Reservoir Station has been shortlisted in three categories at the Australian Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards, advancing to the next stage of judging in the Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design and Public Architecture categories.
“To be shortlisted in not one, but three categories is a testament to the project team’s dynamic approach and rigorous design process,” says Genton Principal Marc Debney.
“Optimising safety, connectivity and a sense of community, we’re pleased to have delivered the residents of Reservoir a state-of the art station, community precinct and urban design solution.”
A consistent theme among more than 200 entries received by the AIA, Victorian Chapter President Bill Krotiris noted, “The practice of architecture in Australia is changing in ways that deliver even greater benefit to the individuals and communities who interact daily with the built environment.
“We [are] see[ing] increased emphasis not just on the creation of place within public, but on the associated active and passive activities of place.
“Projects will be awarded for their contribution to the bigger picture story around how they benefit people not only at the individual level but also the precinct scale.”
Genton’s approach to designing Reservoir Station capitalised on the elevated rail corridor to create transformative dialogue between Reservoir’s previously disconnected high streets.
Removing the existing barrier between Edwardes Street and Broadway, the urban design solution links the central community and retail spine, catalysing pedestrian activation, enhancing accessibility and public safety, and providing a newly landscaped public space to bring the community together.
The first station to be awarded 5 Star Green Star As Built rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, Reservoir Station sets a new benchmark for sustainable design in the public transport sector. Sustainable features of the station include 92% reduction in water use, 41% reduction of electricity demand during peak times and 100% use of responsibly sourced steel.
“We’ve seen a very strong field of entries for the Sustainability Award category,” says Chair of Juries Rosemary Burne.
“What sets the Awards shortlist apart is how entrants have taken innovation to the next level and considered it at all scales – from the single modular unit to a precinct-wide, and indeed a planet-wide perspective.
The winners of the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards will be announced via livestream on the AIA’s Youtube channel on Friday, 18 June 2021. Category winners will then progress to represent Victoria in the AIA’s National Architecture Awards.
Many thanks to our client, the North West Program alliance (Level Crossing Removal Project, Metro Trains Melbourne, John Holland Group and KBR inc.) for providing us with this opportunity, and to our collaborating landscape architects, McGregor Coxall.
Explore the shortlist for the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards via ArchitectureAU.
We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Country in which Reservoir Station is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
