If we want the best places and spaces for our cities, towns and communities, we need to recognise the people behind it all.
About the Awards
The Australian Urban Design Awards were created in 1996 by then Prime Minister Paul Keating’s Urban Design Taskforce. The program was established to recognise contemporary Australian urban design projects of the highest quality and to encourage cities, towns and communities across the country to strive for best practice in all projects.
For over twenty five years, the program has communicated the critical role of good urban design in the shaping of the nation and the collaborative relationships that underpin the successful development of the built environment. The Australian Urban Design Awards are co-convened by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, with the support of five peak organisations servicing the sector.
The intent and scope of the Australian Urban Design Awards is wide-ranging and attracts entries for initiatives, built projects and publications that will make a significant difference to the places, spaces, buildings and infrastructure of our cities and towns.
Visit the AUDA website
Award Categories
Built Outcomes
This category recognises an outstanding work of city building that exemplifies an urban design project as a catalyst, improving what exists and anticipating and guiding what might come. Projects can be of any scale, but must be built and, complete and must be able to demonstrate how they have improved the spatial qualities of a place and resulted in broader benefits focused on the public interest.
Strategic Design & Policy
This category recognises an outstanding work of strategic design or policy that will transform the performance of an urban place and improve the quality of life of the community. Projects can range in scale and scope, but all should be strategic, innovative, and deliverable, and able to demonstrate how they will improve the spatial qualities of the urban place and result in broader benefits focused on the public interest.
Research & Advocacy
This category recognises outstanding work in urban design research or advocacy that has broad applicability and will improve the performance and quality of life in Australia’s urban communities. The research or advocacy is to be publicly available, impartial and evidence-based, and must advance knowledge and practice.
Urban Design Champions
This category recognises individuals who have made a measurable impact on the design and performance of our cities, working collaboratively to improve the quality of life of our communities. Urban champions come from a diversity of sectors, disciplines and career stages, and have made an outstanding contribution, beyond personal or professional benefit.