In light of the strong responses to their Lodge on the Lake competition, organized in collaboration with the University of Canberra and won by Henry Stephens, Nick Roberts and Jack Davies in May, the Gallery of Australian Design is hosting an exhibition of the submissions to the competition, including models of the entries created specially created for the exhibition.
The competition itself was organized to mark the centenary of Canberra being named Australia's new capital. Entrants were asked to design a new house for the Australian Prime Minister, to replace the current building on Adelaide Avenue. This building has been home to 16 of Australia's 27 Prime Ministers since it was completed in 1927 as part of the new capital city.
Though the competition was for a design to replace the building, this is in fact an attempt to save the current Prime Minister's home; over the years the role of the building has evolved, and this has resulted in a number of extensions and security features being added to the building which are not sympathetic to the original classical design style. By proposing a new home for the Prime Minister, the competition is suggesting a way to preserve the building as an important monument to the country's last 100 years of history, as well as replacing a building which is no longer suited to its function.
The winner of the competition was commended for their design which "reflects the informal nature of contemporary Australian lifestyles and architecture, while providing attractive larger spaces for public gatherings". The exhibition of the best entries is intended to raise awareness and public support for the idea of a new Prime Minister's residence, as it is generally acknowledged that the current building is no longer fit for purpose.
Title
Lodge on the Lake ExhibitionWebsite
Organizers
From
August 15, 2013 12:00 AMUntil
November 16, 2013 12:00 AMVenue
Gallery of Australian DesignAddress
Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
