2024 Awards
Congratulations to the 2024 Learning Environments Australasia Design (LEAD) Awards winners, commendations and entries! Our LEAD Awards program is where we celebrate the synergy between pedagogy and the physical learning environment.
This annual event serves as a testament to the profound impact that collaborative efforts between educators and architects have on both our students and their learning environments.
As we delve into this year’s entries and winners, it is evident that the depth of expertise and commitment across Australasia is truly remarkable. Learning Environments Australasia, as the peak body advocating for innovative learning environments throughout Australasia, is dedicated to fostering deliberate practices grounded in research, intertwined with pedagogical principles and reflective of local contexts.
The spirit of innovation, embodied by intentional collaboration and a willingness to push boundaries, underscores the essence of communal learning, resulting in outcomes that are not only impactful and inclusive but also profound.
We invite you to explore these outstanding projects honoured in this year’s awards, spanning diverse typologies from performing arts and STEM projects to inspiring refurbishments achieved on modest budgets. Each project offers a unique perspective on how our collective efforts can shape environments that seamlessly blend learning with space.
The winners and commendations of the 2024 LEAD Awards were announced on Thursday 17 May 2024 during the Awards Dinner presentation as part of the 2024 LEA Annual Conference: AMPLIFY, held in Melbourne, Victoria.
Throughout recent months, we’ve offered glimpses of these exceptional entries on our social media platforms. Additionally, during the conference, delegates had the opportunity to view posters showcasing the award entries in the foyer. All entries are accessible for viewing in the 2024 LEAD Awards Gallery.
For those eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of contemporary learning spaces, the 2024 Contemporary Learning Spaces Publication is now available for purchase.
Thank You
2024 Learning Environments Australasia Design (LEAD) Awards features 70 entries. These entries have been submitted from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia by members of Learning Environments Australasia (LEA).
There are eight award categories:
- Category 1 – Innovative Education Initiative: Designed to showcase significant contributions to learning environments by schools, educators, students, designers, community organisations etc.
- Category 2 – New Campus with Educational Facilities: Applies to construction of a new school or educational institution on a new campus.
- Category 3 – New Building/s or Facilities – Large: A new building or new buildings in an existing school or campus, value over $10 million.
- Category 4 – New Building/s or Facilities – Small: A new building or new buildings in an existing school or campus value less than $10 million.
- Category 5 – Modernisation – Large: Renovation/modernisation projects valued over $5 Million.
- Category 6 – Modernisation – Small: Renovation/modernisation projects valued less than $5 Million.
- Category 7 – Small Project Under $2 Million: A new building or a renovation, must be a learning environment.
- Category 8 – Landscaping/Outdoor Learning Area: Designed to showcase outdoor learning environments or landscapes targeted at improving educational outcomes.
Thank you to all the entrants for submitting their projects. These submissions require much effort and collaboration with the learning facilities and clients to complete. The entry submissions reflect the collaborative processes that occur between the designers and educators.
There were 15 jurors who volunteered to judge these awards. LEA would like to sincerely thank these judges for their valuable time and expertise:
- Samantha Abblitt (Tasmania, Australia)
- Helen Anderson (Auckland, New Zealand)
- Firas Alquoka (WA, Australia)
- John Augeri (Japan)
- Matt Dwyer (Victoria, Australia)
- Mark Freeman (Victoria, Australia)
- Patrick Giles (Victoria, Australia)
- Erik Innes (ACT, Australia)
- Sandy Law (Victoria, Australia)
- James Morrison (Tasmania, Australia)
- Cassandra Naccarella (NSW, Australia)
- Lee Sansom (SA, Australia)
- Elliet Spring (Victoria, Australia)
- Ellen Wilkinson (Victoria, Australia)
- Sue Wittenoom (NSW, Australia)
Behind the scenes, the 2024 LEA Executive Board members have continued to fully support the awards program, and their guidance and direction is much appreciated:
- Daniel Smith, Chair
- Ros Marsland, Chair Elect
- Marino Rossi, Past Chair
- Laurence Robinson, Treasurer
- Dani Martin, Secretary
- Deb O’Riley, International Director
- Felicity Lewis, Assistant Treasurer
- Debra Zabenko, Administration Manager
- Nicola Payne, Communications and Marketing Director
Thank you also to the members of the LEA Awards Subcommittee, who have provided additional support and guidance for the awards programs run by LEA throughout the year. All entries are featured in the book: 2024 Contemporary Learning Spaces. This book is available for purchase from the online store.