Victorian Architecture Medal

The Royal Victorian Institute of Architect's (RVIA) 'Street Architecture Medal' is considered the predecessor and equivalent of the current Victorian Architecture Medal. It was first awarded in 1929 and consecutively 14 times until 1942. The Street Architecture Award was an idea imported from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) that had started an award with the same name in 1923, an idea which had been around since before World War I. The award was created to encourage design excellence in architecture and increase public interest in the 'street architecture' of London. The first award for best public building in London was made to W. Curtis Green for Wolseley House, 157–160 Piccadilly.[2]

The 'Extracts from the Examining Jury’s Report' of the first Victorian award by chair P.A. Oakley and jury were reported in the Journal of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects in July 1929.[3]"As architects, we feel deeply the proud responsibility enjoyed by members of our profession as sponsors of the city buildings which form possibly the most important visible expression of a city’s individuality and attractions." The jury could recognise any building built within the past five years, with the objectives of the award listed as twofold —"Firstly, that buildings which notably contribute to the civic beauty and architecture of the cities of this State should be publicly singled out and acknowledged, in order that universal appreciation of their good qualities and emulation of their characteristics may be encouraged, and that through this means a widespread sense of civic responsibility may be developed and fostered in the architects and citizens of our State..." and secondly that "...due recognition by his fellow practitioners and fellow citizens may be made of the high achievement of the architect responsible for a building deemed worthy of this award...". It was also noted that a competition was to be held for the design of the bronze plaque to be attached to the winning building, open to RVIA Members and students.

The first medal was presented to Francis House at 107 Collins Street in Melbourne, a narrow fronted five storey office building with a ground level shopfront, designed by architects and cousins Blackett and Forster. William Blackett was the then president of the RVIA in his second term (1928–1930).[4] The building still stands in near original condition. It was built in 1927–1928 for the established pharmacists and chemists, Henry Francis & Co. It was notable for its bronze shopfront details and beige and orange retractable awning, inspired by the shopping streets of Paris and New York, greatly contributing to the characterisation of the area as the 'Paris End' of Collins Street.

1929 Street Architecture Medal Winner 'Francis House' 107 Collins Street, Melbourne

In 1936 the president of the RVIA described the purpose of the award was to "encourage excellence of design and public interest in street architecture, the Institute having decided to examine annually buildings completed during the previous three years and to award a medal for a building of exceptional merit". Describing the 1937 medal winning project the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Building by Leighton Irwin and Roy K. Stevenson "The Jury considers that this is an unusual example of street architecture as it actually faces streets on all four elevations and presents a very interesting treatment of the various facades."[5]

A long pause caused by World War II and a slow return to a regular annual architecture awards in Victoria saw none given until 1954 at around which time the medal was renamed the 'Bronze Medal' or 'the medal'. During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s few medals were awarded. It was not until 1987 that an annual medal was awarded consistently and named the Victorian Architecture Medal, and has been given annually until present.

In the 1930s the RIBA began awarding Street Architecture Awards and medals to international projects, including the British Medical Association (BMA) House at 137 Macquarie Street, Sydney, by architects Fowell and McConnel.[6] The award was presented in 1935 for buildings completed in the five years to end of 1933. This was the first time the award had been presented in New South Wales. The RIBA provided the architects with a bronze medal to be affixed to the building and a signed diploma. It was planned at the time for an award to be presented every three years to a new building in New South Wales.[7] Perth Girls' School[8] in Western Australia was awarded a RIBA Bronze Medal in 1939, for the period 1936–1938.[9]

2021 Victorian Architecture Medal, Woodside Building for Technology and Design by Grimshawl

2013 Victorian Architecture Medal, RMIT Design Hub by Sean Godsell

2011 Victorian Architecture Medal, AAMI Park by COX

2009 Victorian Architecture Medal, Melbourne Recital Hall by Ashton Raggatt McDougall

2008 Victorian Architecture Medal, Nigel Peck Centre, Melbourne Grammar School by John Wardle Architecture

2007 Victorian Architecture Medal, Southern Cross Station by Grimshaw Jackson Joint Venture

2004 Victorian Architecture Medal, Shrine of Remembrance Visitor Centre and Garden Courtyard by Ashton Raggatt McDougall

2001 Victorian Architecture Medal, Melbourne Museum by Denton Corker Marshall

1996 Victorian Architecture Medal, Storey Hall RMIT by Ashton Raggatt McDougall

1995 Victorian Architecture Medal, Building 8 RMIT by Edmond & Corrigan

1992 Victorian Architecture Medal, Great Southern Stand MCG by Daryl Jackson

In the period following World War II and the resumption of some awards in 1954, the Street Architecture Medal was dropped as an award, with more than 12 years passing since it was last judged. Perhaps responding to the rise of modernism and new concerns in architecture it was seen as outmoded and out of date. There was a widespread use of the term 'Bronze Medal' often for housing projects, although it is unclear if these medals equate to the status of the current Victoria Architecture Medal.

Notes:

Victorian Architecture Medal

1. Street Architecture Medal concept dropped by 1954.
2. Definition of award changed to consider private and residential projects.
3. No 'Victorian Architecture Medals' were awarded between the years 1955–1962 and 1964–1986 (according to the AIA).
4. ^† Bronze Medals were awarded during periods when the AIA have stated no VAMs were awarded.
5. ^†† Bronze Medal for The Age/RAIA House of the Year.
6. Status of Bronze Medals to be determined.

Notes:

RVIA Street Architecture Medal

1. No Street Architecture Medals awarded during the war years and post–war years between 1942–1953.
2. Five of the 12 awards were given to buildings on Collins Street, Melbourne.

• Australian Institute of Architects
• Victorian Architecture Awards
• Melbourne Prize
• Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal
• Robin Boyd Award