Jury comment
This project has transformed the neglected courtyard of a youth drug and alcohol withdrawal unit into a safe and healing space, demonstrating the impressive impact a small project can achieve and the leadership role that landscape architects can play in delivering charitable work. The jury was impressed by the design’s thoughtful responses to the various constraints posed by the project – a limited budget, the small size of the space, and the wide range of maintenance and safety requirements. In meeting these challenges, the landscape team has demonstrated sensitivity and strategic thinking, from the earliest stages of the design process (developing concepts with the Drug and Alcohol Youth Service community) through the project’s construction (forming innovative approaches to securing funding, supplies and labour). The project demonstrates ways that practices can step outside of their usual scope to extend the profession’s range of impact.
Mission Australia DAYS Courtyard is located in East Perth, Western Australia on the land of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people.
Project credits
Design practices Emerge Associates and LD Total Client Mission Australia Construction and donated labour LD Total Client sponsor Property Council of Australia (WA) Photographer Emerge Associates
To view all the winners of the 2021 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
