2022 WA President’s Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects WA President's Prize for 2022 has been awarded to two architects making a difference in the community – Ross Donaldson and Michelle Blakeley.
Former CEO and Chairman of global practice Woods Bagot, Ross Donaldson is one of the architects leading the charge nationally and internationally for a more sustainable built environment. While locally focussed Michelle Blakeley is forging a new path for affordable housing in Western Australia.
Ross is exploring and working on how cities contribute to the climate change solution, not the problem – leveraging the full potential of data analytics and algorithmic modelling to revolutionise the policies and the practice of city design for a more sustainable future.
In particular, Ross is advocating for measuring “life cycle carbon”. That is, measuring all carbon associated with a building’s life from construction, through to operation and ultimately demolition.
With the built environment accounting for 39% of emissions globally, we must measure. For the most part we are not even measuring how much carbon there is in our buildings. If we are not measuring, how can we accurately understand how to reduce the amount of carbon by 50%, and then to net zero, within the critical timeframe?
Like Ross, Michelle is working in the social space of architecture – focused on housing affordability and homelessness here in WA.
Michelle’s “My Home” project brings together Housing First which is considered best practice for dealing with homelessness and Public Private Partnership models for immediate, cost‐efficient housing for homeless people in Western Australia.
Michelle's “My Home” model utilizes vacant State government and Church owned land which has been flagged for long term future use, such as road widening and rail expansion. When the cost of land acquisition is removed from the total cost of development, then provision of housing is much more affordable. Private sector corporations, foundations and individuals fund the construction of “My Home” housing projects through tax deductible contributions. A Community Housing Provider manages the property and tenants as well as acting as a conduit to support services.
Most importantly, “My Home” is demonstrating very well designed, high performance, cost efficient, net zero emissions housing for the most disadvantaged people in WA, and reminds us that this modest housing deserves the same care and consideration are design for big‐budget luxury homes.
Michelle's first “My Home” project is currently under construction in North Fremantle and will be completed early next year.
The Prize recognises an individual’s contribution to the advancement of architecture in a significant way – other than through design and practice.
_
Published by the Property Tribune, link here to online version: