McGregor Coxall has been awarded triple accolades for Sydney projects at this year’s Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) NSW Landscape Architecture Awards. In another year of fruitful design, McGregor Coxall is honoured to have been celebrated alongside such high calibre projects and are excited to represent New South Wales alongside other winners at the AILA National Awards later this year.

The Drying Green received top honours with the Award of Excellence in the Parks and Open Space Category. The origami inspired design led by McGregor Coxall with City of Sydney, CHROFI Architects and Regal Innovations delivers the world’s first ecological engine – an innovative urban wetland that harnesses green-and-blue living infrastructure. A pioneering and locally responsive design, The Drying Green’s regenerative landscape and concurrent waterways bring new meaning in pursuit of resilience within Sydney’s urban environments.

The Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern Project was also recognised with the Landscape Architecture Awards in the Civic Landscape Category. Set amongst existing trees, the design language of twisting, spacious, descending art pavilions and interwoven gardens fit sensitively into the rocky harbourside landscape setting. The new gallery is a part of the garden, and the garden is a part of the gallery. The expert panel of the Jury cited that “the landscape design complements the architecture of the new building and its unique parkland setting on Gadigal Country overlooking Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Modern provides an exceptional experience of art, architecture, and landscape.”

‘Biourbanism :: Cities as Nature’, an anthology detailing McGregor Coxall’s central philosophy for designing resilient cities was also recognised with a Landscape Architecture Award in the Research, Policy and Communications category. Informed by new urban sciences, ecological science and landscape architecture theory, the Biourbanism model is based on ten interconnected bio and urban systems that together determine the health, prosperity and resilience of cities. Implementing the model allows mayors, city planners, and governments to take a holistic view of cities and to manage the intricate interplay between these ten systems in a mutually beneficial way. Written by Founder and Chief Design Officer, Adrian McGregor, the book's primary objective is to provide a practical tool that cities can adopt to increase prosperity and build resilience to climate change.

Simon Trick, Senior Associate within Sydney’s Landscape Architecture team, said:

“The AILA Awards are a celebration of the passionate and dedicated professionals that together foster a supportive environment where excellence in design for public space thrives. A showcase of exceptional design, all entrants this year serve as a testament to the collective dedication, talent, and hard work of our remarkable community of landscape architects, inspiring one another to push boundaries, raise the bar, and imbue our work with the vibrant tapestry of our diverse perspectives.

“These awards not only recognize our collective achievements but also nourish our unwavering commitment to crafting extraordinary landscapes for a prosperous future.”

Recognising outstanding achievements in landscape architecture, the AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Awards champion excellence in innovative and sustainable design for public open spaces, communities, and environments. We congratulate all other winners and entrants; this year showcased a wealth of remarkable projects and exceptional design.