When you think about award-winning architecture, I’m guessing places like the Sydney Opera House or Melbourne’s Federation Square pop into your head. Maybe even a Gold Coast skyscraper or two.
But what about in our own backyard?
Because at the Urban Design Awards last week (22/6), Logan was very much on show.
Alongside Queensland’s best architects, we recognised two local projects in the Built Award – Small Scale category, delivered with the support of the Palaszczuk Government.
And the winners are…
Logan City Council and AECOM for their collaboration on the Greenlink pathway and the Dennis Road Shared Pathway and Murrajong Streetscape Works.
Greenlink connects Moss Street with Compton Road via a bridge crossing at Slacks Creek.
It features a boardwalk along the creek, artwork, bench seating, bike shelters and dog-waste bins, making it the perfect spot to get the whole family out and active.
On the other side of the highway, you’ll find the Murrajong Road to Dennis Road Shared Pathway – complete with murals that resemble carpet rugs and giant pebble seats.
The pathway has done wonders for connectivity and accessibility in the area, and I know it’s been a real gamechanger for the neighbouring Springwood Central State School.
In co-awarding these projects, the Urban Design Awards jury acknowledged ‘doing a lot with a little’ and the importance of building stronger local connections during the global pandemic.
“The significance of well-designed environments that encourages people to lead a more active and social life is no more important than in a post-COVID world,” they said.
“It takes a lot of energy and commitment to see projects from vision to reality and their benefits are often only revealed over time and as a result of ongoing investment in the making of healthy places in the most humble locations.”
I couldn’t agree more.
And as we build back better from COVID-19, I want to see our communities benefit from projects that balance beauty and utility, efficiency and sustainability.
Congratulations to Logan City Council and AECOM for setting the bar.
