2017
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The annual PIA Awards for Planning Excellence demonstrate leading practice, leadership and achievement in planning and the planning profession. The Awards recognise excellence and showcase leading practice across a range of planning disciplines and sectors. Leadership in planning, particularly in the face of adversity, is acknowledged and applauded. In all, the Awards are a chance to celebrate, recognise and reward outstanding planning and planners.
As a national program the Awards commenced at the state and territory level seeking out the best of planning in each jurisdiction. Following judgement and recognition at a local awards ceremony, the winners of the appropriate categories in the state and territory Awards are elevated to the national stage. The best on offer from each state and territory are judged at a national level, culminating in the National Awards for Planning Excellence ceremony which acknowledges the best of planning and planners that Australia has to offer.
Complete List of Category Winners:
Category: Great Place
Project: Todd Mall Revitalisation
Winner: Susan Dugdale and Associates
Citation:
The judges assessed the project against the selection criteria, and considered it presented a high level of achievement.
The submission demonstrated that the project has breathed new life into the Todd Mall, reinventing the space to re-establish it’s importance as a place to meet, do business and hold community events. The redesign of the Mall space has been undertaken to make an explicit connection with the local country, it’s flora, fauna and cultural heritage.
Todd Mall is a unique space. It visually captivating with street furniture, architectural features and landscape designed to tell important local stories. The Yeperenye caterpillar seating and moth shade structures are highly functional elements that also highlight aspects of the local ecosystem. Water features link the Mall to the Todd River, creating an appreciation of the magic of water in an otherwise arid environment.
The redevelopment of the Mall has challenged the Council and local community to rethink policies, by-laws and attitudes to the range of activities that are appropriate in public spaces. Introduction of skateable street furniture and better provision for cyclists are two examples of activities that have increasing validity and acceptance.
Regular markets and community events are now held in the Mall, it is well used by
the community and a popular space for visitors.
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Category: From Plan to Place
Project: Todd Mall Revitalisation
Winner: Susan Dugdale and Associates
Citation:
A major redevelopment of the Todd Mall in Alice Springs was completed in 2013. It represents a highly successful transition from a plan to a place that embodies a significant and unique expression of culture, environment and community.
A decision to reopen a declining section of the Mall to traffic was controversial at the time but the outcome has been positive with small businesses, including a popular bakery establishing in the area.
Telling local stories and incorporating distinctive features in the street furniture architecture and landscape was a priority of the revitalisation. A public art advisory committee was formed to participate in the design process and elements including interpretive signage were included to enrich the visitor experience.
Opening a section of the Mall to traffic also resulted in infrastructure changes that reinstated a visual connection from the Mall to the Todd River and it’s riparian environment.
With the inclusion of subtle water features, Yeperenye caterpillar seating and moth shade structures Todd mall is distinctive in it’s expression of local culture and environment. The project has also delivered positive economic outcomes.