The Robin Gibson Award for Enduring Architecture is an architecture prize presented annually by the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) since the inaugural award in 2003. The award recognises significant, long lasting and innovative architecture with usually more than 25 years passed since the completion of construction.

Background The Enduring Architecture Award recognises achievement for the design of buildings of outstanding merit, which have remained important as high quality works of architecture when considered in contemporary cultural, social, economic and environmental contexts in the state of Queensland. Nominations for the award can be made by AIA members, non–members and non–architects, but must provide adequate material and information supporting the nomination for consideration of the jury. The award was initially known as the 25 Year Award from 2003 to 2010, later changed to the Queensland Award for Enduring Architecture from 2011 to 2013 in line with other states and the national awards. In 2014 it became a named award recognising Queensland architect, Robin Gibson , a two timer winner of the award.

The average age of the 26 projects recognised to from 2003 to 2026 is 37.2 years from completion of construction to year of award.

National Award Winners Recipients of the state–based award are eligible for consideration for the National Award for Enduring Architecture presented later in the same year, as part of the Australian National Architecture Awards.

As of 2024 two projects located in Queensland have won the national award. In 2018 the Townsville Courts of Law, Edmund Sheppard Building by Hall, Phillips and Wilson Architects won both the state and national award 43 years after the building was completed in 1975. In 2024 the C House by Donovan Hill was presented the national award.

Multiple Award Winners Projects by architects Geoffery Pie, Robin Gibson and James Birrell have all been presented the award on two occasions each.

Awards by year 2023 Award The Robin Gibson Award for Enduring Architecture was awarded to the Sir Kingsford Smith Memorial by Noel Robinson Architects located at Brisbane Airport and completed in 1988. The 35-year-old building houses the plane that was flown by Sir Kingsford Smith and his crew across the Pacific from San Francisco to Brisbane's Eagle Farm in 1928. The jury declared the project “an exemplary piece of public architecture that protects an important part of Australian history”.

2024 Award The 2024 Award was presented to the C House by Donovan Hill, commissioned in 1992 and completed in 1998. The residential house is located in Coorparoo, Brisbane. In October 2024, the C House was awarded the National Award for Enduring Architecture, with the jury citation describing the design as "Internationally recognised as one of the most influential houses of the 20th century, the C House’s impact on architectural discourse and practice cannot be overstated. The C House embodies Donovan Hill’s pioneering exploration of the outdoor room typology, a concept that continues to be redeployed by architects throughout the country...".

List of Award recipients Robin Gibson Award for Enduring Architecture (reverse order) Year Architect Project Location Year builtYears since Other AIA Awards 2026 Lawrence Nield and Partners Australia with John Mainwaring and AssociatesUniversity of the Sunshine Coast Library (Paul Thomas Library) 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast199630 years Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 1997 BHP Colorbond Award, 1997 FDG Stanley Award for Public Buildings, 1997 (Qld) Regional Commendation, 1997 (Qld) 2025 Goodsir Baker Wilde Bethany Home for the Aged75 Ward Street, The Range, Rockhampton197847 years 2024 Donovan HillC HouseCoorparoo, Brisbane1992—1998 26 years National Award for Enduring Architecture, 2024 2023 Noel Robinson Architects Sir Charles Kingsford Smith MemorialNancy Bird Way and Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport1988 35 years 2022 Australian Construction Services in association with Peddle Thorp Architects Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts 119 North Quay, Brisbane1993 29 years FDG Stanley Award 2021 Bligh Voller, Parrish O’Neill, Cox Rayner Church Street Public Housing Church Street, Fortitude Valley1995 26 years Robin Dods Award, 1997 2020 Douglas and Barnes Holy Family Catholic Church 37 Ward Street, Indooroopilly1963 57 years 2019 John Railton Architects Railton House and Office 63 Grenier Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane1963 56 years 2018 Hall, Phillips and Wilson ArchitectsTownsville Courts of Law Edmund Sheppard Building31 Walker Street, Townsville1975 43 years National Award for Enduring Architecture, 2018 2017 Lund, Hutton, Newell, Black and Paulsen Architects (Architect John Muir Morton)St Alban's Bush Brotherhood Church (now St Albans Anglican Church)56 Jane Street, Cunnamulla 1963 54 years 2016Conrad GargettGood Shepherd ChapelBishopsbourne, 39 Eldernell Terrace, Hamilton 1963 53 years 2015Dr Karl LangerChapel of St Peters Lutheran College Chapel215 Lambert Road, Indooroopilly1968 47 years 2014Job and Froud ArchitectsTorbreck Apartments182 Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill1960 54 years 2013 Eddie OribinOribin House and Studio16 Heavey Crescent, Whitfield, Cairns1958 55 years 2012 Geoffrey Pie Architects/Planners Pie ResidencePeregian Beach, Queensland198626 years Robin Boyd Award, 1986 2011 Harry Seidler and Associates Riverside Centre 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane198625 years Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 1987 Robin Dods Triennial Medal, 1989 (Qld) 2010 Robin Gibson and Partners QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre) Melbourne Street and Grey Street, Brisbane198525 years 2009 Lindsay Clare Mitchell (Kerry Clare, Lindsay Clare and Ian Mitchell) White HouseFig Tree Pocket, Brisbane198227 years 1982 Queensland House of the Year 2008John Mainwaring Architects Banfield Bungalows18—20 Reid Road, Wongaling Beach 198325 years Queensland Chapter Citation for Meritorious Architecture, 1983 2007Conwell, Smith & Wilson, Geoffrey PieTAB Building240 Sandgate Road, Albion, Brisbane197631 years 2006James Birrell James Cook University Library Building (now Eddie Koiki Mabo Library since 2008)Building 18, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas (Townsville Campus)1968, 1976 & 199038 years 2005James BirrellAgriculture & Entomology Building (Hartley Teakle Building)University of Queensland, Mill Road, St Lucia196936 years RAIA Citation, 1970 2004Robin Gibson and Partners Queensland Art GalleryStanley Place, Brisbane198222 years Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 1982 2003Urs BergerGolden Gate Resort3422 Gold Coast Highway, Gold Coast197726 years

Gallery of awarded projects

See also Australian Institute of Architects Awards and Prizes National Award for Enduring Architecture Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture Sir Roy Grounds Award for Enduring Architecture New South Wales Enduring Architecture Award Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award

References