Introduction

The Australian Urban Design Awards were created in 1996 by then Prime Minister Paul Keating’s Urban Design Taskforce. The program was established to recognize contemporary Australian urban design projects of the highest quality and to encourage cities, towns and communities across the country to strive for best practice in all projects. 

For over twenty five years, the program has communicated the critical role of good urban design in the shaping of the nation and the collaborative relationships that underpin the successful development of the built environment. The Australian Urban Design Awards are co-convened by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, with the support of five peak organizations servicing the sector.

The intent and scope of the Australian Urban Design Awards is wide-ranging and attracts entries for initiatives, built projects and publications that will make a significant difference to the places, spaces, buildings and infrastructure of our cities and towns.