Canberra Medallion

The Canberra Medallion is an annual architecture award presented by the Australian Capital Territory Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. It is regarded as the highest award at the annual ACT architecture awards.

Background

Established in 1956, the Canberra Medallion is one of the oldest architecture awards in Australia. Only the Victorian Architecture Medal/Street Architecture Medal and the NSW Sir John Sulman Medal are older state based awards for architecture.

Early awards and name change

Initially the award was known as the Award for Meritorious Architecture by the Canberra Area Committee of the RAIA. In 1962 when the ACT Chapter was established the award was renamed and a bronze medallion to 'equal the prestige of the Sulman Medal' was added. The medallion is named for Australia's capital city, Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory, although most winning projects are located in the city not all winners are located in Canberra.

Bronze medallion design

The medallion was designed by Peter Swalling in 1968 and first presented to the 1968 Canberra Medallion winning project, the Norwood Park Crematorium. The circular style of the medallion has remained the same although materials and finishes have changed over the years.

Canberra Medallion winners 1956—1999

Note: Prior to 1967 the Canberra Medallion was known as the ACT Meritorious Architecture Award.