities Management Unit
The Sir James Irwin President’s Medal
traditionally celebrates the work of a practitioner whose significant
contribution to Architecture in South Australia has distinguished them for
recognition. Since its inception in 1992, past recipients of the award have
represented a broad cross section of the profession and included client
bodies, single practitioners and partnerships.
All have shared the common interest of shaping our cities, and transforming
our built environment. As a society we recognise that the city is a vehicle
for engaging more broadly within a global context. This is particularly
important for Adelaide as it competes nationally for resources, funding and
skills.
The 2009 Sir James Irwin President’s Medal continues the tradition of
recognising a significant contribution to our cities, and the increasing
importance of reaching out beyond state boundaries to compete in national
and global markets.
Shaping our cities relies on an interdependence of factors including
considered design, enlightened planning guidelines, an enthusiastic client
and reasonable procurement strategies that acknowledge the realities of
construction risks. The convergence of all of these factors ultimately
determines the success of a project. And central to that equation is the
role that client organisations play.
In 2009 we recognise the significant and unique contribution made to
architecture in South Australia by one of those client organisations.
The University of South Australia Facilities Management Unit has shown a
consistent commitment to the highest standards of design procurement and
exemplary terms of engagement. Underpinning this is the University’s
acceptance as an article of faith that architectural design should be
integrated into the business, the brand and the strategic planning of an
organisation. In realising this vision through construction, the University
has shown its commitment to a continued, central role for the commissioned
architect.
The University has demonstrated a commitment to design services with the
development of campus master plans for City East, City West, Magill and
Mawson Lakes campus. Through its Blueprint programme, the University has
invested in the city west precinct and driven a rejuvenation of our city.
This rejuvenation provides a vision for a confident city centred on
education and research within a contemporary physical environment.
The University’s commitment to developing high end advanced manufacturing
through the Mawson Institute building, and a new Materials and Minerals
Science Learning and Research Hub strongly driven by architectural solutions
make the University a deserving recipient of this year’s Medal.
The University has already been recognised with awards for its building
programme. However this award recognises the Facilities Management Unit for
the role it has played, and for those individuals that have supported the
development of a culture that values architecture in South Australia.