Queensland's 2024 Minister's Award for Urban Design announced

The Queensland government has announced the winners of the 2024 Minister's Award for Urban Design.

The award recognises contemporary Queensland urban design projects of the highest quality.

Heritage Lanes by Woods Bagot and Aspect Studios with Mirvac was selected a winner of the Minister's Award. The jury congratulated project team for "creating a distinctly Queensland urban experience […] that is truly subtropical in nature and a living demonstration of what it means to be connect to place through a highly porous ground plane."

Nicholas Street Precinct won both Minister's Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award. The jury praised it "as an example of best practices in urban design."

The project integrates climate responsive features such as passive cooling, solar energy and recycled water. It also enhances natural systems with extensive green spaces and native plantings, as well as promotes biodiversity and mitigates urban heat.

"The thoughtful design promotes flexibility and adaptability in how the space can be used and curated, supporting efficient day to day operation as well as a venue for markets and major community events," said the jury.

The final award, the Malcolm Middleton Award for Outstanding Liveable Design went to Mari-Mari-Ba - Affordable Housing by Deicke Richards with EDGE Consulting Engineers, JHA, ACOR, Place Design Group, Stantec, Coastline Certification and Litoria Environmental with the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works.