The AA Prize for Unbuilt Work seeks conceptually rigorous, inventive responses to contemporary issues. The urgent need to address climate change was present in a range of proposals. The jury was especially impressed by two concepts that sought to confront environmental challenges in creative and compelling ways, leading to joint winners.
The 2022 winners were Native Networks by Layla Stanley and Gas Stack by Simulaa with Finding Infinity. Both promote urban transformations: Native Networks is at the big-picture, strategic end of the spectrum; while Gas Stack slots into the macro plan as a smaller-scale experiment suggesting incremental change.
Native Networks is a series of site-specific projects, proposing a long, uninterrupted habitat link between established green spaces in Sydney’s CBD.
Gas Stack demonstrates waste-to-energy technology, within the framework of a small pavilion, that encourages social interaction, recycling and community gardening.
An architectural approach relevant to current circumstances is more critical than ever; we need to think about the future impact of design decisions made today. aaunbuilt.com.au