Jarrod Reedie
The prize is recognised as the premier humanitarian architecture award for working with underprivileged communities. The practice, headed by husband and wife David Kaunitz and Ka Wai Yeung, have amassed a portfolio of architecture that spans across more than 30 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island communities, 200 Pacific Island communities as well as in Asia.
Thomas Vonier, President of the UIA says the work conducted by Kaunitz Yeung within these communities made it impossible not to award the practice with the Vassilis Sgoutas Prize.
“The Jury admired your profound commitment to innovative design and sustainable construction, implemented with local participation,” he says on the Jury’s behalf.
Emerging Indigenous architect scores role with community-focussed practice architectureanddesign.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from architectureanddesign.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Edited by Branko Miletic
Kaunitz Yeung Architecture has been announced as one of only 15 winning projects at the World Architecture Awards for its Munipi Arts Centre project on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands, 80km north of Darwin, Australia.
The project was recognised along with some of the world’s most recognised architects and is a continuation of the firm’s work in delivering high quality architecture that respects people, place, culture and the environment. It was delivered within a tight budget of AUD $800K, which considering its remote location required restraint and forethought.
Director David Kaunitz says, “We believe best practice architecture should be available to all Australians and we are thrilled these projects have been recognised in such a prestigious, international environment.