A jury of renowned architects and design leaders has chosen more than 70 projects – and those behind them – to be honoured in the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards.

On Friday night, jury chair Shy Tay praised the exceptional quality of designs submitted to the awards across 11 categories, including residential, commercial, sustainable, and urban design.

“The jury found it particularly meaningful to see projects ingrained within local communities –
buildings that answered people’s needs but also delivered with delight,” Tay said.

The Andrew N. Liveris Building, by Lyons and m3architecture, won the highest honour – the Queensland Medallion. The building, at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, also received the Jennifer Taylor Award for Educational Architecture, the Karl Langer Award for Urban Design, and an Interior Architecture State Award.

The jury found the building represented the “highest level of design excellence and thinking”, with distinctive interconnected “pod” balconies linking student learning spaces, and glass-walled laboratories showing research in progress.

The Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre, by Brian Hooper Architect, won the FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture.

The centre, which uses local stone and striking gable walls, is an outdoor museum in Muttaburra, central Queensland. The jury found it “reinforced the identity and tourism potential of the small town”.

“The centre creates curiosity and excitement for visitors and provides an authentic contribution to the community,” the jury found.