A koala sanctuary and old beer factory: Australian architects punching above their weight
Of 468 projects, the US had the most on the shortlist with 52, followed by the UK (50), Australia (37), China (35) and India (23).
The World Architecture Festival is the largest and most hyped of international architecture competitions, featuring live judging sessions that could be called 'Architects' Got Talent'.
'Only at WAF are you judged by your peers, your heroes and the industry's power players, all live at the festival,' says the pitch.
In contrast with many of the big projects shortlisted, Ken McBryde, design director at the architecture Gensler Australia, said Guulabaa (the place of koala) was 'almost an austere project, bare bones, but made in a grand way'.
McBryde said the Forestry Corporation of NSW project near Wauchope included a 'bush chapel' made of seven-metre telegraph poles and fire-resistant Australian hardwoods.
It is designed for Indigenous educational programs and can also host weddings.
The area was devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires, which killed millions of native animals, including koalas. The work by Gensler includes an Aboriginal cafe and a gallery and is located next to a koala conservation centre by AJC Architects.
McBryde said it was the world's first wild koala breeding facility, setting a new global benchmark for conservation-led development. He said the project by Forest Corp would raise awareness that 'koalas and the harvesting of trees can go hand in hand'.
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Other Australian projects include the new Yellamundie library at Liverpool by fjcstudio, the high-rise One Sydney Harbour by Renzo Piano, the adaptation of Rosebery Engine Yards by Group GSA, Pyrmont Community Centre by Welsh + Major, the interior of Shell House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects and the Sirius Redevelopment by BVN.
Two metro stations were also shortlisted, including Martin Place by Grimshaw, and Central by Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners.
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