Controversial Building Takes Design Awards

Controversial Building Takes Design Awards
In a historic first, the state's top two architecture prizes have been awarded to one building, the controversial Aurora Place development in the centre of Sydney.

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, in association with Sydney-based Lend Lease, the $550 million project combines an office tower in the heart of the business district with the adjoining Macquarie Apartments.

Last night the apartment block won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects prestigious Wilkinson Award for residential housing.

And at the official awards dinner for the institute's NSW chapter, the office tower picked up the Sir John Sulman medal for public and commercial buildings.

The award's jury chairman Paul Berkemeier said the office tower was an outstanding contribution to the working environment of the city.

He said it "challenged the hermetically sealed office block, at the same time making a powerful addition to the city skyline and streets".

"Aurora Place's Macquarie Apartments offer a significant housing model, embracing ideas that can be used in less exclusive multi-unit developments across Sydney," Mr Berkemeier said.