Australian garden wins at 'Olympics of Architecture'

The Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, designed by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) with Paul Thompson, was recently named 'Landscape of the Year' at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards.

Welcoming the award, Royal Botanic Gardens Director and Chief Executive Professor Tim Entwisle stated "(this is) yet another accolade for the botanic garden (that) shows that the marriage of our fascinating native flora with innovative and exciting design is a winner!"

The World Architecture Festival Awards are considered the 'Olympics of Architecture', with the Landscape of the Year award one of three major prizes announced at a pre Christmas a gala dinner awards ceremony in Singapore.

The Australian Garden overcame competition from a shortlist of nine entries from Thailand, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Sweden, Australia and China to take out the award.

The World Architecture Festival Awards jury consists of some of the world's most dynamic architectural and urban designers.

In awarding the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the jury commended its work, stating "this garden brilliantly summarises the great variety of Australian flora as well as the large part of the country which is arid desert.

"Like a botanic garden, it is a collection of difference, but with a strong unifying set of journeys through the various landscapes.

"This landscape stood out with its originality and strong evocation of Australian identity without having to use any signs or words just the beautiful flora of Australia's countryside!"

Also welcoming the award, TCL Director Perry Lethlean stated "this prestigious international award recognises the artistry of landscape architecture.

"To receive this award is a great honour. It is also a wonderful tribute to the creative team at TCL, our partner Paul Thompson, and our visionary client, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne."

The 15-hectare Australian Garden was completed in October 2012 after 18 years of planning, construction and planting, making it Australia's newest botanic garden.

Located in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the Australian Garden showcases 170,000 Australian native plants across 1,700 species within a bold contemporary design by TCL and plant designer Paul Thompson.

http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-cranbourne