VISUAL ART

TASMANIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2017

Berth Deck, Brooke Street Pier, Franklin Wharf Until Monday

Many years ago, I lived down Taroona way and the church with the rounded roof always seemed distinct and special. St Pius X has been there since 1958 and the building is wellloved by its congregation.

I’ve not lived down that way for decades but seeing this simple structure again in this year’s Tasmanian Architecture Awards filled me with nostalgia. The surprise, though, was that this place of worship was designed by Esmond Dorney, creator of the much-celebrated Dorney House, in the hills above Sandy Bay, and the airy Snow’s Dry Cleaning building at Glenorchy.

The church was granted the award for Enduring Architecture at the recent awards and it’s easy to see why: it is still in use, it has a distinct character and its spacious design shows a special technique, bending massive steel poles to shape its roof.

Also on show is excellent understated design work by Room 11 at Shambles Brewery in Elizabeth St. Though subtle, it is a fantastic example of utilising a structure’s existing features to make a welcoming and popular space.

These are two examples of the diverse range at the Tasmanian Architecture Awards. They both happen to be places where people gather and socialise, but you can also stickybeak into the design of private homes and commercial spaces.

John Wardle Architects, winner of the Alexander North Award for interior architecture, has done an incredible job of using timber and working with heritage features in Captain Kelly’s Cottage at Bruny Island. It is remarkable and brilliant, but there’s a real feeling of excellence across the board.

What interests me beyond specifics is the important question these awards raise: what do we want our Tasmania to be like? When I see the broad range that Tasmanian architects are encompassing, the development of Hobart looms large: how is the place to grow and retain its character?

When considered as one group, the prize demonstrates there are very talented professionals active in this state who must have something important to contribute to discussions about Hobart’s future.

The People’s Choice section is open until Monday, so there are still a few days to get along to Brooke Street Pier and vote