The Sunshine Coast Design book, created to inspire and promote quality design on the Sunshine Coast, has won a coveted Gold Good Design Award at the Good Design Australia Awards.
Produced by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with the community and the design and development industry, the ‘yellow book’ is a must-have for anyone designing or renovating houses, buildings, streets, parks, public spaces and neighbourhoods.
Noosa-based boutique design studio Saturate was chosen by Sunshine Coast Council to co-create the book.Studio spokesman Andrew Maccoll said the studio that specialises in strategy and digital was thrilled to be selected and worked closely with the Placemaking team of Sarah Chalkey, Erin Johnston, Chris Hodgson and producer Candace Marshall on the project.
“Saturate developed the Creative Direction and also shot a large portion of the photography for the book,“ Andrew said.
“The big question posed to us by the council was “how do you design a book for everyone?”. We used universally known typography plus an extra layer of architectural typography to give the book an elevated feel. We drew inspiration from our landscapes including the coastline, foreshore and hinterland to create the colour segmentation strategy in the book that separates each of the 10 design principles. Finally we used a wrap around the book which contains a fold out with the principles and values inside.
“It’s been extremely validating for our team after only two and a half years of operation to be honoured with a Good Design Award. The book has also recently won an AILA Award as well. Whilst our team has decades of experience and are all highly skilled experts we are still a relatively young studio to the region.
“Personally I feel very proud of our team to deliver a book of such quality and we look forward to continuing our work on the Sunshine Coast Design project.“
Sunshine Coast Council Design and Placemaking manager Sarah Chalkley said she was delighted to virtually accept the award on behalf of council and hoped it encouraged even more local interest in design.
“The Sunshine Coast Design book is a community resource created for everyone. It provides design ideas and seeks to inspire designs that work with and complement our region’s environment, sub-tropical climate and identity,” Sarah said.
“It guides readers through four values and 10 design principles which are based on what our community told us they treasure most about our region.
“It encourages a place-based approach to design to inspire our healthy, smart and creative region to continue to thrive.
“A place-based approach puts place at the centre of the design process, so our buildings, streets and spaces reflect the values and characteristics of the Sunshine Coast, rather than just ‘anywhere’.
“The Good Design Awards have been running for more than 60 years, helping to foster a culture of design thinking, creativity and innovation in Australia and abroad.
“The award categories include Architectural Design, Communication Design, Digital Design, Design Strategy, Fashion Design, Product Design, Service Design and Student Design.
“This award celebrates the best in architectural design and means we have not only met the criteria for Good Design with our yellow book, but exceed them.
“Thank you to everyone who helped create this very special resource for the people of the Sunshine Coast.”
The Sunshine Coast Design book is an outcome of the Sunshine Coast Design Strategy, created to strengthen the Sunshine Coast ’look and feel’ to create great places for residents and visitors.
The Sunshine Coast Design book is free to download or view online – visit council’s website www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
