The stunning 60 King William by Cox Architecture has been crowned the winner of the City of Adelaide Prize in the 2024 SA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architecture Awards.
‘The City of Adelaide Prize’, established in 1997, is an architectural award given to a space recognised for their innovation and impact on the City’s public areas. This is measured by their engagement with the community, the award recognising the importance of a space to work with the people surrounding it, rather than against it. As a result, ‘The City of Adelaide Prize’ works to identify and celebrate areas which work constantly to enrich the lives of Adelaideans in the every-day context, voted for by the very people it impacts.
This year Council received four entries:
- Power People Installation by Studio Tristan Kerr
- Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution Exhibition by Grieve Gillett Architects
- 60 King William by Cox Architecture
- Jam Factory Tarnanthi: Ernabella Arts Exhibition by Grieve Gillett Architects
Cited as a landmark for CBD development, the chapter architecture awards describe the building to be an “all in one hub” for tenants and offices alike, “complemented by an array of boutique retail […], refined foods and beverage offerings”. A space quite literally built to “foste[r] urban connections”, 60 King William is a prime example of how modern architecture can provide contemporary services and aesthetics, whilst still considering the needs of the people walking in and out of their doors. Impressive in height (yet not obnoxiously tall), it offers a dazzling design in the heart of our CBD, that is “future-focused” and innovative.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the City of Adelaide Prize is all about promoting innovative projects that celebrate experiences in the City of Adelaide and further activate the public realm.
“The four entries were all impressive and deserving of our recognition,” said the Lord Mayor.
“However, there can only be one winner and I congratulate Cox Architecture for delivering a modern mixed-use building that has enhanced King William Street while also respecting and preserving our city’s history.
“60 King William is an impressive building which has also delivered Kings Laneway, a vibrant new space which soon will really start to flourish as retail tenancies are taken up.”
The ‘Jury’s Citation’ for 60 King William by Cox Architecture elaborated on the win, explaining, “An impressive addition to King William Street and James Place, the elegance and quality of 60 King William delivers strongly on its conceptual framework and intentions, respectfully enhancing public experience in the precinct. The podium references the context of scale of both frontages and grounds the tower.
The jury were impressed by the consideration of user experience, with design aspects that reflect the established culture of both sides of the building – grand civic and commercial on King William Street and fine grain retail and cafes on James Place. The creation of Kings Laneway between the two provides activation, supports diverse use, and fosters pedestrian circulation.
As more tenancies become occupied, additional activation of the building will continue to enrich its contribution to the city fabric over time.
Grieve Gillett Architects received a commendation for their work on the ‘Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution Exhibition’. Through their expert use of colours and space, they were able to create a “hugely popular exhibition” that authentically honours the legacies of culturally-revolutionary painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
The City of Adelaide Prize Jury for 2024 comprised of:
- Yaara Plaves – Hames Sharley (CHAIR)
- Ilia Houridis (City of Adelaide)
- Nathan James Crane – Independent (DIA Representative)
- Matt King – URPS (PIA Representative)
- Janelle Arbon JPE (AILA Representative)
- Sarah Feijen – Guildhouse (Guildhouse Representative)
You can check out the awards website here, and see all the marvellous architecture projects in South Australia that were nominated this year.
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