The stunning Urana Aquatic Leisure Centre has been celebrated in the recent Australian Institute of Architects’ 2021 NSW Country Division Architecture Awards.
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The project, delivered Regional Design Service, received a Commendation for Public Architecture and the Vision Award earlier this month.
Directors Aaron Nicholls and Phillip Nielsen were thrilled and surprised to receive the Vision Award - which recognises the skills and endeavours of NSW Country Division Architects to deliver greater outcomes for regional and rural communities.
“We feel very proud that this project has been recognised in these awards,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The Vision Award is testament to the Urana community’s drive to make this building a reality. It has been a joy to collaborate with them these past 4 years. We’ve formed lasting friendships with so many in the town.”
Regional Design Service first met with community members in 2018 to discuss the idea of creating a new community hall and events space for their town.
Working together, the group successfully gained grant funding for the project within 12 months and embarked on designing the facility to include a community gym, meeting room, commercial kitchen and 100 person function room.
The Jury said of the project: “The Urana Aquatic Leisure Centre showcases and achieves the unwavering spirit of local community. It strikes a balance between commercial imperatives with design flourish and practicality. On display, a community collaborating with the architect to achieve their endeavours in a bold and articulate expression of a modern-day hub.”
The Regional Design Service team drew inspiration for the building from the surrounding picturesque site with an aim to maximise views of the lake and surrounding bushland. Utilising simple construction techniques, the building also pays homage to historic farmhouses of the region; many designed by regionally notable Architect A. C. Macknight.
“Quality design that gives communities a sense of pride in the places they call home is what we stand for and will continue to pursue in the projects we deliver for the regions,” Mr Nielsen said.
“From day one, this project has been about community ownership across the design process – from conception to delivery.
“The project is proof that a successful collaboration between Community, Council and Architects can result in better built outcomes alongside increased community ownership and pride.”
Federation Council General Manager Adrian Butler commended Regional Design Service and all project stakeholders following the 2021 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Country Division Awards.
“This is an amazing achievement for all involved in this project,” he said.
“The Urana Aquatic Centre Leisure Building is no doubt a drawcard for our region and is a fine example of the success you can experience when you work collaboratively to ensure a vision such as this comes to fruition. I look forward to seeing the community and visitors enjoying this state-of-the-art facility for many years to come.”
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