BVN Architecture has had five of its Australian projects shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival (WAF) that is being held in Barcelona on 5 November when the winners will be announced.

Entries in this international festival of architectural excellence come from every corner of the globe, and last year three Australian projects picked up winners awards.

This year 15 Australian architecture firms have been successful in having 25 projects shortlisted.

BVN lead the list with five different projects which are spread across three states with one in Brisbane, one on Stradbroke Island, two in Melbourne and one in Sydney.

Housing projects lead the way in Queensland with The Ivy being shortlisted on the Housing (including mixed use) category and Stradbroke Island houses Boolarong and Kinkabool making the House category shortlist.
Whereas the Melbourne projects, The Academy and the Goods Shed North Interiors have both been shortlisted in the Interiors and Fit Out Category that is, interestingly, dominated by Australia.  Of the total nine projects shortlisted, six are in Australia.

The Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI) in Sydney’s Camperdown is the sole Australian project included in the Health Category shortlist.

The challenge with the BMRI project was to provide laboratory and mental health facilities by inserting a new addition into a group of existing buildings, the result is a design that is integrated into the streetscape making a rich and interesting contribution to the neighbourhood.

According to James Grose, BVN National Director, the announcement of the World Architecture Festival shortlisted projects is a tremendous confidence booster for Australian architects.

‘For some time now Australian architecture has been defined on the world stage by its derivation from the unique landscape.  As urban projects become more prominent, Australian design is incrementally making our cities equal to anywhere in the world,’ said Mr. Grose.