The National SIte of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families has taken out top honours in the ACT Landscape Architecture awards. Photo: Peter Bennetts.
A site made as a lasting reminder of the nation’s thalidomide tragedy has won an award for excellence at the 2024 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects ACT awards.
The memorial, created near the National Carillon in Kings Park by PLACE Laboratory, was established by the Federal Government to acknowledge the thalidomide tragedy and serves as a lasting reminder to all Australians that the lessons of the tragedy must never be forgotten.
Thalidomide, a medication introduced in Australia in the 1960s, caused severe birth defects and developmental issues when taken by pregnant women. It highlighted the devastating consequences of insufficient drug testing and regulation.
The glass brick memorial on Wendouree Drive creates a space for empathy, emotional reflection and education.
“This memorial is quite simply exquisite,” the awards jury said. “[It is] a sublime response to the pain and suffering of those affected by thalidomide.
“Every aspect of the design of this memorial has been carefully curated to reflect and impart the story of those people who are thalidomide survivors, who have been affected and who continue to be affected by the drug.”
The jury applauded the design team “for the care, thought, sensitivity and for the excellence of this small project”.
The ACT winners will go on to the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) national awards which this year will honour 11 recipients across nine categories.
AILA ACT jury chair Gay Williamson said this year’s Canberra winners showcased the “vibrancy, diversity and respect for Country present in the capital’s landscape architecture profession”.
“The quality of landscape architecture in our nation’s capital is to be commended,” she said. “The winning projects showcase climate-positive design, gender equity and a connection to Country.
“What stood out for the jury was the genuine, extensive effort to incorporate First Nations people and their knowledge of Country in the design and management of the local landscape. This benefits the whole community and ecology and creates a sense of place.”
The University of Canberra’s HUB precinct was recognised in the Landscape Architecture awards and will go on to the national competition. Photo: Hugh Swann.
The University of Canberra’s HUB Courtyard was also honoured, described as a real-world collaboration between UC’s campus estate and its landscape architectural program.
Created by Free-Range Landscape Architects, the HUB Courtyard was described by the jury as a “well-orchestrated student, teacher and contractor collaboration” that had made a worthy contribution to the university’s campus.
“The courtyard resonates with delight from its bold design, detailing and more importantly, with the people who can enjoy this elegant, comfortable place to meet, talk and take time out from academic endeavours,” the jury said.
The President’s Award went to Ginninderry – a joint venture project developed by the ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency and Riverview Developments Pty Ltd.
Other ACT winners include: City Renewal Authority for Ngamawari; PLACE Laboratory for the Jarramlee Nature Reserve; Redbox Design Group for Ruth Park; City Renewal Authority for the Salthouse Community Centre; and Joseph Fitzsimmons Hugh Swann for the student awards.
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