Written by ADR contributor Emily Taliangis. Above image: McGregor Coxall for GASP! Stage 2, winner of the Award for Design Excellence in Landscape Architecture.

A number of innovative and engaging outdoor spaces across Victoria have been awarded for their valuable contribution to the state. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) recognised 14 projects and the people behind them, in an award ceremony held on October 16.

A revamp of Royal Park, one of Melbourne’s most precious assets, and a master plan to infuse activity along the spectacular Shipwreck Coast were among the awarded entries. The winning projects ranged from civic playgrounds, urban plazas, foreshore works, memorial sites and national park master plans.

“The nominated projects attest to landscape architecture’s deepening engagement and growing influence in the questions shaping our environment,” said Mr Anton James, chair of the awards jury.

McGregor Coxall received a 2015 Victoria Excellent in Landscape Architecture award for their bold and visionary plan to conserve, repair and champion 28 kilometres of the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast, and their successful efforts in providing a rich and engaging visitor experience.

The prestigious 2015 AILA Victoria President’s Award was presented to Adam Nitschke for his role as Manager of Masterplanning at Parks Victoria, directing projects such as the St Kilda foreshore promenade and the Kinglake National Park master plan after the 2009 bushfires. Adam will be a guest speaker at AILA’s 2015 Festival of Landscape Architecture: The Public Life, to be held in Melbourne from 10-20 October.

The Return to Royal Park project, by City of Melbourne, was recognised for its beautifully integrated nature-based play space in a highly urbanised context. The re-established parkland offers new opportunities for children to explore their physical skills and imagination, and to reconnect with nature and each other.

The full list of categories and Victorian award recipients can be found on AILA’s website (aila.org.au).

AILA aims to champion quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities and greater environmental stewardship. Alongside government and allied professions, AILA works to improve the design, planning and management of the natural and built environments, and to ensure the two coexist. AILA represents 2500 members in Australia and overseas.