Kurilpa Bridge, Australia wins World’s Best Transport Building at WAF Awards 2011

Kurilpa Bridge, Australia wins World's Best Transport Building at WAF Awards 2011

Kurilpa Bridge, Australia, designed by Cox Architecture, has won the 'World's Best Transport Building' award at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards 2011.

The presentation of the WAF Awards are taking place during the largest global celebration of architecture – the World Architecture Festival, which is being held at the Centre Convencions International Barcelona (CCIB) this week.

Kurilpa Bridge is the world's largest structure to be based upon the principles of 'tensegrity', the term coined by Richard Buckminster Fuller to describe a system of balanced compressive and tensile forces. The architecture and engineering team at Cox Architecture recognised that conventional structures would not satisfy critical brief requirements – to span over Brisbane's Riverside Expressway and to minimise impact on a park significant to indigenous people on the other side.

The result provides a new pedestrian and cycle connection across Brisbane's river but also forms a new public space, as well as a symbol for art, science, technology and healthy living.

The building was selected by a panel of esteemed architects and designers, beating off competition from a shortlist of 7 entries.

The jury commended on the project, saying "The development of the Buckminster Fuller concept translated very well and the bridge appears to 'float' over the river. The structural elements seem to be abstractly suspended in the air making the bridge very different, functional, unique and sculptural."

Speaking at the WAF Awards 2011 Paul Finch, WAF Programme Director, said: "The World Architecture Festival is the world's largest, live, truly inclusive and interactive global architectural awards programme. Attracting entries from internationally renowned practices to small local architects, the stellar quality of this year's designs demonstrates their commitment to designing the world's most exciting buildings. This year we've attracted more entries than ever before, with over 700 submissions from 66 different countries. Our congratulations go to the winners for a truly accomplished project."

This is the 4th year the World Architecture Festival Awards have been presented, and by the end of the awards 38 WAF Awards will have been announced across the three main sections of Completed Buildings, Structural Design and Future Projects. The Festival culminates with the announcement of the prestigious 'World Building of the Year 2011' award.

Previous winners include 'World Building of the Year 2008' – Luigi Bocconi University, Milan, designed by Irish practice Grafton Architects; 'World Building of the Year 2009' – Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre in South Africa, designed by Peter Rich Architects of Johannesburg, and 'World Building of the Year 2010' – MAXXI (National Museum of the 21st Century Arts) in Rome, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

The WAF Awards see unsung local buildings take on internationally acclaimed projects in what is the world's biggest architecture contest. Unlike other architectural competitions, architects present their work in front of leading industry judges and a live public audience as they compete for the accolade of 'World Building of the Year'