New $10k award for innovation in the built environment

Powerhouse Museum has opened entries for a new annual award that recognizes innovation and excellence in the built environment.

Australian architects, engineers, urban designers and planners are invited to submit projects for the $10,000 prize, which will be announced during the 2023 Sydney Design Week.

Eligible projects must have been completed in the 2022 calendar year and demonstrate innovation by using emerging technologies, pioneering research, decarbonizing the construction industry or embracing regenerative practices. Projects should also address industry challenges, such as waste management; or demonstrate environmental, social or economic benefits.

Entries are open until 5 May 2023.

The winner will be selected by a jury comprising: Marni Reti (Kaunitz Yeung Architecture), Hannah Slater (NSW/ACT planning and design lead at Arup), Ninotschka Titchkosky (co-CEO at BVN), Keinton Butler (senior curator - design and architecture at Powerhouse), and Kevin Nassif (COO at Holdmark Property Group).

The annual award is one of three initiatives by the Powerhouse Museum to support the design industry in New South Wales and is accomplished in partnership with Holdmark Property Group, which donated $10 million to Powerhouse Parramatta to create the second-largest gallery space at the new museum. The new gallery will host a biennial exhibition of innovation in design, engineering and architecture.

"Powerhouse are delighted to partner with Holdmark to celebrate the future-focused Australian practitioners responsible for the structures and spaces that frame our everyday interactions - from large-scale civic places to intimate personal domains. We are looking for ambitious, inventive, outstanding projects that showcase the best-in-class within the industry," said Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah.